Social Media Prep: Photo & Video Checklist!

Hey everyone! Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes before a photo or video hits your social media feed? Well, you're in the right place! We're diving deep into the pre-posting rituals that many of us (yes, even the seemingly spontaneous posters) go through. Trust me; there's more to it than just snapping a pic and hitting 'share.' Let's get started, shall we?

The Ultimate Pre-Posting Checklist

So, what's the big deal about prepping content? Think of it this way: every post is a reflection of you or your brand. Putting in a little effort beforehand can make a huge difference in how it's received. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Content Review: Does It Spark Joy?

First things first, before you even think about filters or captions, take a good, hard look at your photo or video. Does it align with your personal brand? Does it capture the message you’re trying to convey? This initial review is crucial. Ask yourself:

• Is it relevant? Does this content fit with what my audience expects from me?
• Is it appropriate? Could this be misinterpreted or cause offense?
• Is it authentic? Does this feel like me?

If the answer to any of these questions is a resounding 'no,' it might be time to rethink your post. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.

2. Editing Magic: Polishing the Gem

Alright, so you’ve got a photo or video that you’re happy with. Now it’s time to make it shine! Editing can be a game-changer. Here’s what I usually focus on:

• Lighting: Adjusting brightness, contrast, and shadows can dramatically improve the overall look. Nobody wants to squint to see your masterpiece!
• Cropping: Framing is everything. Crop out distractions and focus on the subject.
• Color Correction: Making sure the colors are accurate and vibrant can make your content pop. Tools like VSCO or Lightroom Mobile are your best friends here.
• Stabilization: For videos, shaky footage is a no-go. Use editing software to smooth things out.

3. Crafting the Perfect Caption: Words Matter!

The caption is your chance to connect with your audience. It’s not just an afterthought; it’s an integral part of your post. A great caption can:

• Provide Context: Explain what’s happening in the photo or video.
• Tell a Story: Engage your audience with a personal anecdote.
• Ask a Question: Encourage interaction and spark conversation.
• Use Relevant Hashtags: Increase visibility and reach a wider audience.

Pro Tip: Keep your caption concise and engaging. Nobody wants to read a novel under your photo.

4. Hashtag Harmony: Finding Your Tribe

Hashtags are like little breadcrumbs that lead people to your content. But don’t just throw a bunch of random hashtags at the end of your caption. Be strategic! Here’s how:

• Research: Find out which hashtags are trending in your niche.
• Mix It Up: Use a combination of broad and specific hashtags.
• Be Relevant: Only use hashtags that are actually related to your content.

Example: If you’re posting a photo of your morning coffee, try hashtags like #coffee, #morningcoffee, #coffeelover, and #butfirstcoffee.

5. Audience Consideration: Who Are You Talking To?

Understanding your audience is key to creating content that resonates. Before posting, think about:

• Demographics: Age, location, interests – who are you trying to reach?
• Platform: What works on Instagram might not work on LinkedIn.
• Timing: When are your followers most active?

Tailoring your content to your audience will increase engagement and help you build a loyal following.

6. Scheduling Savvy: Timing Is Everything

Okay, you've got your photo, your caption, and your hashtags ready to go. But when should you actually post it? Timing can make a big difference in how many people see your content.

• Analyze Your Analytics: Most social media platforms provide insights into when your audience is most active.
• Experiment: Try posting at different times and see what works best.
• Use Scheduling Tools: Apps like Buffer or Hootsuite can help you plan and schedule your posts in advance.

7. The Final Check: Eyes On, Brain Engaged

Before you hit that 'post' button, take one last look at everything. This is your chance to catch any last-minute errors or typos.

• Read Your Caption Out Loud: This can help you catch awkward phrasing or grammatical errors.
• Check Your Hashtags: Make sure they're all relevant and spelled correctly.
• Preview Your Post: See how it will look on your feed.

8. Engagement Strategy: Get Ready to Mingle

Posting is just the beginning. Once your photo or video is live, it’s important to engage with your audience. Respond to comments, answer questions, and show some love to your followers.

• Set Aside Time: Dedicate a few minutes each day to engage with your audience.
• Be Authentic: Respond to comments in a genuine and personal way.
• Join the Conversation: Participate in relevant discussions and communities.

9. Backup Plan: Because the Internet is Forever

Before you hit 'post,' consider making a backup of your photo or video. You never know when you might need it again.

• Save to Multiple Locations: Cloud storage, external hard drive, you name it.
• Keep Originals: Don't just save the edited version; keep the original too.

10. Double-Check Privacy Settings: Who Should See This?

This might seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. Make sure your privacy settings are configured correctly before posting.

• Public vs. Private: Decide who you want to see your content.
• Location Services: Be mindful of sharing your location.

Real-World Examples: Putting It All Together

Let’s look at a couple of hypothetical scenarios to see how this checklist works in practice.

Example 1: Travel Photo

Scenario: You’re on vacation and want to share a photo of a stunning sunset.

1. Content Review: Is the photo visually appealing and representative of your travel experience?
2. Editing Magic: Adjust the lighting and colors to enhance the sunset.
3. Crafting the Perfect Caption: "Chasing sunsets in paradise! 🌅 What’s your favorite travel destination? #travel #sunset #paradise"
4. Hashtag Harmony: #travelphotography #vacation #beach #wanderlust
5. Audience Consideration: Tailor the caption to appeal to travel enthusiasts.
6. Scheduling Savvy: Post during peak engagement times for your travel-loving followers.
7. The Final Check: Ensure there are no typos and the photo looks great on your feed.
8. Engagement Strategy: Respond to comments about travel destinations.
9. Backup Plan: Save the photo to your cloud storage.
10. Double-Check Privacy Settings: Ensure your post is public so everyone can see it.

Example 2: Cooking Video

Scenario: You’re sharing a video of a delicious recipe you just made.

1. Content Review: Is the video clear, well-lit, and easy to follow?
2. Editing Magic: Stabilize the footage and add text overlays with the recipe steps.
3. Crafting the Perfect Caption: "Just whipped up this amazing pasta dish! 🍝 Get the recipe below 👇 #cooking #pasta #recipe"
4. Hashtag Harmony: #foodie #homemade #delicious #easyrecipe
5. Audience Consideration: Tailor the caption to appeal to food lovers.
6. Scheduling Savvy: Post around dinnertime for maximum engagement.
7. The Final Check: Ensure the video and caption are error-free.
8. Engagement Strategy: Answer questions about the recipe and cooking tips.
9. Backup Plan: Save the video to your hard drive.
10. Double-Check Privacy Settings: Ensure your post is public.

Tools and Apps I Swear By

Okay, so we’ve covered the checklist. Now, let’s talk tools! These are some of my go-to apps for prepping content:

• VSCO: For photo editing and filters.
• Lightroom Mobile: For more advanced photo editing.
• InShot: For video editing on your phone.
• Canva: For creating eye-catching graphics and templates.
• Buffer/Hootsuite: For scheduling posts and analyzing analytics.

Final Thoughts: It's All About Intentionality

Alright, guys, that’s the lowdown on what I usually do before posting a photo or video on social media. It might seem like a lot, but once you get into the habit, it becomes second nature. The key takeaway here is intentionality. By putting in a little extra effort upfront, you can create content that resonates with your audience and helps you achieve your social media goals.

So, next time you're about to share something, run through this checklist. You might be surprised at the difference it makes!