7 Ways to Boost Engagement on Social Media

2023 is the year of social media. Why? Social media channels are ever-evolving, and current shifts across various platforms (hello, Twitter) mean there’s room for everyone to take advantage of new tools and a new audience. With over two-thirds of the US population using at least one social media account monthly, businesses not utilizing this mostly-free advertising are missing out.

But it can sometimes be hard to assess your return on the investment you do make, whether that be money or time. Engagement, which accounts for how much time your audience spends interacting with your page and content, is one of the most reliable parameters when gauging a healthy online presence. If yours could use a boost, here are seven ways to attract more attention to your posts.

1. Learn about your audience 

To reach your audience successfully, know who it is you’re speaking to. Researching follower demographics is helpful when planning content, especially if your business is location-specific.

2. Respond promptly to messages and comments

According to a Hub Spot survey, 79% of consumers expect a response within 24 hours or less. That can be tough for business owners juggling multiple roles, so consider designating a trustworthy employee to oversee your inboxes. Outsourcing your social media also ensure that all messages, comments, and reviews are acknowledged and responded to quickly and professionally.

3. Remain authentic 

Accounts gain followers because people are interested in knowing more about their business and brand. They also love hearing about the backstory of a company, or a look behind the scenes at development or production. In a sea of generic social media posts, it’s easy to spot inauthenticity. Stay true to your core values and use opportunities to speak to your audience. It doesn’t need to be perfect, but it does need to feel real.

4. Stay on brand

Consistent branding is essential. Keep colors, fonts, logos, and messaging cohesive. Your content should be distinguishable when scrolling through newsfeeds. Recognizable content encourages users to like, comment, or engage in some way.

5. Utilize stories and reels 

The more people viewing your content, the higher engagement will be. And right now, two of the biggest platforms (Instagram and Facebook) are all about videos. Snip-its of about 15-30 seconds are favored by algorithms and can help extend your organic reach. Even better? Try going live! These authentic, unedited segments appeal to viewers and draw in new followers.

6. Use relevant hashtags

Did you know posts with hashtags get double the amount of engagement as those without them? This easy add-on is a must-have every time you post. Create hashtags that are brand-specific, but also include those that are trending, like #love, currently holding the top spot for popularity on Instagram.

7. Sponsor a contest or giveaway

Everyone loves a freebie, and holding a contest or giveaway is a sure way to build momentum. Look at samples of other companies that utilize this tool for inspiration. Maybe you offer a free product or service when your page reaches a certain number of followers, or ask your audience to tag a friend in the comments for the chance to win a prize. Most importantly, remember to share the winner(s) in your newsfeed and stories!

Boosting engagement is a sure way to increase your visibility, brand awareness, and in the long run, your net profit. Try incorporating some of these strategies into your content planning, and let us know what’s working! You can also reach us at alison@officiallysocial.com anytime with questions.


