Here’s a fun topic: social media copywriting tips for newbies. If you’ve done the old “post whatever I flippin’ feel like and see who responds,” you’ve probably set yourself up for many missed connections on social media.
That said: I won’t judge you if you have no clue what the social media copywriting best practices are. I was once like you, throwing stuff against the wall to see what sticks. But after a few years of doing things the wrong way, I’ve picked up a nugget here and a tidbit there. So let me tell you how to write copy for social media.
Social Media Copywriting Tips, Best Practices
Below find an overview of social media copywriting tricks that really work!
Most important info goes first.
You’re going to hit them with the main topic, the whole point, like a whack with a frying pan, immediately.
To understand why, think of the view of your post from the receiving end. Your reader will get to peek at the first 2 lines or so, from the feed. Your post will live among others just like it. So if you’re meandering in with apologies, a weak greeting, or something wordy that has nothing to do with the whole point of why you’re posting… you’ll lose them before you have them.
Phrases are your friend.
It’s okay to use incomplete sentences on social media, especially if you’re posting an announcement. A two-word lead-in will grab attention from the feed. In fact, if you can state the point of the post in two words or less, you’ll be in good shape. The rest of the post should provide details as needed.
Stay on topic.
If you’re the kind who loves to include heavy metaphors and meander off the point your writing, that’s super fun and creative. But on social media, keywords drive interest. Do your SEO homework to find out what the trending catch-phrases are for your subject, and then use those.
Example, if you’re introducing a new brand of organic cat food, then don’t spin a bunch of confusion like “Your pretty kitty will be feline fine when she feasts on this whisker-licking good cat cuisine.”
(That’s a super creative line, and you might try to tuck some version of those words in at the end. But the first 125 characters should make it clear that this is organic cat food.)
Purr-fectly delicious! Organic cat food from Felix’s Finds. Your cat will love the taste. You’ll love how she thrives! Learn more here.
Mind the character count.
Different platforms will display your post in the feed in different ways. Character count changes every so often from one site to the next. Stay up to date on this. Always keep the limited character count in mind.
Social Media Copywriting Comparison: What’s Better?
So far, we’ve covered the following:
- Most important info first.
- Short phrases are okay.
- Use keywords and be direct.
- Mind the character count.
Let’s take a look at two different messages covering the same topic. Compare the difference to see which would perform better on social media.
The topic: announcement of a local fall event, “Downtown Halloween Horrors.”
Example 1:
Hey, ghosts and goblins! Don your best costume, and get ready for howling good times at the annual Downtown Halloween Horrors event. We’ll be hosting a dance party, contest for best costume, and Trunk or Treat raffle. Hope to see you there on October 25 from 7 to 10pm!
That might sound kinda nifty, but not from the feed. Scroll, scroll, scroll. That’s what your peeps are up to right now. If you think they’re holding their breath waiting for you to show up with a message, you’re wrong. So you’d better make it good.
Example 2:
Downtown Halloween Horrors is set for Fri, Oct 25 at 7pm! Dance party, costume contest and Trunk or Treat raffle. Don your spookiest and grab a friend… it’s gonna be a scream!
As the 2025 feed character limit is 125, this message will be cut off with a “read more” link. Because we have all the key information up front, it won’t matter so much if people click or not.
Clicks and engagement do help you rank and will move you closer to being paid by Facebook if that’s part of the goal. But if you’re just going for views and information sharing alone, order this message with all the important info first.
Want More Copywriting Tricks, Tips and Techniques? Download the Copywriter’s Crash Course from Dina!
Get the must-know copywriting secrets all in once place. Learn to write copy that converts more sales!
The Copywriter’s Crash Course was $147, but I’ve dropped the price to $47 for a limited time. Grab your copy for immediate download via email. Then, get set to practice the best tricks of the copywriting trade!
Learn more about the Copywriter’s Crash Course, and order now.