Let’s face it, social media, like everything, is changing. The platforms are changing, the features and tools are changing. So naturally, the way that we use it is also changing. At the height of the pandemic social media was a primary source to the outside world. We relied on it for updates from friends and family overseas, information, misinformation, and entertainment.
Businesses had to adapt and get on board with the online world to stay afloat. Lots of businesses ended. And lots of new businesses emerged. We built online communities of female founders and small biz owners, turning passions into professions. And parents learnt how to juggle 74 things whilst writing copy with baby shark blaring in the background.
Now we have the freedom to step outside, visit a store or hold a market stall, the time spent on social media has taken a hit. So if you have noticed your engagement has dropped, don’t worry you’re not alone. It’s because everyone is enjoying the freedom, fresh air and summer vibes.
But nevertheless, we’ve put together some simple social media tips to help you boost your engagement. Before we get started, we want to remind you to enjoy yourself. What works for you today might not work for you tomorrow, so don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun while you’re working it all out.
Simple social media tips to boost your engagement:
Say hello
This is an obvious but important one and one that you’ll need to be consistently reminded of. Introduce yourself, tell your followers who you are, what you do and something interesting about yourself. Did you know I lived in Ecuador for six months with a lady who read my tarot cards and taught me how to make jewellery? Your audience cannot connect with you if they don’t know who you are. So show your face, and create a carousel post with a few candid images of you over the years. Heck, why not make a reel if you’re feeling spontaneous.
Show some love
Do you find yourself scrolling through your social media feed, mindlessly watching videos and reading captions? Well, don’t forget to show some love. Yes, that heart button and like option are there for a reason. A simple tap says hey, I saw this, and I liked it. But don’t stop there. Go one step further and leave a comment. Your name will forever appear in the feed on that post, remaining there for all to see. Everyone that reads that post will see your name and be reminded that you are there too.
Be curious
Ask a question. Start a conversation. Sure emojis are cool, but they leave little room for discussion, so it’s up to you to ask. The better the question, the more engagement to follow. You see where we’re going with this.
Use the force (aka the features)
There are a lot of fun features on each platform, so use them and use them well. If you’re sharing a story on Instagram, remember to use captions so that what you’re saying can be read when it can’t be heard. Include website links, poll and question stickers. The more interactive, the better. If you learn about a new feature, share it with your community. Shout it from the rooftops, let it be known, and the platform you’re using will love you for it.
Support thy fellow human
Robert Ingersoll once said – “We rise by lifting others.” And we couldn’t agree more. So share content from your community, and amplify their voices. If you see something that resonates, share it to your stories and tag them. Don’t forget to credit whose content you’re sharing!
Galvanise your comrades
Don’t just write a lovely caption: Inform, educate, entertain. Inspire change. And always sign off with a call to action. Once you’ve got the reader’s attention, direct it where it’s needed.
“Please share this post to help us spread the word.”
“We want your opinion; head to our stories and check out our poll.”
Above all, at the risk of sounding like a broken record- have fun. If the above isn’t working, take a walk on the wild side… or a stroll around the block for some fresh air and fresh ideas. Do you have a tip you’d like to share with us? Let us know in the comments below.