Bianca is your go-to expert in Social Media and Mailchimp. Leading the team at B Thriven, she's all about creating custom solutions for SMEs worldwide. Since kicking off B Thriven in 2019, she's been on a mission to help businesses tackle those tricky marketing challenges.
Social media has become a vital tool for businesses, especially SMEs, to connect with their audience. While it’s crucial to share posts on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, many overlook an equally vital aspect: engagement. Engaging with others on social media by liking, commenting, and responding to comments on your posts can significantly amplify your online presence and grow genuine connections.
Why engagement matters
The primary reason many businesses see low engagement on their social media posts is because they themselves are not active participants in the social media community. It’s common for businesses to share their content and expect immediate engagement, only to be disappointed. Social media is not a one-way street where you post content and wait for the interaction to roll in. Instead, it's a dynamic, reciprocal platform where giving and receiving engagement go hand in hand.
Reciprocity in social media
Think of social media engagement as a two-way relationship. You can't expect others to like, comment, or share your posts if you don’t do the same for them. Engaging with other people’s content shows that you’re interested in what they have to say. This, in turn, makes them more likely to show interest in your content. It’s like any relationship in life; it requires mutual effort and interaction.
How to engage effectively
Engaging on social media doesn’t have to consume hours of your time. A practical approach is to set a timer and dedicate a specific time each week to engage with your network. Here are some steps to follow:
1. Create a list
Identify key customers, leads, past customers, and associates who would benefit from your engagement. This list ensures that your efforts are focused and strategic.
2. Be genuine
When you like and comment on posts, be genuine. Avoid generic comments like “Nice post.” Instead, elaborate on what the post is about and add your insights. For example, if someone shares an article about a new trend in your industry, comment on how you’ve seen this trend impact your business or ask a thoughtful question related to the topic.
3. Stay focused
It’s easy to get distracted by posts from friends or casual connections. However, stay laser-focused on why you’re on social media: to build and nurture professional relationships. Engage with content that is relevant to your business goals.
4. Respond to comments
When people comment on your posts, take the time to respond. This not only shows appreciation but also keeps the conversation going, encouraging more interaction.
5. Professional engagement services
At B Thriven, we understand that not everyone has the time or inclination to manage social media engagement effectively. That’s why we offer services to handle engagement on your behalf. Our team can ensure that your social media interactions are meaningful and consistent, helping you build stronger relationships with your audience.
In a nutshell
Engagement is the lifeblood of social media success. By actively participating in the social media community, you show that you value others’ content, which in turn encourages them to value yours. Remember, social media is about building relationships, and like any relationship, it requires effort and reciprocity. So, set aside time each week to engage with your network, respond to comments, and contribute to the conversation. And if you need support, B Thriven is here to help you thrive effortlessly in the digital landscape.
Bianca Schwartpaul, Social Media and Mailchimp Expert
Bianca is your go-to expert in Social Media and Mailchimp. Leading the team at B Thriven, she's all about creating custom solutions for SMEs worldwide. Since kicking off B Thriven in 2019, she's been on a mission to help businesses tackle those tricky marketing challenges. She understands the hurdles companies face online and is all about offering smart, encouraging ways to get past them. Her team is super skilled at putting together personalised strategies in social media and email marketing, making sure each client doesn't just get by, but actually stands out in the crowded online world. With a big focus on putting clients first, she's always there, guiding businesses on their path to success.
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