Social Media Platforms: How Often Should We Post?

By August 17, 2010Social Media
In Search Of Lost Time

Photo credit: Alexander Boden

The question of how often to post — to a blog, to Facebook, to Twitter — is frequently asked. Those new to blogging don’t always fully understand the commitment needed for social media engagement and often think blogging every day will be “no big deal.”

Ha!

More typically, people face blogging for business with a more realistic sense of dread. Is once a month OK, they ask hopefully. Can we tweet three times a week? How about Facebook? How often do we have to post something there?

The very nature of that question, the tone, is disheartening; “how often do we have to . . . “

I generally try not to answer a question with a question — it’s poor form and all that — but here, it’s appropriate.

How successful do you want to be?

There’s a lot of internet sound with the multiplication of platforms and steady increase of users.  To stay in the search game, good, thoughtful content, frequently published and shared with additional unique lead-in content is critical. Auto posting across platforms is possible, but making sure you’re treating fans, followers and friends as such. These are the people who have voluntarily opted in to your content. Provide value to them and make them feel special.

So how often should we post, you ask, still, you ever-persistent people!

Minimum goals:

  • Blog 3x a week
  • Facebook 12x a week
  • Twitter 24x a week

Give that formula a whirl and let me know if you see your traffic increase (you will; I just like to hear it.)