How to Write Interesting Status Updates for Facebook

Be honest. Most people like it when others make comments on their status updates on social networking sites like facebook. Do your status updates get your friends and family talking? This article provides some helpful suggestions for making your status updates stand out and generate conversation.

Things You'll Need

• Computer or Web enabled Mobile device
• Internet Connection

Instructions

1. Make your status updates short and to the point.

   Everyday, more friends and family are joining this new internet phenomenon and it is not uncommon for users to have over 100 friends. Long winded text can often get lost on home pages between updates about Aunt Sara's cat and requests from that kid you sat next to in Bio to join their mafia. Short and eye catching updates are more likely to get noticed.

2. Let your personality come out.

   Do you love music? Quoting part of a song lyric to express how you are feeling almost always gets a response. People love to show they are "hip" enough to identify a song or post the next verse. Are you known for your sense of humor? Don't be afraid to use it in your status updates.

3. Pose a Question.

   A question is a natural conversation starter. It invites a response and encourages those who may not know you that well to respond.

4. Share how you are really feeling.

   Some people present a less than genuine persona through these social networking sites. Don't be afraid to be human. If you are having a crappy day, say so. I think raw and honest emotion always interests people. It is also a great way to get some encouragement when you really need it.

5. Be careful not to overshare.

   The rules for social networking online are similar to the ones in everyday conversation. There are certain acceptable boundaries one should always keep in mind. If you are not sure you would say it out loud to your friends, don't type it.

6. Keep your audience wanting more.

   Once again, less is more. If you are updating your status hourly, people are likely to tune you out, especially if these updates are along the lines of "Cathy is brushing her teeth" or "Billy is going to take out the trash now".

   Facebook can be a lot of fun and a great way to start conversations and reach out to many people you would not normally get to "hang out" with at the same time. Make your status updates entertaining, engaging and genuine and you will really see some great conversations and banter between the many different people in your life.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to post status updates at "high traffic" times for your friends. For my circle of friends, this is usually in the evening and during the week.

• Limit other postings like "Pick 5s" and quiz results to only 1 or 2 a day so your status updates do not get buried in your other activity

• While Quiz Results and "Pick 5s" can get annoying, they are also great conversation starters so posting the interesting ones is still a good idea.

• Always take time to comment or "like" your friend's status updates. Friends are more likely to offer you their thoughts on what's on your mind if you wrote an encouraging note to them the day before.

• Facebook is extremely addictive, no matter your age, so try to set time limits for yourself whenever possible.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish