When businesses create a social media page, they may believe the hard part is over. Actually, it is just beginning. Once a social media page is created, the real work of increasing social media engagement begins.
Use Images. One thing we have learned over and over again at Poole Communications is that social media users like images. A post containing a photo or image will be seen by more users than one that does not. Post a photo to your Facebook or Twitter page, and you may be surprised to see how many more people respond to your post. We are becoming a visual society. A picture or video is always more likely to catch the eye than just text. Free picture-sharing sites such as Pixabay and Pexels make it easy to find stock photos to make your posts appealing to the eye.
Live Video is another way to rapidly increase social media engagement. We would strongly caution businesses to be prepared when doing live video, though. Once you say something “live,” it is out there, and there is no taking it back. Live video definitely has its advantages, though. It gives you an instantaneous connection to your social media followers. You can answer their questions and engage with them. Special events, a product unveiling, or a new food item are all reasons to try a live video. The effects may be far-reaching and last longer than just the minute or two your video goes live.
Get Personal. Another way of increasing social media engagement is to personalize your business page. Give a virtual tour of your office. Introduce your employees using their pictures and a short description of their educational background and job duties. Celebrate work anniversaries with a post. Introduce a new product by having an employee show its uses in a video. Social media is about being “social.” People do still want to feel connected to other people. Introducing your staff adds a personal touch to your social media pages. We have learned from our own experience that it also leads to much higher engagement.
Remember Reviews. Reviews are another way to see your engagement improve on your social media pages. Ask past customers to share their opinions. Invite them to review your business and their experience. This will allow potential customers to learn more about you through the experience of others.
Ask Questions. We have seen an increase in engagement on company pages when a product or gift card is given away. Who doesn’t like free things? If there is information you want to elicit from your social media followers, think about a question that is pertinent to your business when you conduct the giveaway. For example, a restaurant may ask followers what their favorite dish is. This helps them to see what is popular and what new dishes they may want to introduce. While your engagement increases, so will your knowledge base.
Don’t forget there is also power in likes and comments. To see engagement increase, businesses must be involved. Like comments made on your page. Comment back to a potential customer when they ask a question about a product. This is vital to keeping up your engagement and increasing your brand awareness.
Need help managing and keeping up with your social media engagement?
Give us a call at 573-221-3635… or send us an email at info@poolecommunications.com.
