Breaking the Rules: How to Write Copy for Social Media That Stands Out!

Navigating the world of social media copywriting can feel like trying to stand out in a crowded party. You know you have something valuable to say, but how do you get people to listen?

You’re posting regularly on social media but not seeing the engagement or results you’re hoping for. It’s frustrating when your carefully crafted messages seem to vanish in the vast ocean of online content. This lack of engagement isn’t just disheartening; it’s a missed opportunity. Ineffective copy fails to connect with your audience, weakening your brand’s presence and potentially impacting your bottom line.

But here’s the good news – with the right approach, your social media posts can become magnetic. This article will guide you through how to write copy for social media and includes 12 proven copywriting tips, empowering you to create posts that not only capture attention but also inspire action. From crafting irresistible headlines to perfecting your Call to Action (CTA), these insights will transform your social media strategy.

TL;DR:

• Elevate your social media presence with 12 key copywriting strategies
• Understand the common pitfalls in social media copywriting and how to avoid them
• Learn the art of crafting effective CTAs for higher engagement
• Transform your posts from overlooked to unmissable with actionable, expert tips

Know Your Audience Inside Out 

When I first started marketing online, I was overwhelmed with figuring out who my avatar/ideal customer/icp/dream customer/pick another fancy marketing term ad nauseum…It took me years to realize that this exercise was way easier than I thought. I spent tens of thousands trying to figure it out and listened to many so-called marketing gurus online to learn this lesson. Lucky for you I’m sharing it here for free. The secret to knowing your audience inside out is you. What do I mean? You are your dream customer.

Most people when they start writing copy online are writing about a problem they had in the past or currently have. This is the easiest and best way to know who your audience is. What pain point do they have and will pay for to solve? It also gives you a window into how they think, what motivates them, and what they’re afraid of. This is how you write copy that converts. You think about problems you’ve faced, how you felt, what you did to solve them and then you turn that into a story. 

There is one caveat, knowing who your audience is means you also know where they hang out online. You know why your audience (aka you) would be on certain social platforms and not others. You know that if you choose the wrong social network, your audience won’t be there to listen. That’s like being at a party with no one to talk fun, aka no fun at all. In the next sections of this article, I’ll show you ways you can take you who are and amplify this to create social media copy that converts and keeps the attention span of people on social media. 

How to Write Copy for Social Media: Your Brand Voice

Why does brand voice matter to your audience on social media? It’s how you remain authentic and relevant. If you use words or stories that aren’t something your audience can relate to they will quickly walk away to something more interesting (cue the kitten videos!) Compelling copy isn’t about being an expert in digital marketing it’s about writing creative social posts that get your audience to pay attention. 

For example, let’s say you are a mom who has 2 kiddos at home, you also have a side hustle and are a huge fan of creating amazing recipes that are quick, easy, and delicious. It would be very natural for you to talk about all those things on your social media channel. If you try to force talking about something that doesn’t matter to you say engineering, you’ll lose that connection with your target audience and they’ll go look for someone else who is more relatable. Instead, maintaining your brand voice around topics that matter to you is key. 

The next question becomes, “Do I have to be an expert if I’m learning something and want to share?” No. You don’t. You can behave as Russell Brunson talks about in his book, DotCom Secrets about playing the role of a reporter and sharing with your audience what you’re learning. 

Craft an Irresistible Hook with Social Media Content

When it comes to writing social media copy, the first few words of your post can make or break engagement. Think of it like fishing; your hook needs to be enticing enough to catch and keep the attention of your audience. This is particularly true for platforms with a character limit, like Twitter. A well-crafted hook could be a provocative question, a surprising fact, or a bold statement. Whatever you choose, make sure it aligns with your brand voice and resonates with your audience.

• Actionable Steps:
  • Start with a question to engage curiosity.
  • Use a surprising fact or statistic.
  • Begin with a bold or controversial statement.
• Example: “Did you know that 80% of consumers engage more with brands that respond on social media?”

Embrace the Power of Storytelling

Whether it’s a Facebook post or a LinkedIn update, storytelling is a powerful tool in social media copywriting. Stories create connections, evoke emotions, and are more likely to be remembered and shared. A good social media story can transform a simple product or service into a relatable experience, making it an essential tool for every marketer. Remember, a good story doesn’t need to be long; even a short caption can tell a compelling tale.

• Actionable Steps:
  • Share a customer success story.
  • Narrate a day in the life of your team or business.
  • Use metaphors or analogies to explain complex ideas.
• Example: “Meet John, who transformed his business using our marketing strategy, much like a caterpillar becomes a butterfly.”

Incorporate Emojis and Hashtags Strategically

Using emojis and hashtags can be a game-changer in social media copywriting. They not only add personality to your posts but also increase their discoverability. However, it’s crucial to use them judiciously. Overuse can dilute your message or make it appear unprofessional. Think of emojis as a spice – a little goes a long way, and hashtags should be relevant and not overly promotional.

• Actionable Steps:
  • Choose emojis that align with your brand tone.
  • Research trending and relevant hashtags.
  • Limit hashtags to 3-5 per post for clarity.
• Example: “Loving our new product launch 🚀 #Innovation #TechTrends2024”

Optimize for Each Social Media Platform

Each social media network has its unique audience and style. What works for a LinkedIn article might not resonate on Instagram. Tailor your copy and tone for each platform, keeping in mind the best practices for each. For instance, Instagram is more visual, so your caption should complement the image, while LinkedIn favors more professional, thought-leadership content.

