6 Ways Social Media Writing Improves Technical Writing

The way we communicate information has undergone a significant transformation. Traditional writing has given way to a more concise and engaging writing style on social media. This brief article provides six ways that social media has improved my business writing.

Subheadings Break Down The Content

I use subheadings selectively in traditional writing. Selectively means maybe one subheading per 3 to 5 paragraphs. Social media teaches us that subheadings serve as signposts, guiding readers to the information they seek, improving readability, and enhancing the overall user experience. I know to use a subheading for every 1 to 2 paragraphs.

Shorter, Concise Paragraphs Are Key

Social media writing thrives on brevity and conciseness. Traditional writing encompasses 3 to 5 sentences per paragraph. A good social media paragraph is concise at two sentences. This two-sentence format allows for quick information consumption, catering to modern readers’ fast-paced nature.

Shorter Sentences Simplify Complexity

Traditional writing incorporates complex sentence structures and lengthy clauses. Social media writing embraces shorter sentences to facilitate better understanding and engagement. I now use 2 to 3 sentences per paragraph in my business writing.

Clarity With Fewer Uncommon Words

Social media writing focuses on everyday language and avoiding jargon. This is a tough one for technical professionals. Clarity through simplicity reigns supreme.

Opening Paragraphs with Keywords

This strategy informs readers about the article’s subject and enhances search engine visibility. Keyword optimization is less critical in traditional writing, making it harder for the reader to focus on key information.

Informal Tone Stress Personal Connection

A conversational and informal tone is stressed in social media writing. This personal connection draws in the reader and makes the author appear more empathetic.

Improving Business Writing

My business writing has changed for the better because of social media writing. The shift from traditional writing to effective writing on social media reflects the evolving nature of communication. Subheadings, two-sentence paragraphs, shorter sentences, fewer uncommon words, keyword-rich paragraphs, and informal tones are six ways. I hope these writing tips will help you with your technical writing.

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JD Solomon is the author of Communicating Reliability, Risk & Resiliency to Decision Makers: How to Get Your Boss’s Boss to Understand and Facilitating with FINESSE: A Guide to Successful Business Solutions.