Here's how you can maximize social media use while staying productive as a journalist.

A lot of journalist outlets require the usage of both critical journalist tasks as well as social media and require a story to be created for print or broadcast as well as a social media and web push. Having worked in this industry, there can be a disconnect if there isn’t good communication as to what stories get pushed to social. Ideally I’d say it would be good to have those that can do both print and broadcast stories as well as social, but have two dedicated people to do those tasks to not over encumber anyone

Journalism has been hijacked by blogging. The days where traditional print journalism ruled the roost are gradually becoming a thing of the past.

As an investigative and educational journalist, I prioritize tasks with a structured approach. First, I set clear objectives and use the Eisenhower Matrix to evaluate urgency and importance. I create an action plan, breaking large projects into smaller steps with deadlines. I use time management tools, like calendars and task list apps, to stay organized. When possible, I delegate administrative tasks and collaborate with colleagues. I allocate time for continuous research and professional development to stay updated and enhance my skills. I regularly monitor my progress and adjust priorities as needed, balancing professional responsibilities with self-care to avoid burnout.

I find planable to be a great way of managing not only multiple platforms but also multiple brands. Investing in a good scheduler is essential for making sure content is planned and managed correctly. It also allows you breathing space to then add in trend based content in-between your scheduled posts.

Start with Meta Platforms, Inc.'s planner for pro pages on facebook and Instagram. The tool is free and very robust. When you're sourcing you can get a quick hit survey to a pinpointed audience for pennies on the dollar. Plus, facebook has been pushing video content heavily over the last 18 months and there's still a shortage of creators. For free tool that saves you time, start with the tool were most of live: facebook/Instagram.

I love that a lot if not most news outlets use sites like planable to allow users to access multiple social accounts and post as well as view analytics in real time. It is ideal to read the analytics and trends to further improve planning to increase engagement with the audiences that companies and individuals want to reach

Analytical tools can be very useful for monitoring the performance of your posts and better understanding what resonates with your audience. Adjust your strategy based on the data collected, aiming to maximize the impact of your posts. Collaborating with other professionals and organizations can also increase your visibility and credibility. Develop joint projects that can be promoted by both parties, expanding your reach.

Si solo sigues organizaciones o personas de tu interés, nunca tendrás la oportunidad de saber que hay fuera de ese círculo. Es mejor agilizar la segmentación con listas o grupos, así puedes tener a mano tus intereses, sin perder de vista todo lo que está ocurriendo al otro lado.

I personally liked what X formerly Twitter did awhile ago allowing you to create groups, so you can view posts and articles that align with the information you are wanting to see

To prioritize tasks in content curation, I set clear objectives and use the Eisenhower Matrix to evaluate urgency and importance. I verify the accuracy of information through thorough research and reliable sources, ensuring relevance for the target audience. I create an action plan, breaking down large projects into smaller steps with defined deadlines. I use time management tools, such as calendars and task apps, to stay organized. I delegate administrative tasks and collaborate with colleagues to focus on high-impact activities. I dedicate time to continuous research and professional development, adjusting priorities as needed to ensure consistent quality and relevance.

Take notes while you are working and then revisit them to curate your content. Ask yourself how you can add value to your audience. Can you share an inside look at your work, job, or a specific story you are working on?

Be intentional to maintain a professional tone in all of your communications. You don't need to be cold, but consider how a reply could impact your career before posting. Also, be humble. There's nothing worse than interacting with a public figure who is arrogant and unwilling to consider other perspectives.

Just as we set aside time to research topics and dig up sources, the prepared and forward-thinking reporter today makes time for social media. Oh, don't forget to unplug and rest, while we're discussing scheduling time. Growing your name and building confidence in your work takes time. It's a plan. When I began my newspaper career, I would set aside at least an hour each week to reply to followers. And no matter how frequently you chat with folks on social, make sure to tell your audience, i.e: 'This account replies to comments every Monday and Wednesday at 1 p.m. EST. DMs are not answered.' And in 2024, we have to remain professional but approachable. Kindness online, especially for journalists, is key.

To stay productive as a journalist on social media, I set clear goals, such as increasing engagement and promoting articles. I produce and share relevant content, using tools like Hootsuite to schedule posts. I interact with the audience by responding to comments and participating in discussions. I research trends and study audience behavior. I join online groups to exchange ideas and promote my work. I monitor the performance of posts and adjust strategies as needed.

When we take our data seriously, it's like finding a golden source! What's better is when engagement is low for me, I produce something new: a carousel formatted perfectly for Instagram or maybe I browse CapCut's templates. No matter what you're producing, your analytics don't lie. And if we're approaching reporting work with a value-based mindset — meaning how do I help my audience, not the converse — data can tell us what social media posts we should reformat, expand upon or eliminate.

Si una publicación tiene mal resultado, no quiere decir que es un mal contenido, por lo que debemos cuestionarnos si el formato era el adecuado y volver a intentarlo de una manera diferente.

Absolutely. This can be from spending time to make sure you’re staying up to date daily or making your life a tad simpler by having emails sent to you daily with the latest updates. Being on top of the game is a must.

I stay informed through various strategies. First, I follow reliable news sources and specialized publications in my field. I also attend conferences and webinars and stay active in professional groups and forums. I use social media to follow thought leaders and emerging trends. Additionally, I subscribe to newsletters and relevant magazines for regular updates. Constantly reading books and academic articles complements my knowledge, ensuring that I am always updated and well-informed.

La curiosidad es importante, no hay que tener miedo a probar formatos y medir resultados, esa es la única forma de identificar rápido los cambios de algoritmos en redes sociales.