From Record to Story: Giving Your Discoveries New Life

Diving into genealogy is like opening a treasure chest filled with stories, names, and connections. But how do you share those discoveries with the world? Social media is your golden key! It’s a fantastic way to connect with fellow family historians, professional genealogists, and society board members. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of posting your family history online, don’t worry. I’m here to guide you through the genealogy social media basics with warmth, clarity, and a sprinkle of fun.

Let’s explore how social media can become your best friend in sharing your genealogical journey. Ready? Let’s get started!

Why Genealogy Social Media Basics Matter

Social media isn’t just for selfies and cat videos. For genealogists, it’s a powerful tool to share stories, exchange tips, and grow your network. Understanding the basics helps you avoid common pitfalls and makes your online presence shine.

Here’s why mastering genealogy social media basics is a game-changer:

• Connect with experts and enthusiasts: Join groups and forums where people share records, advice, and encouragement.

• Showcase your research: Share photos, documents, and stories that bring your ancestors to life.

• Grow your audience: Whether you’re a society board member or a professional genealogist, social media helps you reach more people.

• Stay updated: Follow pages and accounts that post about new resources, webinars, and events.

  
  

Think of social media as your digital family reunion spot. The more you know about how it works, the more fun and fruitful your experience will be!

Social media isn’t just about trends—it’s about connection. I’m here for the stories that span generations.

Choosing the Right Platforms for Your Genealogy Journey

Not all social media platforms are created equal, especially when it comes to genealogy. Choosing the right ones can save time and help your stories reach the right people.

Here’s how each platform fits into your genealogy journey:

Facebook

Still the heart of genealogy online. It’s where you’ll find thousands of genealogy and local history groups ready to help you solve mysteries, share photos, and connect with distant relatives. It’s ideal for community building and deeper conversations.

Instagram

Perfect for visual storytelling. Post old photos, heirlooms, and snippets from records that bring your ancestors’ stories to life. Pair each image with a short reflection or discovery and use hashtags like #FamilyHistory and #GenealogyCommunity to reach fellow researchers.

TikTok

Fast, fun, and personal. Use short videos to tell ancestor stories, share quick tips, or reveal surprising family history finds. You don’t need to dance—just be real and curious. TikTok is where personality meets discovery.

LinkedIn

A professional stage for genealogists, historians, and society leaders. Share articles, case studies, and event updates. It’s the place to connect with peers, collaborators, and institutions interested in preserving and promoting history.

Remember, you don’t need to be everywhere. Start with one or two platforms that fit your comfort level and storytelling goals, then expand as you grow.

How to Start Social Media as a Beginner?

Starting social media can feel like stepping into a bustling party where everyone knows each other. But guess what? Everyone was new once! Here’s a simple roadmap to get you going:

Step 1: Set Clear Goals

Ask yourself: What do I want to achieve? Do you want to share your family stories, connect with other genealogists, or promote your society’s events? Clear goals keep your content focused.

Step 2: Create a Profile That Reflects You

Use a friendly photo or logo, write a short bio explaining your genealogy interests, and include a link to your website or blog if you have one.

Step 3: Start Small and Consistent

Post regularly but don’t overwhelm yourself. Even one post a week can build momentum. Share a photo, a fun fact, or a question to spark conversation.

Step 4: Engage with Others

Comment on posts, join groups, and respond to messages. Social media is a two-way street. The more you engage, the more you’ll learn and grow your network.

Step 5: Use Hashtags and Keywords

Hashtags help people find your posts. Use relevant ones like #genealogy, #familyhistory, or #ancestry. But don’t overdo it—3 to 5 hashtags per post is plenty.

Step 6: Keep Learning

Social media trends change fast. Follow genealogy influencers, attend webinars, and read blogs to stay updated.

With so many social media platforms to choose from, it’s important to find the ones where you truly connect with the genealogy community.

Tips for Creating Engaging Genealogy Content

Content is king, but engagement is queen! Here’s how to create posts that your genealogy community will love:

• Tell a Story: Share the journey behind a photo or document. People love stories that connect emotionally.

• Use Visuals: Photos, charts, and maps make your posts pop. They also help explain complex information.

• Ask Questions: Encourage interaction by asking your audience about their experiences or opinions.

• Share Tips and Resources: Help others by posting useful links, how-tos, or book recommendations.

• Celebrate Milestones: Did you break through a brick wall or find a rare record? Share your wins!

• Be Authentic: Your passion and personality make your posts unique. Don’t be afraid to show your excitement or even your challenges.

  
  

Remember, social media is about connection. The more genuine and helpful you are, the more your audience will grow.

Avoiding Common Social Media Mistakes in Genealogy

Even the best genealogists can stumble on social media. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Oversharing Personal Information: Protect your privacy and that of your relatives. Avoid posting sensitive data like birthdates or addresses.

• Ignoring Engagement: Don’t just post and ghost. Respond to comments and messages to build relationships.

• Being Too Formal or Too Casual: Find a friendly, respectful tone that suits your audience.

• Posting Without a Plan: Random posts can confuse followers. Use a simple content calendar to stay organized.

• Neglecting Image Quality: Blurry or hard-to-read images turn people away. Take time to scan or photograph documents clearly.

• Not Giving Credit: Always credit sources or photographers when sharing content that isn’t yours.

  
  

By steering clear of these pitfalls, you’ll create a positive and professional online presence.

Your Next Steps to Social Media Success

Now that you know the genealogy social media basics, it’s time to take action! Start by choosing your platform, setting up your profile, and making your first post. Remember, every expert was once a beginner, and every post is a step forward.

Not getting Genealogy & The Social Sphere in your inbox yet? Each week, it’s filled with social media ideas, inspiration, and tips designed for the genealogy community. To sign up send me an email at jonmarie.pearson@thesimplelivinggenealogist.com and share with me what your biggest struggle with social media is.

Sharing your family history online is more than just posting facts. It’s about creating a community, inspiring others, and keeping your ancestors’ stories alive. So, grab your keyboard, snap some photos, and let’s make genealogy social media a joyful adventure!