Posting at the right time of day is crucial to the success of your social post and ultimately, your brand. Essentially, the goal is to have your post viewed by as many users as you possibly can. Looking for that optimal time period to post will help you receive exposure.
Abiding by best practices will allow you to:
- Increase Audience Size
- Increase Engagement
- Drive More Website Traffic
Although there is no perfect answer, there are definitely steps you can take in order to optimize social media performance. But first, always keep your goals and the target audience in mind as it is key to determining success for your practical brand. For example, you may want to consider the timezone of your target audience as well as which of your social media platforms are most engaged.
Facebook
When we consider Facebook, the outlet is generally is browsed at work, home, on a mobile device during lunch breaks, and on desktops at the office. The best times to post are 12pm-1pm on Saturdays and Sunday’s, 3-4pm on Wednesdays, and 1-4pm on Thursdays and Fridays.
Twitter
Twitter is typically used at work and at home, but rarely on a device. With that being said, the optimal times to post on this platform is between 12pm-3pm, Monday’s through Friday’s and between 5-6pm on Wednesdays.
LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a slightly different outlet in that it is not used to sell or promote a brand. Instead, it is used as more of a resource and for job hunting purposes. The best times to post on Linkedin is 7:30-8:30am, 12pm, and between 5-6pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays as well as Tuesdays between 10-11am.
Pinterest
Pinterest users are typically female, so be mindful of that when you are posting. Users tend to enjoy browsing this outlet in the evenings while relaxing at home. The best times to post are between 2-3am and evening hours every day. Five pm on a Friday is an ideal time to post and on Saturday’s, anytime between 8-11pm is perfect.
Instagram
Instagram is solely meant for mobile use, which means its users tend to browse this platform all the time, anytime. The best times to post on Instagram is almost anytime Monday through Thursday, except between the hours of 3-4pm. Social media posts can also be scheduled in accordance to various time zones. This feature lets you maximize your post for the highest views.
The guidelines above are meant to help get your brand get started, but it is important to note that analytics should determine the future of your posting strategy. Social media is not magic and like most other marketing efforts, it requires testing and reviewing the data. If you need help understanding social media analytics it is recommended to seek professional consultation.
About the Author
Jaclyn Manning is a postgraduate Sociology and Public Relations alumnus who specializing in web, viral, and marketing content. Her passion for writing and corporate communications has led her to the Rand Internet Marketing team as Content Writer and Public Relations Assistant. Manning has recently called South Florida her home and is looking forward to expanding in her rightful career.