By Alison Lukin April 29, 2025
The “Sweet Spot” of Social Media Scheduling If you wander down a rabbit hole of wondering how much you should be posting and when, you’re not alone. It seems like every day someone is giving new advice, making navigating the algorithms of each social media channel feel like a full-time job. And who has time for that? (except for us, of course!) Contrary to what some might say, posting is more an art than a science. If you post too infrequently, you’ll be forgotten. But post too much, and you may feel like you’re annoying your audience. The struggle is real. So, how do you find that perfect balance of keeping your audience engaged without overwhelming them? Here’s how to find the “sweet spot” and tailor your content creation to it. Create a schedule (and stick to it): Social media algorithms are designed to favor consistency. When you post sporadically, your content has a higher chance of getting buried. It’s important to gauge analytics to see when your audience is most active, but the most important factor is regular weekly (or daily) posting. When you’re connected with your audience at the right times, it helps keep messaging clear and impactful. Instead of scrambling for content at the last minute, you’ll deliver purposeful, creative messaging. Maintain Consistency: There’s an unspoken cadence of trust between businesses and their followers on social media. When people become accustomed to your content schedule, they’re more likely to engage in what you share. Try implementing frequent themes such as “Testimonials” or “Mid-Week Check-Ins” to create anticipation and loyalty. Bulk Create Content: Coming up with new things to post daily leads to burnout. Instead, bulk create a group of posts at a time and either save them or use a tool like Buffer or Hootsuite to schedule them in advance and help keep you on track. Social media is a marathon, not a sprint; planning in advance and having a bank of ideas to pull from allows you to maintain a steady rhythm when life gets hectic. Share More Stories: The easiest way to get the greatest return on your time is sharing to stories as frequently as possible. This can be done in real time or by using a content calendar. The algorithms, particularly Instagram, favors accounts that utilize stories and reels; it’s a must for more reach and engagement. Try utilizing extra features like taking a poll or adding music. It’s ok to experiment and get creative! Unfortunately, there’s no manual for finding your exact sweet spot. But if you understand your audience, deliver consistent content and value, and accept feedback from followers, you’ll start seeing improved results for your effort. isn’t about following a rigid formula. Start with a plan, watch your analytics, and be willing to adjust as you grow. As always, we’re here to answer questions or help manage your social channels. Email alison@officiallysocial.com anytime!
By Jamie Johnson March 28, 2025
One of the biggest questions we hear from business owners is how they can grow their social media quickly. Many have been led to believe that social media growth equals success. Unfortunately, that isn't always the case! It’s a common misconception that the bigger your following, the more credibility and sales you will have. Expanding your audience is important BUT the quality of that growth matters far more than the quantity. Anyone can pay for followers, but what matters is choosing your growth campaigns carefully; even better when they're done with the help of an industry expert. With the right strategy, you can develop a meaningful, engaged community rather than chasing empty followers. Here are three rules we recommend following when creating growth campaigns for your social media channels. Rule #1: Focus on Finding a Genuine Audience We know that total follower count is a distracting number, but an engaged, loyal audience is what matters in the long run. Fake followers will only hurt your visibility, and the algorithms will not favor your content. A solid growth campaign should prioritize attracting your target audience—people genuinely interested in your brand who will interact, share, and like your posts. Rule #2: Make Your Growth Campaign Intentional Don’t be fooled by the promise of quick results and a quick following. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Social media platforms make it easy to run campaigns, but there are disparities in effectiveness because rapid growth doesn’t always translate to value. It pays to be patient and strategic when building your audience. A bigger number that lacks any real connection will make finding your true followers harder. Rule #3: Rely on Data Data and analytics are a crucial point of any growth campaign. If you’re investing money for better results, you want to see the ROI. The key is to look past your follower count and focus on engagement rates (likes, comments, shares), external link clicks, and audience retention. These things will lead to long-term success rather than just a bunch of uninvested followers. One more thing to remember is that boosting posts, while valuable and serving a purpose, is NOT a growth campaign. A proper growth campaign is a strategic effort to increase your following, engagement, and overall reach. If this sounds like something your business could benefit from and you’d like to learn more, visit us at officiallysocial.com or email alison@officiallysocial.com anytime! 
By Jamie Johnson February 28, 2025
One of the biggest questions we hear from clients is how to get more followers. And that’s because most people assume that the more followers you have, the more exposure and reach your content is likely to get. And while there is some truth to that, the number isn’t the only important thing—the quality of your audience also matters! Yes, a strong following is essential for your business. But while paid promotions can give you a temporary boost, growing your audience organically ensures long-term engagement and credibility. Here are six ways to do it effectively: 1. Post Consistently : We can’t say it enough—content is king. If it’s been a while since you’ve shared something, don’t overthink it. People aren’t looking for perfection on social media. They’re looking for a connection. Create valuable, engaging, and visually appealing content that aligns with your brand, and utilize a consistent posting schedule to keep your audience tuning in. 2. Research Trending Hashtags : Hashtags aren’t dead, we promise! In fact, they are a big help in increasing discoverability because they categorize your posts, making them easier to find when users search for related topics. Try incorporating a mix of popular and niche hashtags relevant to your business to maximize your audience. 3. Engage with Your Audience : Social media is meant to be social! There needs to be a give and take, so be sure to reply to comments and messages promptly. You'll also want to like, share, and simply acknowledge others’ content. The more active you are, the more likely people are to follow and interact with you in return. 4. Collaborate with Others : Know another local business that’d be interested in partnering in an event? Or perhaps some influencers might want to work together to increase brand awareness. Don’t be afraid to reach out! Cross-promotions and shoutouts can boost your visibility without the additional cost of paid ads. 5. Seek User-Generated Content : Authentic, user-generated content is trending across platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Ask followers to share pictures, videos, and reviews related to your brand. You can then feature this content to create a sense of community and encourage others to participate. 6. Be Patient: Perhaps the hardest on this list is understanding that solid organic growth takes time. If you stay consistent, track your progress, and refine your strategy as needed, you’ll work toward building a loyal following that sticks around. With such an inundation of social media, people are simply looking to follow accounts they can connect to. By implementing these strategies, you’ll see steady, meaningful follower growth—so stay authentic, be consistent, and remember the value you are providing your audience.