One of the most asked questions in social media: when is the best time to post?
If only the answer was simple. Instead, there are many factors that play into the best time to post. Social media managers and business owners all want the same thing; we want our content to reach as many eyes as possible and get as much engagement as possible. It seems like our solution is as easy as figuring out the best time to post, but how do you figure that out?
Rather than ending up in a Google spiral of statistics and articles, PA factors in three different things when considering the best time to post — what platform, type of content, and the intended audience.
Where to Start
According to statistics provided by Sprout Social, the best times and their respective platforms are:
- Facebook: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Instagram: Tuesday from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Monday through Friday at 11 a.m.
- Twitter: Wednesday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
- LinkedIn: Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Wednesday from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
While each platform has analytics dashboards that break down your audience’s activity, it may not be helpful if you have been inactive on your account or just started a new account. The days and times listed above are a great starting point to begin posting content to reach as many eyes as possible.
As your page continues to grow and your activity dashboards repopulate relevant data, you will then be able to have the best idea of when your audience is seeing and engaging with your content.
Post at Different Times
Now would be a good time to revisit your analytics dashboard and see if your reach aligns with the times you originally picked to begin posting. Not seeing a lot of traction?
We suggest posting at different times. Depending upon the industry and audiences you are trying to target, you may discover that you haven’t been maximizing your post’s potential reach; you may be reaching eyes, but not resonating enough to gain leads.
If you are posting for a brand trying to reach business executives, you’ll be posting at a different time like a lifestyle brand catered towards Gen Z–both intended audiences are going to be online at different times, looking for different types of content.
Post the Best Content
Sometimes we ask have to answer questions with a question; when is the best time to post?
Maybe we should be asking what is the best content to post?
Before, we thought that for brands to stay relevant, they needed to post constantly to stay at the forefront of our minds. Now, not so much. We may not see 6 out of the 7 pieces of content they post in a week, compared to the one video we keep seeing over and over again in our feed. We have the algorithm to thank for that.
Our tip is to experiment with different types of content you are sharing. Don’t rack your brain to create 7 daily posts. Instead, focus your energy on creating 3-4 impactful pieces of content, try a video, carousel, or even infographic. These types of content prove to be successful because they are easier and faster to consume than a lengthy wall of text. By testing different types of content, you can see what resonates the best with your audience and continue to create impactful content.
So, When is the Best Time to Post on Social Media?
Unfortunately, the answer is pretty arbitrary. By factoring in what platform, type of content, and the intended audience you want to reach, and experimenting with them, you are able to craft the best content that will allow you to reach as many eyes as possible and get as much engagement as possible.
Contact PA for Posting Assistance
PA offers Digital Marketing Consulting services provided by an experienced team of designers, copywriters, and social media superstars. We have the know-how to get your content to reach and resonate with your target audience to get as much engagement as possible. Contact us today and let us help you post the best content, at the best time!
Primary Image Source: Envato Elements
