Social media is key for generating awareness. Brands and influencers alike can amplify their message by publishing content across desired platforms. This results in engagement, leading to brand development by relationship building. Followers will improve by adding value to content, backed with quality imagery or video. SproutSocial suggests social media is the most relevant channel for 50% of Gen Z and 42% of millennials. But to reach an audience, what’re the best times to post?
The perfect times to post
Sorry, but there isn’t a perfect time to post! Best posting times vary depending on time-zones, the platform, content type, audience and when they browse. However, there are ideal times which suit each platform better, depending on marketing goals set. Generally, Facebook and Twitter perform best in the morning, lunchtime and mid-evening. Whereas Instagram and LinkedIn do better during business hours, ideally 1-5pm. See below for platform specifics:
Facebook is the largest, most powerful platform with 78% of all UK internet users actively using it (Shareable). Although, recent algorithm changes emphasising ‘meaningful interactions’ limit exposure because it favours content from friends & family, not brands. This means timing is important. Time posts to go out later in the week, ideally Thurs or Fri between 1-7pm. Additionally, morning commute times and lunchtimes are good for engagement.
Twitter is for short and sweet messaging with a tricky algorithm. To beat it, post during lunchtime and evenings, so 12-2pm and 4-9pm, with Mondays and Thursdays being optimal for engagement. B2C does well on a weekend whilst B2B does better during business days.
LinkedIn is primarily for B2B content, so posting during business hours makes the most sense. Lunchtimes will deliver the best engagement, with 12pm-5pm midweek being optimal times to post. Weekend posts will generate minimal engagement.
Instagram’s the image led platform, suiting services such as personal training and hairdressing. With over 24M UK users, its popularity is quickly booming. Primary access is through smartphones, so busy activity times are weekday lunchtimes and late afternoons, so Mon-Thurs 12-6pm. Evening posts work well depending on the demographic, with them performing best on a weekend.
Making a content schedule
Broadly speaking, weekday posts at lunchtimes and evenings will perform best. To improve timeliness, look to schedule the content. Paid services like Loomly have been invaluable for some of our content plans, have a look. Experiment with timings to find the best slot for your product/service, you can find this information in the platform’s analytics. Please get in touch with us if you have any questions!
