Our family recently experienced the loss of our matriarch.  It brought to light a very important aspect that must be considered when using social media – Timing.

When a celebrity passes and you see the RIP in front of their name, it is usually related to some

news item or post from a news outlet.  It isn’t the way you want to find out about a loved one’s passing. Some of the younger members of the family posted on social media before everyone had been told in person or by phone. At the time it was considered a generational expression of emotions. But in essence, it was a matter of timing – the wrong timing for some.

This also holds true for your business.  Have you made all of the appropriate news announcements to your employees before the press and social outlets find out.  Today a “leak to the press” can be viral in a matter of moments depending upon the circumstances.  Even though you can delete a post or recall an email, it is wise to double or even triple check what is in the body of the message before you hit send, post, share or whatever the platform term is.

Timing can be as crucial as what time of the day you post something, or the time of the week, or where in relation to other news you post.  Even if you are offering a spectacular deal or sensational news item, will your post be overlooked because of poor timing?  Use the tools at your disposal to find out what types of posts are most viewed, when you seem to have the most interaction and use that information to keep the flow going.

Do you have a “timing” story to share?