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 JAMIE JOHNSON November 26, 2025
Marketing your business on social media can feel overwhelming. With trending reels, clever captions, shifting algorithms, and constant updates, there’s always something new to add to your strategy. But here’s the truth: if people don’t connect with your brand on a human level, the rest won’t matter. Today’s consumers want more than aesthetics and catchy lines. They want to feel understood. Humanizing your business isn’t just a feel-good approach; it’s a strategic advantage. Loyal customers bring more repeat business, referrals, and long-term trust than a constant influx of new followers ever will. Here are five powerful tips to foster genuine connection in a digital world. 1. Know Your Audience Before you can create meaningful content, you need to understand exactly who you’re speaking to. What do they care about? What problems are they trying to solve? What inspires them? When your messaging resonates, everything else becomes easier, your posts perform better, and engagement increases. Targeted messaging helps you attract new customers, but don’t forget the value of nurturing the audience you already have. Consistency builds loyalty. 2. Get Personal Let’s be honest: social media can sometimes feel anything but social. Over-polished, perfectly curated feeds can create distance instead of connection. That’s why authenticity matters more now than ever! Share your values, your mission, your story. Introduce your team and highlight the people who make your business run. Share behind-the-scenes moments, even the imperfect ones! Celebrate both personal and professional milestones. These small details help your ideal clients feel more aligned with you. People choose brands they trust, and trust grows through real stories. 3. Prioritize Engagement The fastest way to build a stronger community? Acknowledge the people already interacting with you. If someone leaves a comment, respond. If they send a message, reply in a timely manner, or assign someone on your team to manage communication. Skip the generic, copy-and-paste replies and personalize your responses whenever possible. Even a simple “Thank you” goes a long way. Engagement isn’t just good social etiquette; it’s a signal that you see and value your audience. 4. Welcome Feedback and Suggestions Listening is one of the most underrated growth strategies on social media. When your audience feels heard, they naturally become more invested in your business. Ask for input directly. Try questions like: “What do you want to see more of?” “How do you use our product or service?” “What’s one thing we could improve?” Inviting feedback might feel vulnerable, but don’t let the fear of criticism stop you. Yes, you may hear suggestions for improvement, but you’ll also uncover satisfied customers who are eager to share positive experiences. Both help your business evolve. 5. Share Your Purpose In a world where people buy based on values, your brand’s purpose matters. Customers are more likely to support businesses that stand for something meaningful. Share the causes you’re passionate about. Highlight the ways your business makes a positive impact in your community or industry. When you communicate your mission clearly, you give people a reason to choose you over competitors. Final Thoughts Too many businesses talk at their audience rather than starting meaningful conversations. But social media isn’t a one-directional platform. People don’t want to be sold to. They want to feel understood, valued, and included. The brands that succeed today are the ones that listen, respond, and show up with heart.
By JAMIE JOHNSON October 31, 2025
One of the most challenging parts of social media is the continuous need for new and creative content to share. If you’re feeling a little uninspired (and overwhelmed), you’re not alone! Whether your feed feels repetitive, engagement has dipped, or you’re simply running out of ideas, keeping your social media strategy fresh is essential to staying relevant and building real connections. Luckily, we’ve got some simple strategies to incorporate that will prevent your feeds from feeling stale. Here are three ways to keep your content feeling fresh: Repurpose Content Repurposing isn’t just repeating; it’s utilizing content in a new way so it works harder for you. Take your top-performing post from the last few months and turn it into something new. Try: A Reel that highlights the same message visually A carousel that breaks it down into steps or tips A quote graphic that pulls out a key takeaway When done thoughtfully, repurposed content keeps your core message consistent while still offering something new to your audience. Don’t let your most well-received posts end up in social media purgatory. Observe your analytics periodically to determine which content is trending with your followers, and then reuse it to your advantage. Also, remember that not everyone sees a post the first time, so it may reach new potential customers the second. Refresh Your Look When was the last time you updated your font and color scheme? You don’t need a full rebrand to make an impact. Small adjustments like updating your brand colors, incorporating a new font, or using new photo filters can make your content feel fresh without losing consistency. Collaborate with Others Collaborations expose your social channels to new audiences and potential new customers. Think partnerships with other local businesses, joint giveaways, or even simple shoutouts. These connections increase visibility while building community and credibility.  Oh, and did we mention it’s FREE? Final Thoughts If you find yourself running out of inspiration, start by listening to your audience more. Chances are, your next great idea is already waiting for you in comments, DMs, and likes. Keeping your social content fresh isn’t about reinventing the wheel; it’s about staying curious, creative, and connected. The more you experiment, the more you’ll discover what resonates. And as always, we’re here to help with any of your social media needs. You can reach us at jamie@officiallysocial.com.
By JAMIE JOHNSON September 29, 2025
Are you prioritizing the right metrics?