While it’s common practice to plan and draft social media content for organizations days or weeks in advance, every so often you may need to produce content in real-time, such as when you’re at an event. For example, Teak recently live tweeted from a charity golf tournament to help address local food insecurity and at the Boston Uncornered fundraising gala.
Posting social media content on the spot not only helps keep followers engaged and informed about an event they might have not been able to attend, but it also produces original and exciting content that can reach new followers.
Whether you are hosting an event or attending one, here’s some do’s and don’ts that will set you up for real-time social media posting success.
Do familiarize yourself with the event
When you’re covering an event, you’re essentially acting as a reporter and producing content in real-time. In order stay on top of everything, it helps if you do your homework before attending. For example, read the schedule of events and learn who will be speaking and when. If your organization is hosting the event, try to get a copy of the most important speeches beforehand so you can either pre- write quotes ahead of time or pull soundbites quickly and accurately.
Don’t forget to consider all your social media platforms
To make sure you’re reaching all your audiences, come up with a comprehensive social media plan that includes your Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms. Make sure that you can get into all your accounts beforehand, so you’re able to post.
Remember that handles are different from platform to platform, as are word counts, so make sure your social media plan reflects those changes. Also, many platforms not only have posting capabilities, but story features, so be sure you’re familiar with the nuances of each.
Do draft a few social media posts ahead of time
It’s better to prepare some social media posts that you can get reviewed, approved, and pasted into the text box beforehand. That way, you just need a quick photograph or video at the event to add the copy when you post. This also will help relieve a lot of stress, so you can develop other fun and on-the-ground posts without feeling too pressed for time.
Do build a list of relevant handles and hashtags beforehand
The right handles aren’t always as intuitive as they may seem. Many people have personal and professional accounts, and organizations oftentimes have national and local social media accounts. In order to tag the right entities, be sure to double check their handles beforehand. Find out the best hashtag to use to ensure you’re hopping into the right conversations.
Don’t Post Without Proofing
Some platforms don’t allow for do-overs, so be sure to review your content before posting.
- Check your grammar and spelling – Does everything look OK?
- Review the hashtags and handles – Did you tag the right people and use the right event hashtag?
- Assess your photos – Does everything look good, especially in the background?
- Review your video – Are you – or anyone else – saying something during the recording that should not be shared? If so, know that you can remove your audio from the video.
Don’t Forget to Pack + Prepare Appropriately
There are no do-overs with live events, so it’s important that you’ve taken care of these housekeeping items before you head to the event.
- Charge your phone and consider bringing an external battery (with a charging cable!), especially if it’s a longer event.
- Dress the part. If you will be on your feet all day, don’t let uncomfortable shoes slow you down or low cuts and short hemlines stop you from getting a good photo angle.
- Mind the weather. Is your event outdoor? Will it rain? If so, consider bringing an umbrella and putting a waterproof case on your phone to keep your tech intact.
- Fuel up. Depending on how jam-packed your event is, you may not have time to sit and unwind much, so be sure to eat and hydrate before coming. You may even want to bring a water bottle and snack with you.
Preparing in advance and proofing will help your social media accounts not only be one of the fastest to report the news, but also one of the most trustworthy sources for on-the-ground information. Especially on platforms that don’t allow for do-overs (looking at you Twitter), doing it right the first time is the only way to keep engagement from the initial post.
Covering an event can be a lot of fun. A change of scenery can be refreshing, plus it gives you an excuse to stay on your phone all day, while producing engaging and exciting new content for your clients.
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