The differences between PC and mobile social media platforms may be subtle at times, but with 80% of the time spent on social media being done on mobile devices, it’s hugely important to really think about how your content will be presented on all kinds of devices.
A case in point: Last month, Twitter began rolling out a redesign to the desktop version of the site, but it still looks and behaves differently to the mobile version of the app.
It’s more than just appearances, though. The way posts appear can change depending on whether they’re viewed on a computer or on a mobile. Facebook, for example, changes it’s truncation rules, so where the “See More…” appears is different on mobile than on computer. This can be the difference between having a full sentence to draw users in, and an unfinished sentence that slips them by.
Another important consideration is images. Photos and videos generate the most engagement out of any kind of content used on social media, so it’s important to get this right. While a picture appears big and clear on a PC monitor, mobile devices are often much smaller, so it’s important to make sure your choice of picture is still clear and engaging even when it’s viewed on a small screen.
Behind the scenes, you also have to ask yourself what the aim of your social media strategy is. If the goal of your social posts are to bring people back to your website, then that site needs optimised for mobile use too, otherwise people will drop off.
All of which can feel like a daunting challenge for businesses using social media but really shouldn’t be. It’s all about forward planning and attention to detail. Take time to understand the small stuff on small devices and the big impact you’re looking for from your content will surely follow.
Erith McKean
Social Media Executive
