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Jan
07

Social Media + Plain Language

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New DigitalGov U class will teach you how to write #socialgov content in plain language .

The essence of social media is engaging with our customers wherever they choose to be. That “place” could be Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, YouTube, anywhere in the social media realm.

However, just because we’re going where our customers are doesn’t mean they’re at our mercy—there’s a lot of competition for their attention, especially in social media.

So how do we get our customers’ attention? Write compelling content, using plain language.

Here’s a few plain language tips that can help:

  • Put the most important information first, followed by the details
  • Use headers and break up text so readers–more and more on smartphones–can quickly scan
  • Use shorter sentences
  • Be conversational; use pronouns like you, us, we
  • Write in active voice, with calls to action where appropriate
  • Use the words your customers use, rather than jargon

When engaging your audience with social media don’t risk losing them with complicated words and phrases. Plain language helps you to get the right message to the right people when they need it.

And besides, it’s the law, as required by the Plain Language Act of 2010.

To learn more, join us on Wednesday, January 9, from 2-2:30 p.m. ET for DigitalGov University’s webinar  Social Media: You Still Need Plain Language.

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3 comments

  1. SEO, Tech says:

    January 22, 2013 at 7:01 pm (UTC -5 )

    I am really inspired along with your writing abilities as well as with the format in your blog. Is this a paid subject matter or did you customize it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it is uncommon to peer a nice blog like this one these days..

  2. Remodeling in Nashville says:

    January 14, 2013 at 7:20 pm (UTC -5 )

    The importance of social media seems to have exploded overnight. What started out as something for college students has turned into the platform on which everyone connects these days. As a small businessman, I appreciate your insight and tips!

  3. Chris Kim says:

    January 12, 2013 at 8:08 am (UTC -5 )

    This article is very easy to understand and straightforward. Thank you for sharing.

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