How to Use Social Media as an Aspiring Journalist
Rachel Greenspan, writer and social media strategist
Rachel Greenspan is a former reporter and editor who now works as a social media strategist. She shared some tips for aspiring journalists on how to approach Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and all the other social networks.
What should an aspiring journalist do to make sure their social media doesn't hurt their job search?
Make everything private, and pick one platform to be public-facing. It should probably be Twitter, even still. To be honest, when I was in my final months of college, I deleted my Twitter and started a new one. Unless you have a large following you don't want to lose, I recommend this because it's easier than trawling through old posts to make sure you never said anything dumb. (Not just overtly political, but like... embarrassing!) It's nice to start fresh.
Once they've done that, what should they do so their social media profiles help?
Show your personality and post about the topics you're passionate about. Show editors that there are things, however niche or mainstream, that you're interested in, knowledgeable about, and comfortable speaking on -- just be careful that nothing you're saying is too controversial or political. For example, you can criticize a singer's performance, but don't say you hate them. On more touchy subjects I would tread extremely carefully so as not to trigger concerns of conflicts of interest.
Also, engage heavily with content from the journalists you like.
Which social networks are most important for aspiring journalists to be active on? Any to avoid?
I have only seen folks become successful in part through a social platform when that platform is Twitter. Keep Insta for yourself, keep TikTok for sh*tposting. Don't bother trying to become big on TikTok unless you know that video is what you want to do.
Tips for a good avatar? Banner? Should username be plain or memorable?
Avatar should show what you look like but ideally also show personality in my opinion! Banner... I don't think I have one? Username... go with what feels right for you. I know plenty of successful journalists with strange usernames and plenty more with plain first name/last name combos.
What's the best way to grow your social media followers as an aspiring journalist? Or does that matter?
I don't think it matters at this stage—I think what matters is to find the people whose careers you want to emulate, connect with them if they have opportunities, and get as many clips as you can. (And promote your clips on your social media, of course.) Also, I recommend making other online journalism friends so you can support each other both in private and online!