7 ways on how to increase social media engagement and the importance of authentic content

Social media engagement is at the centre of any successful online presence. It’s no longer enough to simply post and hope for the best. Building genuine connections with your audience requires thoughtful strategies, consistency, and, most importantly, authenticity. Whether you’re new to social media marketing or looking to refine your approach, these tips will help you stand out and understand how to increase social media engagement, all whilst creating meaningful interactions with your followers. Our tips include… 

  1. Leveraging emerging trends
  2. Encouraging comments and conversations 
  3. Prioritising visual storytelling 
  4. Creating shareable content and incentivise engagement
  5. Embracing social commerce 
  6. Posting at optimal times 
  7. Regularly analyse and adapt

Why does social media engagement matter?

Engagement goes beyond likes, comments, and shares; it reflects how well your content resonates with your audience. High engagement rates indicate that your content provides value, builds trust, and fosters loyalty among your followers.

In the UK, where over 56.2 million users spend an average of 1 hour and 49 minutes daily on social media, engagement is a key indicator of online presence health. Platforms like TikTok, where UK users spend more hours than anywhere else globally, highlight the importance of crafting content that connects deeply with audiences. Engagement not only boosts visibility but also drives conversions and strengthens brand loyalty.

how to increase social media engagement​

The importance of authentic content

This leads us onto authentic content and its value when it comes to understanding how to increase social media engagement. Audiences demand relatable and authentic content that builds trust. Sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, customer testimonials, and user-generated content (UGC) ensures there is transparency and connection between you and your followers.

UGC campaigns, for instance, inspire followers to share their experiences with your brand, creating organic and credible engagement. As highlighted in our social media trends for 2025 blog, authenticity is pivotal, with trends like micro-influencer partnerships and UGC leading the way. This aligns with a cultural shift towards valuing ‘authenticity,’ even earning Merriam-Webster’s (oldest dictionary publisher in the United States) recognition as their 2023 ‘Word of the Year.’

7 tips to boost social media engagement

Tip 1: Leverage emerging trends

Use trending hashtags and explore AI-driven tools to enhance your content. From chatbots that interact with your followers, to personalised recommendations powered by AI, integrating these technologies can be a great way to increase your social media engagement. Additionally, platforms like TikTok and Instagram are becoming go-to search engines for Gen Z and Millennials. Optimising your content for discoverability on these platforms can significantly increase visibility, we recommend monitoring trends and aligning your content to amplify engagement, especially on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok. 

how to increase social media engagement​

Tip 2: Encourage comments and conversations

Ask open-ended questions or post content that invites followers to share their opinions and interact. Thoughtful responses to comments help to create a sense of community, which is ideal for increasing social media engagement.

Tip 3: Prioritise visual storytelling

We’ve seen it for the past few years, where short-form videos are dominating social media. Platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok and YouTube Shorts are ideal for capturing attention in 30 seconds or less. Whether it’s a product demo, a behind-the-scenes look, or a trending challenge, focus on creating visually striking, fast-paced content when it comes to understanding how to increase social media engagement.

how to increase social media engagement​

Tip 4: Create shareable content and incentivise engagement 

Develop social content that your audience will want to share, such as inspirational quotes, educational infographics, or humorous posts. These are a great way to increase your social reach, organically. 

You should also consider running contests or giveaways to motivate followers to interact with your content. For example, asking users to tag friends or comment on a post for a chance to win a prize can significantly increase reach and engagement.

Tip 5: Embrace social commerce 

Shopping without leaving the app is becoming a new normal. Instagram and TikTok in particular, are streamlining the customer journey to make this even easier for users, enabling them to discover and purchase products seamlessly. To boost engagement and conversions, ensure your social media profiles are optimised for in-app shopping with updated product catalogues and high quality visuals for the best conversions.

how to increase social media engagement​

Tip 6: Post at optimal times 

Maximise reach by scheduling posts when your audience is most active. Use analytics tools to determine peak engagement times for your audience, which are often evenings and weekends for many platforms. 

Tip 7: Regularly analyse and adapt 

Speaking of analytics, we recommend using platform analytics tools to assess what’s working and what isn’t. Engagement metrics like likes, shares, and comments provide valuable insights into your audience’s preferences, enabling you to refine your approach to align with your audience preferences.

how to increase social media engagement​

Increasing social media engagement is a journey that starts with understanding your audience and delivering authentic, valuable content that speaks to them. By embracing authenticity, monitoring trends, staying consistent, and prioritising meaningful interactions, you can cultivate a loyal community of followers who not only engage but advocate for your brand online.

Ready to elevate your social strategy? Explore our social media calendar and discover the latest social trends for 2025 to increase your engagement today. 

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