Easy as 1, 2, 3: Rule of thirds makes social media a snap

As social media continues to be all the rage, I find myself―and the rest of our team―going to great lengths to keep a pulse on social networking trends and best practices. I was fortunate enough to participate in a great tele-seminar this afternoon, hosted by Heidi Sullivan and Jay Krall from Cision Global Media, on Understanding Social Media. There were many useful sub-topics discussed in the forum, but one bit of information I found particularly relevant and applicable to anyone using social media and trying to figure out not only if it’s needed but what to do with it. This is a must use, social-media rule to live by:

Rule of thirds:
So often, we see authors set up a social media account and then we get the inevitable: Now what? Here’s the 411 on how to come up with content:

1. One-third of your content can be promotional: Mention the great things that are going on―your book publicity, events, accolades, etc.

2. One-third of your content should be sharing oriented: What interesting, relevant articles have you read lately? Are you a health author? Share a great article on a new study that’s been released. You know that phrase you hear us publicists use again and again: news you can use.

3. One-third of your content needs to be conversation oriented: Social media is all about being, well, social. Converse with others in your network. Create a dialogue. The more online social capital you have the better off you’ll be.