Follower count is SO 2018. Now, we want engagement. No, not the kind where someone gets down on bended knee with a bright, brilliant diamond ring (as much as we love that). In social media terms, engagement is “an umbrella term for actions that reflect and measure how much your audience interacts with your content.” That can mean comments, likes, shares, mentions, direct messages, and link-clicks. Engagement essentially proves that your followers are interested in what you have to offer. Your engagement rate also illustrates how well you’re catering your content to your target audience. Therefore, it’s a “better” measurement of potential success (i.e. sales).

If an account has a million followers but only a few hundred likes per post, chances are they bought their followers (or the majority of them are bots). But, if a brand has a few thousand followers with the same likes per post, your engagement ratio looks much more legit.

So, how does one work on boosting their social media engagement? Here are 10 proven strategies to make it happen:

1. Make your content literally engaging.

Posting a pretty picture is fine, but what’s the point? With each piece of content you publish, you have to ask yourself Why am I posting this? What purpose is it serving? What value are you providing for your followers? Give your social media a CTA (call to action) to get your followers to do something! In Instagram Stories and Facebook posts, include direct links to your online shop or email subscription form. Here are some quick examples of calls to action:

• Click the link in bio

• Share this post with your best friend

• Like and follow for a chance to win

• Tell us your favorite {insert brand} product

2. Engage with your audience.

It’s one thing for your followers to comment on your social media page, but do you continue the conversation? Let your customers know they’re heard by responding to questions, liking comments, and addressing any concerns they might have. Your followers don’t want to be talking to a brick wall. Remember, engagement is a 2-way street.

3. Get re-inspired by your top-performing content.

When you’re analyzing your social media stats, pay attention to the type of content that gets high engagement. What’s so special about these posts and what do they have in common? Try to recreate the magic of your high-performing content in future posts.

4. Be present across platforms.

Sure, Instagram may be the most logical or popular for your brand’s social media marketing, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t be on other social media platforms, too. You could be missing out on niche audiences and potential customers! Some platforms are more engaging than others, and each requires a unique kind of content to be successful. Have you ever seen the comments section of a viral TikTok? Sometimes the comments are even more engaging than the video itself. Check out our blog about how to figure out which social media platforms are best for your brand.

5. Partner with brands and influencers.

Collaborating with other social media accounts is a great way to build your brand awareness and leverage your partner’s audience. It’s a good idea to work with a brand or influencer at least tangentially related to yours so that your audiences connect or overlap in some way. Be sure to pick an a partner that already hosts high engagement ... or you won't be gaining much from this partnership. Don't be dazzled by a follower count; look at their engagement rate.

6. Be consistent.

If you only post on your social media once in a blue moon, your audience might forget about you. Staying active and strategic (i.e. posting at the best time each day, the most effective number of posts per day, etc.) in your social media management will not only boost engagement, but also attract new followers. Do you like talking to people who are flaky and rarely text back? Yeah - your followers feel the same way about people who post once every 4 weeks. Why engage? They know it won't lead to community.

7. Be a storyteller.

Marketing is so much more than just telling people why they should buy from your brand. The best marketers know that it’s about telling a story. Who is your customer? What is their journey? How does your brand make them feel? Stories breed connection, relatability, and inspiration. They also help build deeper, more meaningful relationships with your audience. If you connect with stories, your followers will want to connect in the comments section.

8. Host a giveaway.

Creating a contest is a relatively easy way to gain followers, boost engagement, and build brand awareness (all while rewarding your audience for supporting you). Post a giveaway where the winner receives exclusive products or services from your brand. Make the entry requirements something along the lines of, “like this post and tag 3 of your friends below.” But remember - giveaways can come at a cost. You may end up flooding your profile with followers who don't care about you and your services and end up never engaging past the giveaway post - which can in turn HURT your engagement.

9. Embrace video content.

It’s 2023 and video content is where it’s at. Whether you’re on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, short and engaging videos can serve as branded commercials, behind-the-scenes looks, how-to clips, and more. Not only is video more memorable than still content, they generate around 1,200% more shares than text or still images combined. Like we said earlier, the comment section on TikTok is one of the most engaged places on social media.

10. Share authentic content.

The more you show the real you, the more your followers will trust your brand. User-generated content, product tutorials, customer reviews, before and afters, behind-the-scenes clips, and sharing your brand history are all examples of how you can show off all that your brand is in a way that is honest, captivating, and real. When you meet someone new in real life, what makes you open up to them? Usually - it's when they decide to open up to you. Consider that the same is true on social media when it comes to engagement.

Some food for thought … Pay attention to how you interact with your personal social media platforms. What kinds of content catch your eye and make you want to learn more? Don’t discredit your own consumer experiences as research for your brand’s social strategy.

Need help in the engagement department? While we can’t get him to propose, we CAN amplify your social media marketing. Schedule a discovery call with Media À La Carte to learn more.