Do you need help putting together your social media posting schedule? Want to know the type of content to share and the best times to share it?

In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives. Whether you’re a business looking to connect with customers, an influencer building your personal brand, or an individual sharing your passions, social media is the go-to platform for reaching your target audience.

But with so many platforms and constant algorithm changes, it can be challenging to know what and when to share for the best results. That’s where this social media cheat sheet comes in handy.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the art and science of social media sharing. From understanding your audience to optimizing your content for each platform and nailing the timing, you’ll learn the strategies and tactics that will help you make the most of your social media efforts.

Conversion Minded share their social media posting tips in this infographic.

 

The Importance of Timing on Social Media

Before we dive into the specifics of what to share, let’s address the crucial aspect of timing. When you post your content can significantly impact its reach and engagement. Different platforms have different peak usage times, and your target audience might have their own patterns of online activity. Here’s a general overview of the best times to post on various platforms:

Facebook:

• Best days to post: Wednesday and Thursday
• Best times: 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM

Instagram:

• Best days to post: Wednesday and Friday
• Best times: 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM

Twitter:

• Best days to post: Wednesday and Friday
• Best times: 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 3:00 PM

LinkedIn:

• Best days to post: Tuesday and Wednesday
• Best times: 7:30 AM, 12:00 PM, and 5:30 PM

TikTok:

• Best days to post: Tuesday and Thursday
• Best times: 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 6:00 PM

Please note that these are general guidelines, and the ideal posting times may vary depending on your specific audience and location. Use these times as a starting point and adjust based on your analytics and insights.

Now that we’ve covered the importance of timing, let’s dive into what types of content you should be sharing on each platform to achieve the best results.

Facebook

With over 2.8 billion monthly active users, Facebook remains one of the most popular social media platforms. To make the most of Facebook, consider these content ideas:

1. Informative Articles and Blog Posts:

Share articles and blog posts that provide value to your audience. These could be how-to guides, industry insights, or thought-provoking articles related to your niche.

2. Visual Content:

Images and videos perform exceptionally well on Facebook. Share eye-catching visuals, infographics, and short videos to engage your audience.

3. User-Generated Content:

Encourage your followers to share their experiences with your products or services. Repost user-generated content (with their permission) to build trust and authenticity.

4. Behind-the-Scenes Content:

Take your audience behind the scenes of your business. Share glimpses of your workspace, team, or the process of creating your products.

5. Events and Promotions:

Announce and promote events, webinars, or special promotions through Facebook. Use Facebook Events to create excitement and gather RSVPs.

6. Ask Questions:

Engage your audience by asking questions. This encourages comments and discussions, boosting your post’s visibility.

When it comes to the timing of your Facebook posts, aim for mid-week, specifically on Wednesday and Thursday, during peak hours at 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.

Instagram

Instagram is all about visuals and storytelling. Here’s what you should be sharing on this platform:

1. High-Quality Photos:

Instagram is a visual platform, so make sure your photos are of the highest quality. Use filters and editing tools to enhance your images.

2. Stories:

Utilize Instagram Stories to share daily updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and temporary promotions. Stories are a great way to keep your audience engaged.

3. Video Content:

In addition to photos, post short video clips, IGTV episodes, and Reels. Video content often gets higher engagement on Instagram.

4. User-Generated Content:

Just like on Facebook, encourage your followers to create and share their content related to your brand or products.

5. Hashtags:

Use relevant hashtags to expand your reach. Research popular and niche-specific hashtags that relate to your content.

6. Captions:

Craft engaging captions that tell a story, ask questions, or encourage users to take action (e.g., “double tap if you agree”).

For Instagram, posting on Wednesday and Friday at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM tends to yield better results.

Twitter

Twitter is fast-paced and ideal for sharing quick updates and engaging with your audience. Here’s what to share:

1. Short and Snappy Updates:

Craft concise tweets that convey your message effectively. Use images, GIFs, and emojis to add personality to your tweets.

2. Trending Topics:

Jump on relevant trending topics to increase your visibility. Use trending hashtags and participate in discussions.

3. Retweets and Replies:

Engage with your followers by retweeting their content and responding to comments and mentions.

4. Polls and Surveys:

Create polls and surveys to gather opinions and engage your audience.

5. Links to Articles and Resources:

Share valuable articles, blog posts, and resources from your website or other reputable sources.

6. Live-Tweeting Events:

If you attend events or webinars, live-tweeting can boost engagement and establish your expertise.

Twitter thrives on real-time interactions, so post during peak hours on Wednesday and Friday at 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a professional networking platform, making it ideal for business-related content. Here’s what to focus on:

1. Thought Leadership:

Share your industry expertise through informative articles and posts. Establish yourself as a thought leader in your field.

2. Company Updates:

Announce company news, milestones, and achievements to keep your network informed.

3. Job Listings:

If you’re recruiting, LinkedIn is the place to post job listings and attract potential candidates.

4. Employee Spotlights:

Highlight your team members and their achievements to showcase the human side of your company.

5. Industry Insights:

Share reports, statistics, and insights relevant to your industry to engage your professional network.

6. Networking Posts:

Connect with your audience by asking questions, seeking recommendations, and participating in discussions.

LinkedIn users are most active on Tuesday and Wednesday, with posting times at 7:30 AM, 12:00 PM, and 5:30 PM.

TikTok

TikTok is the platform for short-form video content and creative expression. Here’s what works best on TikTok:

1. Short Videos:

Create engaging, entertaining, and informative short videos that resonate with your target audience.

2. Trends and Challenges:

Participate in trending challenges and utilize popular sounds to increase the visibility of your content.

3. Behind-the-Scenes:

Show the less-polished, authentic side of your brand or life. TikTok users appreciate genuine content.

4. Duets and Collaborations:

Engage with other TikTok creators by duetting their videos or collaborating on content.

5. Educational Content:

Offer quick and valuable lessons, tips, or life hacks that cater to your audience’s interests.

6. Consistency:

Post regularly to maintain visibility and attract new followers.

TikTok users tend to be most active on Tuesday and Thursday, with ideal posting times at 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 6:00 PM.

Conclusion

Achieving success on social media requires more than just posting content—it’s about sharing the right content at the right time. By understanding the preferences and behaviors of your target audience on different platforms, you can tailor your content strategy for maximum impact.

Remember that these guidelines are not set in stone, and it’s essential to monitor your analytics and adjust your strategy accordingly. Experiment, engage with your audience, and stay updated with the latest trends to maintain a vibrant social media presence. With the right content and timing, you can make the most of your social media efforts and connect with your audience effectively.