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Let’s talk about something we all want more of on social media (and no, it’s not just money, although, wouldn’t that be nice?): engagement.
If you’re running a business on social media, you’ve probably heard this term tossed around like confetti at a wedding, but what does it actually mean? Simply put, engagement is the likes, comments, shares, and overall interactions your posts get. More engagement means more people are paying attention, and that’s exactly what we want.
Now, if you’re anything like me, juggling 15 things at once (the husband, the kids, the business, and trying to remember if you turned off the stove), you don’t have time for strategies that take weeks to kick in. We need results, and we need them now. So today, I’m sharing three ways you can boost your engagement rate this week—yes, this week—without needing a marketing degree or 10 extra hours in your day.
Boost #1: Ask Questions—And Actually Care About the Answers
Here’s a little secret: people love talking about themselves. I mean, who doesn’t? So, if you’re struggling to get folks to interact with your posts, start by asking questions. And no, not the basic “How’s your day going?” type of questions. We need to spice it up a bit!
Think about questions that are relevant to your audience. Let’s say you run a local bakery (and if you do, can I come over for a cupcake?). Instead of asking something like, “Do you like chocolate or vanilla better?”—which, by the way, is still a valid question—try something more engaging, like: “If you could create your dream cupcake flavor, what would it be?” You might be surprised at the responses you get, and the beauty is that it opens up conversations, which is exactly what engagement is all about.
Why it works: People feel valued when you ask for their opinions, and they’re more likely to engage with you if they feel like their input matters. Plus, it gives you valuable insight into your audience’s preferences. Win-win!
Pro Tip: Once you ask the question, make sure to respond to the answers. No ghosting your followers! Engage in the conversation, and watch your engagement rate rise faster than my blood pressure 📈 when I see the laundry pile. 🧺
Boost #2: Engage with Others (a.k.a. Be Social on Social Media)
One of the biggest mistakes people make on social media is treating it like a one-way street. You post, you wait, and…nothing. But here’s the thing: social media is called social for a reason! If you’re not engaging with others, you can’t expect them to engage with you.
Think of it like a party—no one likes that person who stands in the corner, waiting for people to come talk to them. You’ve got to get in there, mingle a bit, and show some love!
Start by interacting with other people’s posts. Leave meaningful comments (no one-word stuff like “Nice!” or “Cool!”—we’re better than that). Respond to stories, like posts, and share content that resonates with you. If you’re part of a community, whether it’s a Facebook group, Instagram niche, or Twitter thread, be active in it. Engage in the conversations already happening.
It’s not just about your page; it’s about being part of a broader conversation.
Why it works: When you engage with others, especially your target audience or those in your industry, they’re more likely to notice you and return the favor. Plus, it’s just good online etiquette. You’ll build relationships, and in turn, those relationships often lead to more interaction with your content.
Pro Tip: Start your engagement with people who are already following you or interacting with your content. Show them that you see them, and they’ll be more inclined to keep engaging. Think of it as paying it forward—engagement leads to more engagement!
Boost #3: Show Your Face and Keep It Real
Okay, let’s get personal. People want to connect with people, not just brands. One of the best ways to increase engagement is to show your face and let your audience get to know the person behind the business. Whether it’s an Instagram story, a live video, or just a simple selfie with a casual caption, humanizing your brand will bring in more interaction.
I know, I know. You might be thinking, “But I’m not a selfie person!” Trust me, I get it. But we’re not talking about a glam photoshoot here. The key is to be real. Your audience doesn’t expect you to be perfect (thank goodness, right?). They want to see the behind-the-scenes, the messy parts, and the real-life moments. So, if you’re a hairstylist, show the messy hair days too. If you’re a small business owner trying to keep it all together, share a funny moment where things didn’t go as planned.
Why it works: People love to support businesses they feel connected to, and showing your face helps create that connection. Plus, posts with faces statistically get more engagement. It’s science, y’all!
Pro Tip: Don’t overthink it. Just be you. The beauty of social media is that it’s meant to be social, so embrace the imperfections and have fun with it. And if all else fails, throw in a cute pet or a funny story—works like a charm every time!
So there you have it—three simple ways to boost your engagement this week. Whether you’re asking questions, engaging with others, or showing off your fabulous self, these strategies will get your audience talking and interacting with you in no time.
Remember, social media doesn’t have to feel like pulling teeth. (I mean, unless you’re a dentist, in which case, go for it! 😉) It’s about building connections, having fun, and staying authentic. Give these tips a try, and let me know how they work for you—I’ll be right here, cheering you on every step of the way!
Got more questions? Drop them in the comments below, or better yet, slide into my DMs (not like that, though—keep it professional).
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