From hashtags and insights, to sponsored stories and engagement rates, there can be a lot to keep on top of when it comes to your social media strategy. Unfortunately all the articles in the world tend to miss what everyone really wants to know – how to get more likes on Facebook or followers on Instagram without coming across as desperate (short of buying them like a 14 year old girl who wants to be on X Factor).
So this week we’re stripping it back to basics with part one of a three part series on how to get more followers on popular social media platforms. First up: five ways to get more likes on Facebook, whether your page has just started or has already seen a few birthdays.
1. Don’t be boring
STOP. DO NOT READ PAST THIS POINT.
If your brand’s Facebook timeline is a hot mess or just plain boring, the next few points cannot help you. No matter what other methods you use, people will just click on off to the next kitten video if you don’t have anything worth their “like.” Check the health of your social media strategy here before moving on.
2. Invite your friends and family
Start with the super easy – put aside any reservations you have for your mum or great uncle Phil’s Facebook behaviour, and click that invite button. They’ll be happy to do it, and their constant commenting on every. little. thing. will be welcome for once, as it’ll ensure your page also gets seen by their friends too.
3. Offer incentives
If you can’t beat ‘em… bribe ‘em? Hold a competition where liking your page is a condition of entry, use a Facebook app to add some “hidden” content like a recipe or image gallery that gets revealed when they like your page, or simply post regular deals and discounts that they won’t want to miss.
4. Run a well-targeted Facebook ad
Facebook ads allow your page to be seen by people way outside your (and Uncle Phil’s) usual network so it can be a great way to get more likes on your Facebook page. Zuckerberg and co don’t guarantee that the people who see your ad will necessarily be interested in your page – that part is up to you. Work out your ideal target market and fiddle with those demographic options to get the most bang for buck.
5. Promote your page in real life
It might seem silly to market your own marketing, but stay with us. You could have a poster in your café that people only see when they’re in your café, or you could have a poster in your café that points people to your Facebook page, which they will see every day. Mention your page wherever possible – in person, with a small blue logo on your menu, or on flyers.
Stay tuned for our top hints on how to get more followers on Instagram and Twitter, coming over the next few weeks. Can’t wait that long? Get in touch with us today for a helping hand.