Now that I’ve covered why copywriters should use social media to help build their brand, I’m going to assume that you’re reading this because you’re on board and want to get started, or you’ve started and you’re wondering if you chose the right social platform. Or you’re wondering if I know what I’m talking about. Like my husband usually does.
Of course, with new social media platforms sprouting up overnight, which one(s) are best for copywriters? Before I answer—and there is an answer—let’s make a pro/con list of a few top faves.
Pro
Easy access. No character count limit. Customizable. Let’s you interact with people you barely know, thus enabling a fast, easy way to build relationships. Plus, most websites, articles and blogs have a button for sharing content, making it a fairly universal platform.
Con
It’s easy to mix professional and personal. Once you’re friends with your boss, colleagues and potential professional connections, they get to look through your feed and see your personal business and embarrassing moments.
True, you can create groups and elect to share a post with only that group, but the people in that group can still visit and see your page.
So if you tell your boss that you’re out sick and then you “check in” in Vegas for the weekend, it could cause an awkward moment.
No, I’ve never done it. But I’ve thought about it.
Pro
I love Twitter for so many reasons. It’s fast. Simple. You can search for information using hashtags and create your own hashtags. You can reach out to people regarding certain topics or questions, or show your solidarity with a cause.
You can also see how much traction and action your posts get without signing up for a fancy account. And if you’re having a bad day or need advice, you can reach out to this online ‘hive’ for support.
Twitter gives you the freedom to show your personality, and use intentionally misspelled words that would otherwise incur the wrath of fellow writers on other social media sites.
Con
Character count limits. Also, your posts are in a rolling feed so whatever you post goes through other people’s feed faster than a novelist goes through coffee.
Pro
It’s a recognized platform for professionals. If you have original industry insight, shiny pearls of wisdom to share and a polished professional persona, this is a perfect conduit between you and your audience because that’s what they’re looking for.
It’s also easy to use. You can subscribe to access additional functions if you want, or stick with a free account. You’re not expected to be on it 24/7/365 to build your audience. It’s also a good source for targeted networking with like-minded professionals. And my incoming spam has been minimal.
Con
It’s a recognized platform for professionals. Showcasing too much personality can be counterproductive because you risk no one taking you seriously.
Plus, your writing must be spot-on because you’re communicating with fellow professionals who will judge your typos. You are expected to be polished. Basically, it’s the opposite of Twitter.
I know… how on earth could Instagram be awesome for writers? It’s all pictures.
True, but it’s also a pretty cool tool.
Pro
It’s perfect for sharing glimpses into your personal side. Wil Wheaton (itswilwheaton) regularly shares pictures of, among other things, his morning bedhead.
It’s also a way to share branded quotes, tips and inspirations in a visual way that can be shared across your other social media pages. Bunny Buddhism (bunnybuddhism) does a great job:
Personally, I think Instagram would be best used in conjunction with another social media site, but it’s totally up to you and what you’d choose to do with it.
Con
It’s strictly images and videos. And even though your audience can leave comments, you don’t get to reply, which restricts your ability to interact with others. I’ve also found the search function limited, but that could just be me.
Other platforms
There’s more to social media than Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. There’s also Google+, Vimeo, Pinterest, Reddit, YouTube and so on. However, I don’t use them and don’t know much about them, but if you do and you do, feel free to share some insight by leaving a comment.
The Answer
Which one is best for building your copywriting brand…?
Short answer: What you’ll keep up with.
Long answer: What you’ll regularly keep up with so you’re more likely to build your brand rather than leave a trail of sad, dead pages in your wake.
Social media for your professional brand is not an all-or-nothing situation. You can choose what works best for you, based on how much of a time commitment you’re willing to make.
For me, I maintain a private Facebook page for family and friends. However, for Rubber Ducky Copywriter, I only maintain a Twitter page, on which I’m fairly active. I also have a LinkedIn page that’s cobranded with my Rubber Ducks and my more polished, professional side.
I can access any of these with my smartphone app, and manage and post on my own time instead of feeling like I have to manage an army of social media sites.
I’m active without being overextended, and that helps me stay engaged.
I tried a professional profile on Pinterest and got sidetracked collecting pictures of bunnies (now over 2,0000). Instagram is fun to visit on occasion, but I realized early on that I won’t keep up with it because posting while I was out and about consumed my data plan.
Pick the one that works for you. Or the many because it’s totally your call. What are your thoughts? Share in the comments below.
Rubber Ducky Copywriter™ 
I’m not a copywriter but this is fantastic information!
So glad you like it! And yes, applicable to many people and professions.