- More proof that you can't put all your eggs in the online basket: Unless you PAY to boost your Facebook posts, only six out of 100 fans will see updates.
Think again.
You're reaching only 4.5 percent of your "like" base.
Yikes!
It's impossible to understand the algorithm that calculates who does and does not see your post. Experts at bufferapp note that post types (photo versus text), posts hidden or reported as spam by users, interaction with Facebook ads, and device and speed of connection all play into it.
How can you increase your Facebook footprint?
I'm not sure there's any one tried and true piece of advice, but the following tips may help you notice an increase in interaction.
- Post at non-peak times. Think 10 p.m. until 3 a.m. These posts have a better chance of showing up first thing in the morning.
- Post original photos. And maybe take it a step further by posting photos of YOU, the writer, at work.
- Post questions. Questions are a natural way to engage readers...and Facebook fans.
- Quit worrying about it. Is your Facebook reach the only measure if you're engaging fans? If you answer yes, you may want to reconsider your marketing strategy.
I'll be honest. I hadn't given much consideration to the Facebook page for the newspaper I work for as managing editor. Sure, I'd check out the numbers and see how many people saw posts and interact with fans/customers who left comments.
In the last two months, though, we've looked at other ways to engage readers on Facebook. Links (with pictures) to our online stories get a decent look, but the most popular posts feature photos for #TBT - Throwback Thursday, #FF - Flashback Friday and our weekly Facebook Feedbook question.
Sometimes, it takes time to "train" readers and fans to interact, but once they start, the audience participation seems to build.
We also utilize Twitter and readers can comment on articles online.
Still, you can't put all your marketing eggs into one social media strategy basket.
What's your experience with fans on Facebook?
Thanks for the tips, and I agree that you can't rely on ONE social media any more. :) With WOW!, I notice that women writers love funny cartoons about writing AND inspirational quotes. They also like to answer questions about reading and writing. Then I try to slip in educational articles and notices about classes, etc. For my own page, my "fans" like to answer questions about grammar and also like funny cartoons. If I can make it personal somehow, they like that. I think it depends a lot on your audience, too, what do they like?
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