If your business is gaining social media followers, that's a positive indication that you're doing something well.
Clearly, you’ve got a message people care about and want to hear more of. Clearly, you’ve got a product people want to stay updated with. And clearly, you have an effective social media strategy carrying you through!
But, if you haven't quite achieved your follower goals, this post will help!
You Post Too Little or Too Often
Either one is bad for your business on social media. You want to balance these two poles and hit consistent content strides your audience can rely on. The most relevant advice we can give you here is to focus more on value than on trying to sell yourself. Indeed, there can be value in your promotional posts, but these shouldn’t make up more than 30% of your overall output. Try to offer some information and hardy resources along the way.
Your Posts are Hard to Understand
Text-heavy posts are boring on social media feeds. People tend to scroll past them unless they are interested in the topic. And as a brand new business trying to build yourself up, you’re unlikely to benefit from this kind of advantage. Similarly, if you’re a tech-focused business or need to use a lot of sector ‘jargon’ to talk about your product, people might not understand.
So make it easier for them. Use GIFs and an animated explainer video occasionally to deliver a concept in an accessible manner. And the more you vary up your online content, the easier it will be to build a diverse and responsive following!
You’re Constantly Trying to Sell
We mentioned this briefly earlier, but the more you try to sell to your audience, the less interested you will be. You can be pushy, insensitive to their needs, and even a little desperate in the long run.
You want to push the soft sell more than anything else by evaluating your customer's needs and speaking to them on that level. Instead of telling them you’ve got a product that could fix all their woes, focus on a specific problem at a time and create small streams of content around that.
You’re Advertising to the Wrong Audience
The wrong audience is easy to pick up. People who follow just hoping you’ll follow back. People who follow just one element of your social media content don’t care about anything else. People who follow hope to collaborate as a business and ignore what you’re trying to say.
Block these kinds of followers. Instead, focus on your market personas and what they’re looking for.
Engaging with Authenticity
One of the most overlooked strategies in gaining followers on social media is authenticity. In a digital age where users are bombarded with content, genuine engagement stands out. Respond to comments, share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your business, and show appreciation to your followers. By building a genuine relationship with your audience, you retain your current followers and attract new ones who value authenticity.
Leveraging User-Generated Content
Encouraging your followers to create content related to your brand can be a game-changer. User-generated content (UGC) provides you with free marketing material and boosts your credibility. When potential followers see real people endorsing or using your product, they are more likely to trust your brand. Consider creating campaigns or contests incentivizing your audience to share their experiences with your brand.
Optimizing Your Profile for Search
Like SEO for websites, your social media profiles can be optimized for search within the platform. Ensure that your bio contains relevant keywords related to your business. This increases the chances of your profile appearing in search results when potential followers seek content in your niche.
Collaborating with Influencers
Influencer marketing is not just a buzzword; it's a strategy that works. By collaborating with influencers in your industry, you can tap into their follower base and introduce your brand to a wider audience. Choose influencers whose values align with yours and whose audience matches your target demographic.
Analyzing and Adapting
Lastly, always keep an eye on your analytics. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook provide detailed insights into post performance, audience demographics, and engagement rates. By regularly reviewing this data, you can adapt your strategy, post more of what works, and improve areas where you're lacking—
Summary
In the ever-evolving world of social media, gaining followers is a testament to a brand's resonance with its audience. The article delves into why businesses might not be hitting their follower goals, from posting frequency to the clarity of content. It emphasizes the importance of value-driven posts, clear communication, and targeting the right audience. To further enhance your social media strategy, it's essential to engage authentically, leverage user-generated content, optimize profiles for search, collaborate with influencers, and continuously analyze and adapt based on insights.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I increase my social media engagement?
Engage authentically with your audience, respond to comments, and create content that resonates with them.
What role do influencers play in gaining followers?
Influencers can introduce your brand to a wider audience, especially if their follower base aligns with your target demographic.
How important is user-generated content for social media growth?
User-generated content boosts credibility and provides free marketing material, making it highly beneficial for growth.
Is there an ideal posting frequency for social media?
The ideal frequency varies by platform and audience, but consistency and value-driven content are key.
How do I optimize my social media profile for search?
Include relevant keywords in your bio and ensure your profile is complete with all necessary information.
Why is authenticity important on social media?
Authenticity builds trust with your audience and sets you apart in a saturated digital landscape.
How can I encourage my followers to create content for my brand?
Consider campaigns or contests incentivizing users to share their experiences with your brand.
What are the risks of buying followers?
Buying followers can harm your credibility, reduce engagement rates, and may violate platform policies.
How do analytics help in improving my social media strategy?
Analytics provide insights into post performance, audience behavior, and engagement, helping you adapt your strategy for better results.
What type of content is most shareable on social media?
Content that resonates emotionally offers value, or is entertaining tends to be more shareable.
