Five Great Tips for Building Content in Social Media

by Skip Cohen

Last week, I shared several posts about blogging and took a little heat from a few people who believe blogging is a waste of time. Depending on the style of blog, length of posts, etc. they're right in part. However, the issue is about sharing content and being helpful. With or without a blog, "being helpful" should be the foundation for everything you do to build followers.

Years ago, I shared content from an article, "How to Write a (Better) Photography Blog Post," by Andy Bondurant. He listed six areas every new and veteran blogger should focus on. The article is no longer active, but here's what I shared that was most on point:

1. Blocks of Time: "Blogging done well needs a block of time devoted to it."
2. Determination: "You must determine to write no matter what is happening that week. You must fight through apathy, writer's block, fear, or anything else thrown your way."
3. Consistency: "You MUST update your blog. Ideally, this would be 2-3 times per week. At the least, it should be 3-4 times per month. If you can't commit to consistency… don't start."
4. System and Structure: "There are multiple different types of blog post structures you can create. I encourage you to choose one to be very good at, and occasionally add another in for spice.
5. Here are 5 different post structures you can model: Story , List , Tutorial , Opinion , Big Thoughts"
6. Voice: "Your blog will be at its best when you allow your personality to shine. It starts with being open, authentic and honest (while being careful to not share too much). This is your writing voice. The more you refine and define your voice, the better your blog will be."

For those of you who don't feel blogging is effective, take that list above and substitute "posting" for blogging. Then, think of each point as it applies to social media, your Facebook page, for example. You need consistency, dedicated time, and a voice in each post that reflects who you are and your passion for the craft.

Engage, Enlighten, Encourage and especially... just be yourself.
Social media is a community effort, everyone is an asset.
Susan Cooper