If you’re lucky enough to have built up a network of followers through your social media sites, you will already have an audience to engage with. However, with the average Facebook user receiving over 1,440 posts from the brands they like, competition is fierce.

So, how do you make your updates stand out from the crowd, accessing that prized grail of a new audience to get posts shared?

Have a snappy title

Headlines are the first thing that your audience will read and, with apparently shortening attention spans, it needs to have the three I’s – be interesting, be informative, be intriguing. For example:

• Six ways to get a salary increase in just three months
• Cunning tips to cutting your household bills in half

Stimulate the senses

Whilst the quality and detail of your written content should be the focus, the eye is drawn to images. We process a picture much quicker than text, and if you choose the right accompaniment (picture, video, cartoon, etc.) to your posts, you will see an increase in your engagement. It’s a bit like serving the world’s finest food wrapped up in fish and chip newspaper; without the presentation it won’t get appreciated.

Vary your approach

Having said that images are great, you should always differ the type of posting you do to avoid bombarding your followers. A mixed campaign of regular surveys, offers, photos and written content will cover all angles.

Tell people what you want them to do

If you want your audience to take some action on your post, ask them to. It’s the old adage, “if you don’t ask, you don’t get”. Try ending your post with a call to action, like:

• If you found these tips on saving money helpful, why not share them with your friends and family?
• Do you agree with the statement that social media is killing socialising? Post your comments below.

Richard Bell

Richard has a First in English Literature and Creative Writing, and has experience writing fiction and short stories (which he has published both online and in magazines).