Having thousands of followers on social media is great, but it means very little if they aren't interested in what you have to say.
What you really want is an audience that's engaged – liking, commenting, sharing, and clicking. That's how you build a community, boost brand awareness, and ultimately drive sales. So how do you get those coveted engaged followers?
Know Your Audience (Really Know Them!)
Before you even think about posting, you need to understand who you're talking to. What are their interests? What are their pain points? What kind of content do they like to see?
There are loads of ways to gather this intel. Check out your analytics to see who's already following you. Look at your competitors' audiences. Use social listening tools to see what people are saying about your industry. The more you know, the better you can tailor your content to resonate.
Create Killer Content
This might seem obvious, but it's worth saying: you need to create content that people actually want to see. And "want" is the operative word here. Nobody wants to be bombarded with sales pitches all the time.
Think about what your audience finds valuable. This could be:
Entertaining content: Humorous posts, memes, or quirky videos.
Educational content: Tutorials, how-to guides, or informative articles.
Inspiring content: Quotes, stories, or behind-the-scenes glimpses.
Interactive content: Polls, quizzes, Q&As, or challenges.
Don't be afraid to experiment and see what works best for your brand.
Be Social (It's Called Social Media for a Reason!)
Social media is a two-way street. It's not just about broadcasting your message; it's about building relationships. Engage with your followers! Respond to comments, answer questions, and participate in relevant conversations.
Show your audience that you're listening and that you care. A little bit of interaction can go a long way in building loyalty and fostering a sense of community.
Find Your Voice
People connect with authenticity. Don't try to be something you're not. Let your brand personality shine through in your social media presence.
Are you playful and humorous? Serious and professional? Down-to-earth and relatable?
Whatever your vibe, be consistent and genuine. People will appreciate it, and it will help you stand out from the crowd.
Use Visuals
It's fair to say most people's attention spans are reducing, so visuals are key. Use high-quality images and videos to grab attention and make your content more engaging.
Think eye-catching photos, cinematic videos, and even animated GIFs. Visuals can help you tell a story, convey emotion, and make your content more memorable.
Embrace the Power of Storytelling
People love stories. Use your social media platform to tell your brand story, share customer testimonials, or highlight employee experiences.
Storytelling helps you connect with your audience on an emotional level and build a stronger connection. It makes your brand more relatable and human.
Don't Neglect the "Social" Part of Social Media
Social media is all about connecting with others. Engage with other users, participate in industry conversations, and build relationships with influencers.
The more you interact with others, the more visibility you'll get for your brand. It's a great way to learn from others and stay up-to-date on the latest trends.
Run Contests and Giveaways
Running contests and giveaways is a fantastic way to generate excitement, boost engagement, and attract new followers.
Make sure the prize is relevant to your audience and promotes your brand in some way. And don't forget to promote your contest across all your social media channels.
Be Consistent
Consistency is key on social media. Develop a content calendar and stick to a regular posting schedule. This helps you stay top-of-mind with your audience and keeps them coming back for more.
But don't just post for the sake of posting. Make sure your content is high-quality and relevant to your audience.
Track Your Results and Adapt
It's important to track your social media performance and see what's working and what's not. Use analytics tools to monitor your engagement, reach, and follower growth.
Pay attention to which types of content perform best and adjust your strategy accordingly. The more you analyse and adapt, the better your results will be.
If you're looking for help with your social media strategy, don't hesitate to get in touch with Childsey for a chat. We'd love to help you build an engaged and thriving community online!