Dos and Don’ts for Smarter Social Media Posting

Here are key dos and don’ts to help you post smarter and avoid common mistakes that can hurt your visibility or credibility.

DO: Keep text short and punchy

DON’T: Overload your post with too much information

Social users scroll quickly. Grab attention with a snappy line and keep your message focused. If you need to say more, link to a longer article or use a carousel or thread. Long paragraphs are likely to be ignored.

DO: Use high-quality visuals

DON’T: Rely on text-only posts

Eye-catching images, videos, or graphics increase engagement. Posts with media are more likely to be shared and remembered. Avoid walls of text—visuals are what stop the scroll.

DO: Post consistently

DON’T: Go silent for long stretches

A regular posting schedule keeps your brand top-of-mind and helps algorithms show your content to more users. Inconsistent posting can make your account seem inactive or forgotten.

DO: Tailor your content for each platform

DON’T: Copy-paste the same thing everywhere

What works on Instagram may fall flat on LinkedIn. Use platform-specific formats (like Stories, Reels, or polls) and adapt your tone and length to suit each audience. Avoid generic, one-size-fits-all messaging.

DO: Include a link to your website when relevant

DON’T: Post without a clear call to action

When possible, link back to a relevant page on your site—whether it’s a blog post, a product page, or a contact form. Social media should funnel people to where they can learn more or take the next step. Avoid dead-end posts that leave users wondering what to do next.

DO: Engage with your audience

DON’T: Post and ghost

Respond to comments, like replies, and acknowledge messages. Social media is about connection. Ignoring your audience makes your brand feel distant or disinterested.

DO: Use hashtags strategically

DON’T: Stuff your post with irrelevant hashtags

Hashtags help people discover your content, but only when they’re relevant. Too many—or ones that don’t fit—can look spammy and reduce your credibility.

DO: Proofread before posting

DON’T: Post with typos or broken links

A polished post reflects a professional brand. Double-check spelling, grammar, and that all links work. Simple errors can damage trust and reduce click-throughs.

By following these dos and avoiding the don’ts, your social media posts will not only look better—they’ll work harder for your goals. Whether you're promoting products, sharing stories, or building community, a smarter strategy starts with the basics.

And, of course, you can always reach out to us to lend a hand with your social media — whether it is writing engaging & relevant copy or creating visually appealing graphics (static graphics or animated ones).