This previous blog post about cringeworthy things businesses are doing on social media might have left you wondering exactly how to avoid these offenses while you build your online community. It’s fairly easy if you follow the rule of thirds.
In photography, the rule of thirds refers to the division of an image into nine equal parts (that is, you divide the image into thirds both horizontally and vertically). Important compositional elements should be placed along the intersections of the lines that divide the image. This creates a composition that has more energy and interest.
The main reason for observing the rule of thirds is to discourage placement of the subject at the center — just as your company shouldn’t be the main focus on your social media profiles.
When building your online community and voice on social media, follow the rule of thirds to make sure you keep what you share equally divided so that your business isn’t the absolute center.
Here’s how it works:
Buffer is a great way to schedule updates on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn ahead of time so you don’t have to worry about keeping up with your business’s social accounts every waking moment. It also helps you see firsthand that your social shares are dynamic and evenly spread out according to the rule of thirds so that your online community finds you interesting and engaging.
People follow your company because you’re interesting and helpful, but interesting and helpful don't happen by accident. Applying the rule of thirds to your social media posts can help you maintain that interest while still getting your brand message out to your audience.