BLOG Timing Your Social Media Posts: Am I Doing It Right?

Published: May 23, 2023 12 min read
social media posts
Reading Time: 12 minutes

Are you struggling with determining the right timing for social media posts? You’re not alone. As a digital marketer, it can be tricky to decide when and how often to post across each of your channels. With good timing, you can maximize engagement and attract more attention to your brand; but bad timing can lead to fewer likes, comments, or even worse – having followers unfollow because they feel bombarded with content. To put an end to the guesswork and help you get the best results from your social media campaigns, we wrote this blog post to put an end to the confusion. We’ll look at why intentional scheduling is important for gaining traction on each platform as well as give some helpful tips regarding posting frequency and which days are most effective for boosting user interaction!

Understanding the basics of social media post timing

social media postsSocial media post timing is a crucial element to consider when devising a marketing strategy. Understanding the basics of optimal post timing can greatly increase your chances of reaching your target audience and driving engagement. Research shows that the best times to post on various social media platforms often depend on specific demographics and can vary by industry. 

For instance, the ideal time to post on Instagram may be different than that of LinkedIn. In addition to timing, the tone of your post is also worth considering. Consistency in tone can help build your brand’s voice and familiarity with your audience. By staying informed about the latest trends and analyzing your social media insights, you can make informed decisions about when and how to post on your platforms.

A deeper look at when to post on different platforms

In today’s world, social media platforms have become increasingly important tools for marketing and brand building. However, with so many platforms available, it can be difficult to know when the best time is to post on each one. Understanding the nuances of when specific platforms are most active can help maximize engagement, reach, and ultimately the success of your social media strategy.

For instance, posting on Instagram during off-peak hours, such as early in the morning or late at night, can actually result in higher levels of user engagement. Why? Well, consider when people are on Instagram. In the early morning, people are either rolling out of bed and start scrolling, or maybe they’re on their daily train commute. Late at night is obviously bedtime, so people are probably scrolling right before they hit the hay.

On the other hand, posting during peak hours on LinkedIn, such as midweek between 10-11am, can help maximize visibility when professionals are most likely to be online. By delving deeper into the optimal posting times for each platform, businesses and individuals alike can work to create a tailored social media strategy that yields the best results.

As Facebook and Twitter remain the digital centerpieces of social media and should absolutely be leveraged by digital marketers, the truth remains that they are under constant legal and media scrutiny. This is why it’s still important to leverage platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Instagram

Instagram has become one of the most popular social media platforms worldwide. Launched in 2010, it allows individuals and businesses to share pictures and videos while engaging with their followers. With more than one billion active users, Instagram offers a unique opportunity for individuals to showcase their creativity and businesses to reach out to their customers. 

Since its inception, Instagram has introduced several features such as Instagram Stories, Instagram TV (IGTV), and Reels, all of which have increased user engagement. Instagram’s algorithm has also evolved, prioritizing posts relevant to a user’s interests and behaviors, making it an excellent marketing tool. With more and more businesses joining the platform each day, it has become essential to optimize content to ensure maximum reach and engagement.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that has revolutionized the way people connect with each other in the business world. This powerful tool allows individuals to build and maintain their professional networks, showcase their skills and experience, and even apply for jobs. 

With over 700 million users across the globe, LinkedIn has become a go-to resource for recruiters looking to fill positions and for job seekers looking to make valuable connections. By creating a strong profile and actively engaging with the platform’s various features, users can open up a world of opportunities and take their careers to new heights. Whether you’re looking to make new connections or take the next step in your professional journey, LinkedIn is the perfect place to start.

TikTok

What makes TikTok so important for digital marketers? For starters, TikTok has an incredibly engaged user base, with users spending over 50 minutes per day on the app. Additionally, the platform’s unique features, such as “challenges” and “duets,” allow brands to create interactive and viral campaigns that engage users in new and exciting ways. In fact, some of the most successful marketing campaigns on TikTok have been user-generated, with brands partnering with popular creators to create content that resonates with their audiences.

Another reason why TikTok is such an attractive platform for digital marketers is its potential for organic reach. Unlike other social media platforms, TikTok’s algorithm doesn’t privilege accounts with large followers or post frequency. Instead, TikTok’s algorithm is designed to promote content that is engaging, creative, and authentic. This means that smaller brands or individual creators can potentially reach millions of users without extensive promotion or paid advertising. As with any social media platform, success on TikTok requires a deep understanding of the platform’s audience, trends, and creative potential. This includes everything from the types of videos that perform well to the hashtags that are most effective for reaching your target audience.

Overall, TikTok is a unique and powerful tool for digital marketers looking to reach younger, engaged audiences in new and exciting ways. By leveraging the platform’s unique features and staying attuned to its evolving trends, brands can create campaigns that resonate with TikTok’s creative community and drive long-term success.

What to consider when scheduling posts

When it comes to social media, scheduling posts can be a lifesaver for busy professionals. However, it’s not as simple as setting it and forgetting it. There are important factors to consider when scheduling your posts to ensure they are effective and engaging for your audience. First and foremost, you’ll want to determine the best times to post based on your audience’s demographics and behaviors. It’s also important to keep a consistent posting schedule, choose appropriate content for each platform, and optimize each post for maximum visibility. By taking the time to carefully consider these factors, you can create a strong and effective social media strategy that will keep your audience engaged and connected.

How to adjust your timing for maximum engagement

When it comes to engaging with your audience, timing is everything. Whether you’re delivering a presentation, meeting with clients, or posting on social media, understanding how to adjust your timing for maximum engagement is crucial. 

One key factor to keep in mind is your audience’s attention span. Keep your messages concise and focused to avoid losing their interest. Additionally, consider the best time of day to communicate with your audience. Are they more engaged in the morning or afternoon? Are they active on social media during certain hours? By adjusting your timing to suit your audience’s habits, you’ll be able to increase your chances of capturing their attention and driving engagement. Overall, taking the time to hone your timing skills will pay dividends in your ability to effectively communicate and connect with your audience.

Tips on when not to schedule posts

When it comes to social media scheduling, timing is everything. However, it’s just as important to know when not to schedule posts. One instance is during a national or global crisis. In times of tragedy or unrest, posting promotional or lighthearted content is not only insensitive but can also damage your brand’s reputation. 

Another instance is during live events or breaking news. If you have a post scheduled to go out during a major news event, it can come across as tone-deaf and out of touch with current events. It’s crucial to stay up to date with current events and be prepared to adjust your social media scheduling accordingly. By following these tips on when not to schedule posts, you can maintain a professional and responsible online presence.

Getting your social media posts right with ONE18MEDIA

In conclusion, post timing for social media can be an extremely useful tool when used in the most strategic way. It’s important to take the time to explore which platforms are best for your specific needs, acknowledge any peak times, and explore what content type performs best on with each platform. 

While it might seem daunting at first, employing tools like Hootsuite or Sprout Social can help successfully manage posting schedules and optimize engagement. The best thing you can do before scheduling any posts is to learn the nuances of each site and how they interact with audiences. Recognizing what works and doesn’t work can make all the difference in developing a successful social media presence over time – so even if it feels like too much at first, take the plunge!

We understand that social media management can be a lot of work for a company to handle — which is why we here at ONE18MEDIA are ready, willing, and able to do it for you! With an expert social media team at the helm, you’ll no longer have to worry about scheduling your social media posts and growing your digital presence — because we’ve got your back! To learn more about our digital marketing services and how we can boost your social media presence, please visit our website and contact us today for more!