5 Tips for Getting More Engagement on Each Social Media Platform
Do you ever get discouraged when you post something to your social media account and all that happens is crickets? If so, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Every day businesses big and small struggle with the task of getting more engagement on their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other platforms—and yet somehow a few have cracked the code.
Let’s take a look at some powerful strategies for improving audience engagement on your various social media platforms. They’re easy to implement, and many of the concepts carry over in some variation from platform to platform.
1. Use high-quality images in your posts
People are visual. They like to see images and graphics rather than plain text. Having a visually appealing image with every post will get them to stop scrolling and pay attention.
2. Write interesting and engaging copy
That said, your copy is still important. Make it something they want to read—be conversational and try to sound like what your brand would say if it were a person.
3. Share valuable content that your audience will appreciate
It’s tempting to just post as much content as possible, just for the sake of getting something out there. Remember, however, that value is important. You want to give people a reason to keep coming back to your page.
4. Target your posts to the right audience
People on social media want to feel as if the content they see is specifically catered to them. Make sure your graphics and your copy appeal to the type of person who is your ideal customer.
5. Experiment with different types of content
Don’t be afraid to try new things. Maybe photos work really well, but a video would work even better. Facebook (and social media in general) is all about experimenting and seeing what performs best.
1. Tweet interesting content that people will want to share
The first rule is to always make sure your tweet is something people want to read—and may even want to pass along to their followers as well.
2. Use images and videos to break up your text and add visual interest
Twitter is primarily about text, but including a photo or video (or even a GIF) will help your tweet stand out from the rest of the feed.
3. Reply to other users' tweets, especially if they mention you
If you want engagement, you have to give engagement. Don’t be shy. Interact with people who have similar interests so they will be more likely to interact with you in return.
4. Use keyword targeting in your advertising
Keyword targeting puts you in front of those who matter the most to help drive more engagements and increase conversions.
5. Follow other users who might be interested in what you have to say, and retweet their content occasionally
Again, to get engagement, you have to engage with others!
1. Use creative and interesting captions
Sure, people are on Instagram to see pictures, but captions provide context and further information for the images you’re sharing.
2. Post regularly and at the same time each day
Instagram is a platform where consistency matters. Posting regularly will show your audience you’re reliable—and it might help the algorithm treat you more favorably.
3. Use relevant keywords in captions
The algorithm that Instagram uses places more emphasis on identifying relevant keywords in captions. Make sure you are being descriptive to help your audience find your content.
4. Take advantage of Instagram Story
Stories are posts that disappear after 24 hours. They are another great way to share content, and because they are only temporary, they feel less formal, so you can get away with content that’s time sensitive or maybe more spontaneously created.
5. Connect with other users and brands
As with Twitter, Instagram is all about being social with people who share your interests. Engage with others if you want them to engage with you!
1. Use a profile picture that is professional and recent
Sure, LinkedIn isn’t exactly Instagram, where everything is all about aesthetics. But having a polished headshot to go with your profile will project an air of professionalism.
2. Customize your public profile URL to make it easy to remember
When you have a customized URL, it’s easier for you to tell people where to find you—and for them to look you up later.
3. Write a strong headline and summary that showcases your skills and experience
Give people what they need to know right away, upfront, as succinctly and concisely as possible. If they’re interested, they can read your profile in more detail.
4. Share articles, insights, and other content that is relevant to your network
Show people that you are staying informed about topics that are important to your industry by sharing relevant content, even if it’s not something that you created.
5. Connect with other professionals in your field and join groups where you can share ideas and learn from others
LinkedIn has plenty of groups where you can network and connect—something that’s useful for finding business connections that aren’t part of your in-real-life orbit. Think of them as digital networking mixers, because that’s pretty much what they are.
In General (The Least You Need to Know)
If you want to get more engagement on your social media platforms, start by posting high-quality content that is relevant to your audience. Be consistent with how often you post, and make sure to interact with users who are interested in what you do. By following these tips, you should see an increase in engagement and reach on all of your social media platforms.