Reposts and quotes turn a post into a recommendation to third parties. For that, the reader must be able to picture whom they would send it to. Likes are the smallest gesture; bookmarks reveal that something is needed.

The four reactions say different things about a post, and the path to them is the same: the post must give the reader something they want to keep or pass on.

Step 1 of 4

Decide which reaction the post deserves

A post cannot do everything. A like goes to what pleases and is quick to grasp. Reposts and quotes go to what the reader wants to make their own: a clear opinion, a rule, a result. Bookmarks go to what one will need later: lists, instructions, reference figures.

For each post, decide in advance which reaction you hope for, and build the post around it.

ChecklistStep 01

For each post, the desired reaction is set.
Posts that get saved contain lists, steps or numbers.
Posts that get shared contain a clear statement.

Step 2 of 4

A statement you can summarise in one sentence

Anyone who reposts a post must be able to explain it in one sentence. If you have a rule, write the rule down. If you have an observation, write the result first.

Quotes often arise when a post leaves something open that people can agree with, add to or dispute. A post with a point of view is more likely to be quoted than one that contradicts no one.

ChecklistStep 02

The statement can be summarised in one sentence.
The post takes a position that you can justify.

Charts that present statements and figures clearly are designed and produced Social Rocket monthly for X.X offer from Social Rocket

Step 3 of 4

Backing up what you claim

A post that gets shared carries the reputation of the person sharing it. They will only share it if they can rely on it. Name the source, show the calculation, attach a screenshot.

Figures from your own practice are allowed if you say where they come from. Without a source you lose readers who check.

ChecklistStep 03

Every figure has a named source.
Evidence is attached as an image or link.

Step 4 of 4

Use occasions

Posts about events people are already talking about are more likely to be shared when they offer a perspective others don't have. That can be a change in legislation, an industry announcement or a date.

For longer-lasting content (checklists, comparisons), a thread is worthwhile. Pin it so it can still be found later.

ChecklistStep 04

A calendar of occasions relevant to your industry is in place.
A thread with lasting value is pinned.

What the content plan looks like after four weeks

After four weeks, you have:

An orderPosts scheduled according to the reactions they deserve.
A sourcing practiceFigures with sources, statements with evidence.
A pinned threadContent that profile visitors can save.

Frequently asked questions

Should I ask for reposts?

Occasionally, when the post is worth it. Asking every time comes across as pushy.

When is it worth quoting someone?

When you can add something to someone else's post. A quote without your own thought gives readers nothing that a repost doesn't already give them.

Agency · X

Graphics for clear statements

Social Rocket designs headers and profile pictures and produces graphics and short videos each month for X that show statements and figures clearly, with your approval before publication.

To the X offer

SREditorial team Social Rocket. This guide was written by our editors and is reviewed regularly. It contains no links to providers that sell followers, likes or views.