Last updated on May 23, 2024

What are the benefits and challenges of using plain language in social media posts and campaigns?

Plain language is a way of writing and communicating that is clear, concise, and easy to understand. It avoids jargon, ambiguity, and unnecessary complexity. Plain language can help you reach and engage your audience on social media, where attention spans are short and competition is high. But it also comes with some challenges and limitations. In this article, you will learn about the benefits and challenges of using plain language in social media posts and campaigns, and how to overcome them.

1 Why use plain language on social media?

Social media is a powerful tool for connecting with customers, followers, and influencers. It allows you to share your brand story, values, and personality, as well as promote your products, services, and events. To be effective, however, it is essential to communicate clearly and compellingly. Plain language can help you do that by making your message easy to read and understand, reducing confusion and misunderstanding, building trust and credibility, increasing engagement and action, and improving accessibility and inclusivity.

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Dan Wilson

Screenwriter, Novelist, Game Writer, NFT Lore Writer, and Escape Room Designer
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Iâ€™m a logophile <â€” case closed. That is not a common word. (Means lover of words BTW) Why use that? Everything is global nowadays. What an amazing age we live in. The goal is communication. When I lived in Czechia I quickly learned not to say, â€œhello, excuse me, I donâ€™t mean to bother you, but I left my watch at home, so could you please tell me what time it is?â€ Instead say, â€œwhat time is it, please? (Prosim)â€ Although I wanted to be extra polite and explain my situation, too many words can muddle the message. (Even muddle is a bad choiceâ€¦ wow, itâ€™s hard) Donâ€™t write â€œthe confluence of our cultures will lead to solidarity.â€ Write â€œwe are all one.â€ Or something like that. Bottom line: think global and maximize understanding.

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Amb. Dr Tracey Fletcher

CEO of Zoba's Facilities| Co-founder of Illino Media| Country Chair of G100 SDG Wing| Ambassador of Culture and Human Rights| Forbes BLK Member| Author| Book Editor| I help you turn your written content into a book
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Using plain language is beneficial to campaigns because the audience gets to quickly understand the intent behind the campaign and work with the call-to-action. With plain language, your 'voice' and 'message' is clear, and it leaves no room for confusion or doubt. Leave the flowery words for poetry and be as plain as possible with your campaigns.

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2 What are the challenges of using plain language on social media?

Creating plain language content on social media can be a challenge, as you must adapt to different platforms, formats, and audiences. You need to find the perfect tone and voice for your brand and purpose, while avoiding oversimplification or loss of nuance. Additionally, you must strive for clarity and creativity in your work, while also staying up-to-date with trends and changes.

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3 How to use plain language on social media: 4 tips

Using plain language on social media can be challenging, but following some best practices and guidelines can help. To start, you should be aware of your audience's needs, preferences, and questions. Additionally, use simple words and phrases that are familiar and precise. Short sentences and paragraphs should be used, as well as headings, lists, and emojis to break up the text. Visuals, videos, and audio can also support and enhance your text.

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Sheila Thelen

Vestibular Training Products for: Athletes, Rehabilitation, Military, Autism/Sensory, Aging. International Webinars & Seminars Speaker. (Fly System US Patent: 11,478,395 & Rail System: Patent Pending)
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Almost so easy - your eyes can scan over it (& still read it correctly). This is harder than it sound. I think I read somewhere - at the 7th grade level.

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4 How to test your plain language on social media: 3 tools

To ensure your plain language is effective on social media, you should test it before and after publishing. Readability tools, like Hemingway or Readable, can be used to assess complexity, readability, and grammar. Additionally, analytics tools like Facebook Insights or Twitter Analytics can measure performance, reach, and engagement. Furthermore, feedback tools like polls, surveys, or comments can be used to ask your audience for their opinions, suggestions, and questions.

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5 How to learn more about plain language on social media: 2 resources

If you're interested in plain language and how to use it in various formats and media, you should check out the Plain Language Action and Information Network (PLAIN). This group of federal employees provides guidelines, examples, and training on plain language. Additionally, the Center for Plain Language is a nonprofit organization that promotes clear communication in business and society. They offer awards, certification, and events related to plain language.

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6 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that donâ€™t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Directory

What are the benefits and challenges of using plain language in social media posts and campaigns?

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1 Why use plain language on social media?

2 What are the challenges of using plain language on social media?

3 How to use plain language on social media: 4 tips

4 How to test your plain language on social media: 3 tools

5 How to learn more about plain language on social media: 2 resources

6 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Professional Writing

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