Succeeding on social media isn’t just about posting regularly. I often see companies that spend time on attractive posts but still don’t get reach. Why? Because algorithms control what is actually visible.
The good news is that small adjustments can make the algorithm work with you instead of against you. Here are my best tips on how to get more reach and engagement without complicating things.
The hook is important
You only have a few seconds to catch someone’s attention in their feed. Start with a question or something unexpected, such as: ‘Do you also have problems with…?’ or ‘Did you know that 8 out of 10…’. This is so much more engaging than just writing ‘Here are our tips’. When people stay and look further, the algorithm interprets this as good content and shows it to more people.
The first hour is critical
The first 60 minutes after publication are crucial in determining whether your post will gain momentum. Think of it as a snowball effect: the more people comment, like or share early on, the greater the chance that your post will take off. For example, I always respond to comments immediately after posting, as this generates both engagement and visibility.
Short, looping content
It is almost always better to post a short video (10–30 seconds) than a long one. If someone watches your video more than once, it signals to the platform that it is particularly good, and you will be rewarded with greater reach.
Be active in social media feeds
It’s not enough to just post and then log out. The platforms like it when you actually use them. Comment, like and write something on other people’s posts, preferably in your industry or network.
Encourage employees to post on their own LinkedIn accounts
This is a simple hack that many people overlook. Personal profiles almost always get better coverage than company pages. If your colleagues share the company’s content, or even better, make their own posts based on it, you will reach completely new networks and it will often feel more personal when it comes from a private profile.
Carousels on LinkedIn
Scrollable posts (carousels) are working really well right now. When people click through the images, they stay longer on your post, and the algorithm interprets this as meaning that the content is interesting.
Use fewer, relevant hashtags
It is no longer better to use lots of hashtags. Three well-chosen hashtags that are actually relevant to your content are more effective than ten careless ones. The focus today is more on the text in your post.
Videos works better than images
At Meta, I can clearly see that video beats still images almost every time. It doesn’t have to be perfectly produced; the important thing is that it feels authentic and keeps the viewer engaged a little longer.
Text/captions on video
Many people scroll without sound. By adding text, you ensure that your message still gets across.
SEO in social media
Social media is also a search engine. Name your videos with titles that people actually search for, write clear captions and use alt text. This makes your content searchable both on the platform and via Google. Captions are said to be more important than ever, so focus on writing good copy for your posts.
Summary
Social media doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Small adjustments can really make a big difference, from adding a good hook to adding captions to videos or getting colleagues to share content.
Remember: the platforms want people to spend time on them. So every time you get someone to stay a little longer, engage or click further, your content is rewarded with more visibility.
And if you want help getting your social media up and running, I’m happy to help. 🖤
