Here's how you can create and curate content for social media platforms.

In some ways a content calendar is like a personal trainer at the gym. It helps keep you on track. Without a plan, you’re much more likely to get off track. Simply charting it out is the first step toward making it happen.

Creating and curating content for social media platforms involves a strategic approach to delivering valuable, engaging, and relevant content to your audience. Here's a step-by-step guide: 1. Understand Your Audience 2. Set Clear Objectives 3. Identify Relevant Topics and Themes 4. Create Original Content 5. Curate Relevant Content 6. Optimize for Each Platform 7. Encourage Engagement 8. Measure and Analyze Performance 9. Iterate and Improve 10. Stay Authentic and Transparent

Whatever you do please don’t use AI generated images. No matter what anyone tells you, people CAN tell it was generated and it will NOT be received kindly

In fact, the first 3-5 seconds of your video will make or break you when it comes to engagement. That’s your video’s prime real estate. You need to say something that stops your audience from scrolling past. One tip is to ask a relevant question. Psychologically we can’t help but try to answer when someone asks us something. Dropping a surprising statistic is another way to stop the scroll.

Don’t overlook the power of spacing, emojis, and punctuation to make your stellar copy easier to digest. Once you’ve poured your creative heart into your words, scan the copy with a critical ???. Look for ways to make the most important points stand out for the skimmers. Because… let’s face it… skimming is how we consume content!

Yours words are a reflection of who you are. Make them shine. While today's social media world starts with an image, the words behind them are where you really stand out and have the opportunity to make your unique presence known. Don't underestimate the power of good grammar, but put more faith in the message only you can impart. Your voice is what draws people in, so use it to the best of your ability.

Also consider the 80/20 rule. Try to make sure 80% of the time you spend on a platform is for liking, commenting, and sharing other people’s content. Social media is about community building. The other 20% of your activity should be sharing valuable content of your own.

One of the best engagement methods I have used starts with obscure images that make people pause. I have worked with junk removal companies and thrift stores and sharing the sometimes old, sometimes bizarre items they come across and asking people if they know what said thing is always has people jumping at the chance to weigh in. What am I doing? I am talking directly to my followers and asking for their help. I am playing on their memories and looking for their stories. The trick is to also respond when people share their comments, as then they feel seen and hear. Because after all—it is supposed to be SOCIAL media after all. Get folks talking!

This is an excellent way to show your audience 'you're not full of yourself', that you're connected and appreciate the work of others. It helps to create a stronger social media community and a creative way to seek feedback from followers. Best content curation ideas:- 1. Funny videos can help start a conversation 2. Trending posts can help you reach new audiences 3. Celebrity or influencers content can help you recreate evergreen content.

I often think that sharing quality content that others have created makes you look that much more educated and well-versed on a topic. By curating content for your audience, you show that you are well-read, that you understand the connection of what you are sharing to your own brand or business, and that you do not live in a vacuum. There are plenty of people out there doing research, creating content, and with a slightly different knowledge base than your own. By sharing that with your own spin on the content, you demonstrate your appreciation, your potential for growth, and your value of others. These are all important considerations and should not be underestimated. You don't have to always reinvent the wheel folks! Just repackage it!

Current social media has aged the same way that other platforms have. When thinking about how to engage an audience, also consider that the audience is way more savvy than you. Don’t try to start a trend, go viral, or do something edgy to get a younger generation’s attention. Younger folks are more attuned to brands trying too hard - and social relevancy proves that. Be thoughtful, genuine and have fun with it. Making genuine humor or genuine relatable feelings are the best way to reach others.