Ep #75 – Writing Social Media Copy That Gets Engagement

Engaging Authentically on Social Media: More Than Just Posting

In the bustling world of social media, the notion of engagement is often shrouded in mystery. Many believe it’s just about posting regularly, but as we dive deeper into this conversation, it becomes evident that true engagement is an art form, requiring more than just a routine post.

Beyond the Post: Crafting Meaningful Engagement

Engaging with your audience on social media is akin to attending a networking event. You wouldn’t walk into a room and indiscriminately hand out business cards, hoping for a connection. Similarly, social media engagement is about creating meaningful interactions, not just selling your products or services relentlessly. It’s about asking, “How can I help you?” rather than pushing for a sale.

The Essence of Social Media

Remember, social media is inherently ‘social’. Its purpose extends beyond mere selling. The platform is designed to build connections, share insights, and showcase the human side of brands. By reusing blog content on social media, for instance, we not only circulate valuable information but also give a glimpse into the brand’s personality.

Understanding Your Audience

A critical aspect of social media strategy is understanding your audience. Who are they? What language resonates with them? What are their emotional states? Having a clear grasp of your audience’s preferences helps tailor your content to be more effective and relatable.

Testing and Data: The Pillars of Strategy

The beauty of social media lies in its flexibility and the vast array of data available. Testing different graphics, copy styles, and content formats can unearth valuable insights into what resonates with your audience. Remember, it’s all in the data!

Shareable Content: The Golden Key

Creating content that is shareable—useful, funny, resonating—is crucial. It’s about crafting stories that are relatable and engaging. Simplify your message, and focus on storytelling rather than overwhelming your audience with overly branded graphics or dense information.

Hashtags: The Art of Being Found

The use of hashtags needs to be strategic and thoughtful. While they might seem passé to some, hashtags are still a powerful tool for discoverability, especially for local brands. The trick is not to overdo it—three to four relevant hashtags are often more than enough.

Engaging with Authenticity

In the realm of social media, authenticity reigns supreme. Genuine posts, like celebrating work anniversaries or showcasing behind-the-scenes moments, often generate more engagement due to their authenticity. Remember, don’t be overly branded. Let your content tell a story, and let the visuals complement it rather than dominate.

The Power of Questions

Involve your audience by asking questions, and inviting them to share their views. This approach not only increases engagement but also provides valuable insights into your audience’s preferences and thoughts.

Diverse Content Formats

Experimenting with various content formats—be it in-feed posts, stories, reels, or live videos—can greatly enhance engagement. Each format offers unique advantages and should be measured differently in terms of performance and audience response.

Organic Social Media: A Measurable Challenge

Organic social media engagement is essential for understanding your audience and refining your strategy. Keep an eye on the metrics and adjust your approach based on what the data tells you. The more engagement that you have on your post the more reach you typically will get.

Continuous Engagement: The Key to Connection

Engaging with your audience doesn’t end with a post. Revisiting older posts, updating them with fresh thoughts, and responding to comments keep the conversation alive and relevant. It should be part of your daily audience to engage with them.

The Role of ChatGPT and Authenticity

In an era where AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming increasingly prevalent, maintaining authenticity in your copywriting is crucial. Authenticity shines through in posts that are slightly imperfect, reflecting the human behind them, rather than a perfectly crafted AI-generated response.

The Heart of Social Media Engagement

In conclusion, social media is not just a platform for selling; it’s a medium for connecting, sharing, and engaging with your audience in meaningful ways. By focusing on creating authentic, relatable, and engaging content, we can transform our social media presence into a vibrant community, where helping others leads to our success. Remember, it’s not just about the sale; it’s about the connection.

Jennifer Denney has been in digital marketing since 2006 and has seen a wealth of changing landscape in digital marketing. She has seen the rise and fall of many marketing tactics.  She is deeply rooted in understanding the metrics that showcase the value of certain types of digital marketing. She produces weekly live shows with Lorraine Ball, solocast with Elevated Marketing Chats, and conducts a weekly podcast called Elevated Marketing Dot Podcast.