Alumni Experts: 5 Ways to Increase Social Media Engagement

Social media is today’s equivalent of billboards and newspaper ads, but so much more powerful. Taking time to build an engaging, intentional social media strategy requires effort and time, but holds immeasurable value for businesses of all types in connecting with customers and clients to increase your sales.

Here are five ways to increase social media engagement:

1. Post consistently

Showing up in a consistent way that you can commit to will help you gain traction in the algorithm and be more visible.

2. Post shareable, relatable content

Create content that people connect with and make them want to share it. Those types of posts help you develop connections with your audience and relate to them on multiple levels, not just as a buyer and seller.

3. Study trends and follow them

Short form video is king right now. Take those cues from the creators of the apps we post on and leverage to our advantage!

4. Be flexible

Social media platforms are constantly changing. In order to succeed, we must be flexible and keep up with the changes. Don’t be afraid to try new things and get out of your comfort zone.

5. Develop a multi-level marketing plan

Use your social media as a funnel to point people to a platform you own or control (like a website, email list, etc.). We don’t hold the keys to social media and can’t rely on them to always be there exactly as we need them, so be sure to put the tools in place to connect with your customers in a meaningful way outside apps on your phone.

Ultimately, as you work to build a social media strategy for your business, keep your eyes on your own “paper.” It’s easy to play the comparison game, but your business and position is unique, so your social media should be, too! Growth won’t be immediate, but good things take time, and your hard work will be worth every minute you spend.

About the expert

Sarah Roberson Cummings (‘17) is the owner of The Redheaded Camel. In addition to serving her retail customers, Sarah also teaches and coaches other small business owners on growth strategy and success in the online space. With a growing social media presence and customer base, the strategies Sarah teaches are proven keys to success in business–both her own and those of her students!

The Alumni Expert blog series distributes topical expert advice provided by members of the Orange Owned program. Orange Owned connects Campbell alumni with businesses owned and operated by fellow alumni. Visit our web page to learn more about Orange Owned, find local businesses near you or register your business: alumni.campbell.edu/orange-owned.

If you are an Orange Owned member and would like to submit an Alumni Expert topic, please email Alex Baumann at baumann@campbell.edu.