4 Tips For Boosting Social Engagement
You finally did it – you took a deep dive into those uncharted social media waters. You have started your brand's social media accounts, got some creative copy, and now you’re sharing your vision and services for the whole world to see.
You’ve prepped and planned, and you’re ready for the thousands of followers to flood in! But… they just aren’t – yet.
While you could just cross your fingers and hope that your followers just start spontaneously getting chatty, chances are, they may need a little encouragement.
Luckily, there are plenty of tricks of the trade to boost that engagement and get this virtual party bumpin’.
Improving social media engagement is at the top of the to-do list for most companies, marketers, and influencers—after all, you can never have a big enough following.
Social media management and social media marketing are not one and the same. This blog post is specific to organic growth in social media management, and how to boost your accounts when things seem to be falling flat.
So! If you’re ready to learn how to boost your social engagement, grab your coffee and a notebook, and let’s get right down to it.
1. Consistency and Storytelling
Organic growth is like dating. Think of the steps you take when looking for a partner. You don’t immediately walk up to a stranger and propose – you introduce yourselves, and find common interests.
The same goes for gaining followers organically. You do this by consistently telling a captivating story that means something to someone. When you are constantly showing up for your audience, they will show up for you too.
It’s hard to get people engaged if you don’t actually know who you’re talking to.
The sort of language, tone, and resources that resonate are likely going to be different for a skateboarding company versus a gardening supply shop.
Your posts should add value to your audience’s lives – sharing tips and tricks, free advice and resources, and insights on new deals and opportunities. I like to say your posts should be 20% sales, and 80% helpful and intriguing content for your audience. You need to give them a reason to stick around!
2. Interact Within Your Community
Another impactful way to boost your social engagement is by interacting with other users in your industry. This could be your local community or the online community in which your industry lies.
For example, if you’re a wedding photographer, it’s vital you follow and interact with other wedding vendors in your area – wedding coordinators, wedding venues, bridal boutiques, etc.. Interact with their posts – like, comment, and share!
Since you are all likely to work together, build up those connections and show your support – they will likely do the same for you. There is also great value in tagging other users, as well as tagging your location. Let’s say you post a photo of a bride and groom at sunset. If you tag the wedding venue, the dress boutique, the food vendor, the florist, the make-up artist, and so on; now your photo is in all of those account’s tagged photos! Not only are you showing support for the businesses within your community, but you are getting your business’ name out there as well.
Maybe you’re a business coach, or a nutritionist, or an HVAC company. There is still value in interacting with others online!
Search for a hashtag within your industry. Maybe it’s #smallbusinessowners. Hundreds of thousands of pictures will pop up in front of you. Like and comment on those who seem like potential leads! It could be something as simple as applauding their work, or maybe even an offer to collaborate. The more your account is actively interacting with others, the more you will get noticed.
3. Plug Your Social Wherever You Can
This may seem counterintuitive, but we often forget to share about our social media accounts! Once you’ve got those business pages up, make a post on your personal accounts letting your followers know you’ve got this business. Put your social handles on your business card, in your email signature, and even on product packaging. Invite your colleagues to like your Facebook page. Make sure you have hyperlinked social icons on your website. With everything you do, subtly (or not so subtly!) point back to your social pages.
4. Try Doing a Give-Away
I’ve seen this tactic help so many of our clients gain growth on their social accounts. Especially with the holidays coming up, giveaways are a great tool to expedite social growth.
Whether you are giving away $500 worth of your services, or a $50 Starbucks gift card, offering up a hot button item can increase engagement exponentially. Typical giveaway rules require the audience to like and share the post, follow the account, and tag three friends in the comments. Users will tag their friends, and their friends will tag more friends, and the cycle goes on. Your followers will increase quickly, along with your brand awareness.
Conclusion:
For modern brands with an online presence, strong social media engagement is a sign that you’re making an impact in the market. It’s not just about looking popular: it’s about making meaningful connections with current and future customers, which will serve to boost your brand (and ROI) both on and offline.
Too busy to post regularly for your business? That’s where NOAH: Social Media Management can step in 😎
