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Does it Really Matter Who You’re Engaging with on Social Media?

You’ve certainly heard that posting to social media isn’t enough to get your posts seen by your target market. And while Instagram is never totally open about what metrics it uses to rank posts (i.e., get posts in front of non-following accounts), there are hints when it releases changes or additional features to the platform. While gathering the most “likes” on a post was once a strong ranking factor, then it was Reels, the emphasis de jour is on engagement.
Who You Talk To Matters
Social media engagement is just what it sounds like: interacting with other accounts. So why is that a ranking factor? Because it’s hard for a bot to do. Sure, they can post, but to have meaningful and realistic comments means it’s more likely a human commenting. And that meaningful engagement spread across the platform means that you’re exploring and discovering – and your posts will be rewarded by getting in the feed of non-followers.
So if you just have your friends and family engage on your account, you’re golden, right? It’s not a hard ‘no’; but it’s still a no. Here’s why:
The point of engagement is getting your posts in front of your business target market. Your friends and family were already going to buy from or work with your business. So, while it’s not a bad thing that they engage with your business account, that engagement can’t be the extent of the strategy.
Do’s and Don’ts of Following
Who you follow is key because you need to be able to have relevant conversations with those you want to engage with. There are several strategies to find accounts that fit your target market:
- Don’t just follow competitors.
- Do look at who follows your competitors to see if they fit your demographic (then follow!)
- Don’t skip following someone just because they’re outside of your service area – people talk!
- Do search for hashtags that fit your business and see who follows
- Don’t overlook the suggested page on IG
How to Effectively Engage
Define Your Target Market: Before you start, know who you’re trying to reach. Consider their age, interests, needs, and preferences to guide your interactions.
Create Content for Them, Not You: Your target market might have questions or needs different from your current followers. Post content that speaks directly to their pain points
.Join Relevant Conversations: Get involved in conversations, comments, and threads where people discuss topics related to your business.
Be Responsive and Helpful: Answer questions, address concerns, and acknowledge comments. A little engagement can go a long way to build trust with potential customers.
BW Concepts Has You Covered
Did you know that our full-service social media management includes:
- Social post strategy, including analytical analysis
- Full post development
- 4 static posts per week, including Reels to:
- Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest and or Google Business
- 4 Stories per week to IG and FB
- Daily engagement
We interact on your account on your behalf – the other account never knows it’s not you engaging! The end result of our services is a healthy, compelling social media account that converts customers. And all of it runs while you do what you do best: run your business.
We’re not just about social media; we can manage all of your digital marketing—and make it all work together. From blogs to newsletters, website content to bios, we can make it happen! Drop me a note and let’s talk about how BWC can support your business.