6 Tips for Social Media Time Management

Edie Melson    @EdieMelson

Social Media Director for Southern Writers Suite T

Many writers I speak with are doing more than juggling writing and social media—they're also committed to something else full time—a job, family, ministry, etc. Others are torn between family responsibilities and industry requirement. All these individuals have my utmost respect!

 

While writing IS your priority, small (even tiny) consistent steps with social media can grow an impressive online presence.

 

1. Use Your Evening to Schedule Updates 

I know many of you don’t have the time to schedule your updates in the morning. The way to get around this is to schedule your social media in the evening.

 

2. Watch the Clock

Divide up your time wisely and spend the bulk of it on writing – but don’t neglect social media entirely. Instead, pare it down.

 

3. Schedule Updates for the Entire Week at One Time

Another way to work around your time-crunch issues is to devote one single evening to all your social media updates for the week. 

 

4. Limit Your Social Media Networks 

It’s important to make sure the time you spend on social media is well spent. You’ll have to discipline yourself to make the most of the time you have. This includes the time you spend interacting on different platforms. I recommend you read and comment on no more than 4 – 6 updates per social media network. AND I recommend you limit yourself to no more than 3 networks. Trying to do too much will result in less visibility.

 

5. Choose the Most Valuable Networks

By limiting your social media networks to no more than three, you’ll have to decide which 3 make the most sense for you. I still stand by my recommendation of Facebook and Twitter as numbers 1 and 2. After that, I’d choose between Pinterest and Instagram. 

 

6. Do What’s Best for YOU

All of these tips are just that, tips. Ultimately, you know what time you have and what priorities make the most sense for you. Take what works and toss the rest. The most important thing is to have a plan. In the past, stumbling along—doing the best I could—has set me back years with my writing goals.

 

With these tips, adjusted to a specific situation, anyone should be able to stay active on social media and grow a platform without losing valuable writing time.

Social Media Director for Southern Writers Suite T

Edie Melson is the author of numerous books, including the bestseller Connections: Social Media and Networking Techniques for Writers.

She’s the co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, Social Media Director of Southern Writers Magazine and board Member of the Advanced Writers and Speaker Association.


Visit Edie on www.EdieMelson.com and through social media.