Putting the Social Back into Social Media
If you’ve been on social media for any amount of time, you’ve probably heard the advice: post consistently. And sure, consistency matters. It keeps your audience engaged, builds brand recognition, and tells the algorithm you’re here to play. But there’s one crucial piece that too many businesses overlook: social media is supposed to be social.
If you’re just posting and ghosting, you’re missing out on the magic of what makes these platforms so powerful—connection. Your audience isn’t just a set of numbers in your insights; they’re real people looking to engage, interact, and build relationships with brands they trust.
The Engagement Equation: It’s Not Just About You
Think of social media as a dinner party. You wouldn’t just walk into a room, shout about your latest offer, and walk away, right? You’d ask questions, listen, laugh, and contribute to the conversation. The same principle applies to your online presence.
Here’s what happens when you prioritize engagement:
The Algorithm Loves It – Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok reward interaction. The more conversations you spark, the more your content gets pushed to new audiences.
You Build a Loyal Community – People want to support businesses that see them, hear them, and make them feel valued. Responding to comments, answering DMs, and engaging with your followers’ content fosters that loyalty.
Higher Conversions & Sales – A community that trusts you is a community that buys from you. When people feel connected, they’re more likely to invest in your products or services.
How to Actually Engage Like a Pro
So, how do you actually show up for your audience? Here are a few simple but effective ways to put the “social” back into social media:
Reply to Comments and DMs – Don’t just “like” a comment—respond with a genuine reply! Ask a follow-up question, share a thought, or simply thank them for engaging.
Start Conversations – Use interactive features like polls, Q&As, and stickers in stories. Your audience wants to feel included, so give them a reason to chime in.
Engage with Other Accounts – Take five minutes a day to comment on posts from your followers, potential clients, and industry peers. Being part of the conversation helps build visibility and trust.
Show Your Personality – People connect with people (more on this in a later blog), not faceless brands. Share behind-the-scenes moments, personal stories, and even a little humour to make your content more relatable.
Celebrate Your Community – Feature user-generated content, highlight customer testimonials, and give shoutouts to people who support your brand. Recognition goes a long way!
Social Media is a Two-Way Street
The brands that win on social media aren’t just the ones who post great content—they’re the ones who make their audience feel like they matter. If you want to grow your presence, increase engagement, and actually enjoy social media, start by prioritizing relationships over reach.
So next time you hit "post," don’t just walk away—stick around, start conversations, and be social. Your community (and your business) will thank you for it.
