Do you have all the Facebook comments and likes you could stand?
Somehow I'm guessing you just said no.
Not having engagement on your page puts you in good company…sort of, anyway. It's not uncommon for businesses to struggle with getting the kind of engagement on Facebook that they would like. But – I'm happy to tell you that there are real strategies I use with my clients to get the conversation moving quickly. I'm excited to share a few of them with you!
1. Post updates in the morning and in the early evening
Posting updates when people are likely to be reading Facebook – like first thing in the morning – tends to get a better rate of response than updates posted during less busy times that people may or not see later.
2. Make it relevant!
This is huge! I see people blowing this one all of the time. Make sure that the content you're posting on your Facebook page is relevant to the reason you exist as a brand. If your content doesn't match your mission, people aren't likely to be interested in leaving comments on posts that aren't what they thought they'd be getting.
3. Make it valuable!
I tell everyone I coach that the key to getting people to engage (comment on, like, and share your content) is to make it useful and valuable to them. Thinking carefully about your ideal customer and what they're likely to want. Are your customers stay at home moms? Share recipes, tastefully funny e-cards on motherhood, and tips on getting organized at home. The more specific you are about who your ideal customer is, the easier it will be to figure out what kind of content is likely to be useful and valuable.
4. Ask questions – and see which questions get a better level of response
This can vary by the audience. But sometimes yes/no questions do better, if people are in a hurry and want to give a quick answer that doesn't require explanation.
On the other hand – asking a question that needs a little more explanation can sometimes be a better starting point for more in depth conversation. This is one area where you'll need to try a few different kinds of question and see what works better for your audience. For example, it might be that during the work day, people are more likely to answer yes/no questions, but you might find those same people more willing to chat more in the evening. It's always good to watch your Facebook Page Insights and see how your audience behaves.
5. Mix up your question formats
It's easy to get stuck thinking about questions only in terms of yes/no or open ended. But there are a ton of different kinds! Try a fill in the blank question (The last book I read was ________) or post a picture (maybe cute, maybe controversial) and ask your audience to leave comments about it.
6. Let your fans be the experts
People love to feel important! One way to let them feel important is to share their own wisdom or helpful insights on how to do something. Ask your fans to share their tips for something on your Page. You'll actually accomplish two things – you'll boost your Facebook page engagement, and likely you'll gain some new information right along with your readers.
7. Make sure you're talking with your fans – not at them!
No one is on Facebook to be talked “at.” When your fans comment on your page – make sure to like their comments and return the comment! This is a great way to get a conversation started among your fans – a sign of true engagement.
Question – What's your favorite way to get more comments on your Facebook Page? Leave a comment!
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This was an excellent article, very enlightening/educational. Great advice!
Thanks Kim, I appreciate you stopping by!
Wonderful advice. Sometimes we make it much more difficult than it really is.
I think the most comments I get are when I show my real, human side. Like you said, people want to know they can relate to you as a person, not as a business.
Exactly Beth! People really want to know that there is a human behind the brand or business 🙂
Great advice Kim. I especially like #5. Thanks for sharing.
Really good advice. Thank you Kim.
Thank you Christiaan! What was your favorite tip?
Thank you for the info Kim, but I have done 90% of what you said and still no great result.
Marsha, not trying to pitch you but this is something we focus on daily in my Inner Circle. Check it out at https://kimgarst.com/diysocialmedia.
Thanks for dropping in, Phil! Glad you got some value from this one 🙂
Hi Kim, Thanks for the quick reply, sorry there was some typo, it happened so since that was posted thru my mobile. Thanks for fixing the problem with the share button. Keep informed.
Inspirational posts and pictures with a thought provoking question increase engagement as well. Especially around the holidays!