• Actionable Steps:
  • For LinkedIn: Share industry insights and professional achievements.
  • For Instagram: Post visually appealing content with a captivating caption.
  • For Twitter: Keep it concise and use trending hashtags.
• Example: Instagram Post – “Sneak peek into our latest project 🎨 #BehindTheScenes”

Leverage the Strength of a Strong Call to Action (CTA)

A compelling CTA is crucial for driving the desired action, be it sharing your post, visiting your website, or checking out a new product. It’s the finish line of your copy, guiding users on what to do next. Whether it’s a simple ‘Learn More’ or a more creative ‘Discover your best self,’ your CTA should be clear, concise, and relevant to the content.

• Actionable Steps:
  • Be clear and concise in your CTA.
  • Use action words like ‘discover’, ‘learn’, or ‘join’.
  • Place your CTA prominently, like at the end of a post or in your bio link.
• Example: “Join our community today to get exclusive tips on social media marketing. Click the link in our bio!”

Keep It Short and Impactful – Sometimes

While it’s often advised to keep your posts short, don’t shy away from long-form content when necessary, especially on platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn. A detailed, well-structured post can provide more value and establish you as an authority. However, always keep your social media audience in mind – if your message can be conveyed in fewer words, don’t stretch it.

• Actionable Steps:
  • For brief posts, stick to one main idea.
  • For longer posts, use bullet points or subheadings for readability.
  • Always write with the key message in mind, whether short or long.
• Example: Short Twitter post – “Great marketing isn’t about selling products, it’s about telling stories. #MarketingTips”

Use Active Voice for Direct Engagement

Active voice makes your copy more dynamic and engaging. It’s a simple yet effective way to make your message clearer and more direct. In the fast-paced world of social media, this can be the difference between a post that’s scrolled past and one that stops users in their tracks.

• Actionable Steps:
  • Start sentences with action verbs.
  • Write as if speaking directly to the reader.
  • Avoid passive constructions.
• Example: “Discover how our solutions can elevate your business today!”

Encourage Interaction and Participation

Social media is all about engagement. Encourage your audience to interact with your posts. Ask questions, start conversations, or run polls. Engagement isn’t just about likes and shares; it’s about creating a community around your brand. Remember, every post is an opportunity to build relationships.

• Actionable Steps:
  • Ask open-ended questions in your posts.
  • Run polls or quizzes.
  • Respond to comments to foster a community.
• Example: “What’s your biggest marketing challenge? Share your thoughts below!”

Use Visuals to Complement Your Copy

A picture is worth a thousand words, and on social media, this couldn’t be truer. Pair your copy with compelling visuals to make a stronger impact. Whether it’s a photo, an infographic, or a long-form video, visuals can enhance your message and make it more memorable.

• Actionable Steps:
  • Pair each post with a relevant image or video.
  • Use infographics for complex data.
  • Ensure visuals are high-quality and on-brand.
• Example: Post an infographic with “5 Key Steps in Developing a Marketing Strategy.”

Analyze and Adapt Based on Performance Metrics

In social media management, what gets measured gets improved. Use analytics to understand what type of content resonates with your audience. This insight allows you to refine your strategy and create a more engaging copy in the future.

• Actionable Steps:
  • Regularly check engagement metrics like likes, shares, and comments.
  • Adjust content based on what performs best.
  • Experiment with different posting times and formats.
• Example: “Our post on social media trends received double the engagement of our typical posts, so we’ll share more in this series.”

My Experience with Social Media Copywriting

Reflecting on my journey in social media copywriting, I’ve realized it’s a dynamic and ever-evolving field. Each post, tweet, or update has been a learning experience, teaching me the nuances of digital communication and the power of words in the virtual world. From the early days of experimenting with different writing styles to now understanding what drives engagement, every step has been pivotal.

I’ve seen firsthand how a well-crafted message can spark conversations, build communities, and even influence decisions. The balance between being informative and engaging, while staying true to your brand voice, is a delicate art. My biggest takeaway? Always be adaptable and ready to learn. Social media trends and audience preferences are constantly shifting, and staying attuned to these changes is key.

Above all, remember that at the heart of social media copywriting is the ability to connect with people. Whether it’s through a witty tweet, an inspiring Facebook post, or a compelling Instagram story, the goal is to create content that resonates with your audience and reflects your brand’s unique perspective.

Ready to take your social media game to the next level? Check out my detailed guide, “How to Become a Social Media Influencer,” on my blog. This essential read is packed with practical tips and strategies to help you grow your influence and make a real impact online. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to boost your social media savvy, this article is your key to unlocking new opportunities. Dive into the world of social media influence today – just click here and begin your journey towards becoming a social media star!

How can I write more creative copy?

• Experiment with AI tools to generate initial ideas.
• Use these tools to refine and polish your drafts.
• Always add your personal touch to AI-generated content to align with your brand voice.

How do you write a social media post?

Writing a good social media post involves understanding your audience, being clear and concise, and following social media copywriting best practices. Here are some tips to get started:

• Understand Your Audience: Tailor your content to the interests and preferences of your audience. This will ensure that your message resonates and drives more engagement.
• Be Clear and Concise: Good copy is often simple and to the point. Make your message clear without unnecessary jargon or complex language.
• Use a Strong Call to Action (CTA): Encourage your readers to take action. Whether it’s visiting a website, leaving a comment, or sharing your post, a clear CTA can significantly increase engagement.
• Incorporate Visuals: A compelling image or video can make your post more engaging and shareable.
• Measure and Adapt: Use analytics to see what works and refine your approach accordingly.
• Actionable Steps:
  • Start with a clear message or idea you want to convey.
  • Write a draft keeping your audience in mind.
  • Edit for clarity, brevity, and engagement.
  • Use tools like Grammarly for grammatical accuracy and readability.
  • Add a visual element to complement your copy.
• Example: “Looking for simple yet delicious recipes? 🍳 Check out our latest blog post for quick meal ideas that will save you time and satisfy your taste buds! Link in bio. #QuickMeals”