Getting likes, shares, and comments on social media can feel like a never-ending battle, especially when algorithms constantly change. But what if you knew how to boost engagement on social media (without spending a fortune)? Here’s how to make your social media posts stand out and get people talking.

Create Engaging Reels
Short-form video content like Instagram Reels and TikTok videos are dominating social media. These formats boost engagement because they’re interactive, fun, and quick to consume. Keep your videos short, engaging, and packed with value. Using trending sounds and a small number of algorithm friendly hashtags can help increase visibility, and adding captions makes your content more accessible. Consider sharing behind-the-scenes clips, tutorials, or storytelling content to create a deeper connection with your audience.
Good editing is essential to making your Reels stand out. High-quality visuals, smooth transitions, and engaging captions make a huge difference in viewer retention. Use apps like CapCut or InShot to enhance your videos and make them more professional. Well-edited content not only captures attention but also encourages viewers to watch until the end and engage with your post. Need help designing engaging video content? At Sokada, our team brings decades of combined marketing experience, dedicated to promoting your business and helping it thrive in the ever-evolving world of marketing.
Be Proactive: Follow, Comment, & Engage
Engagement isn’t just about what you post—it’s also about how you interact with others. Following people in your industry as well as potential clients is a great way to make your presence known. Leaving thoughtful comments or questions on relevant posts can increase your visibility, while replying to your own comments encourages further interaction. Participating in discussions within industry-related groups and communities helps you establish authority and build valuable relationships. It is all about being social!
Post at the Right Time
Timing plays a crucial role in engagement. Posting when your audience is most active increases the likelihood of interaction. Use social media analytics tools to determine your peak engagement times and experiment with different posting schedules to see what works best. If your audience is spread across different time zones, be mindful of when they are most likely to see and interact with your content. At Sokada, we can help you determine the best strategy for posting—get in touch today.
Focus on Quality Over Quantity
It’s tempting to post frequently, but quality should always come first. A well thought out, valuable post will always outperform multiple low-effort ones. Ensure that every piece of content you publish is entertaining, informative, or inspiring. Avoid spammy, repetitive content that your audience might scroll past. High-quality visuals and punchy captions can make all the difference in keeping your followers engaged.

Encourage Conversations in Comments & DMs
Social media is meant to be social, so encourage conversations whenever possible. Asking open-ended questions in your captions invites responses and engagement. Responding to comments and DMs helps build relationships and makes your audience feel valued. Using strong call-to-actions like “Tag a friend who needs this” or “Tell us your thoughts below!” can further boost interactions. Engaging with your audience in direct messages by responding to stories and comments fosters a sense of community.
Also asking for a word to be typed into the caption to ask for some further information is also a great way of growing your audience – but you need to be offering something valuable!
Post Stories Regularly
Instagram and Facebook Stories are excellent tools for keeping your audience engaged daily. They allow you to stay on your followers’ radar without cluttering their main feed. Use interactive stickers like polls, Q&As, and countdowns to encourage participation. Sharing quick updates, customer testimonials, or exclusive offers through Stories helps maintain engagement. Behind-the-scenes moments add a personal touch that makes your brand more relatable.
Collaborate with Others in Your Industry
Collaborations can help you reach new audiences without the need for paid advertising. Partnering with influencers or other brands for cross-promotions expands your reach. Hosting Instagram or Facebook Live sessions with industry experts adds credibility and engagement. Running contests or challenges with another business can also increase interactions and attract new followers. Need a strategy for collaboration? Sokada can help.
Be Unique & Stand Out from the Crowd
With so much content on social media, it’s essential to differentiate yourself. Developing a consistent brand voice and aesthetic helps you stay memorable. Experimenting with creative content formats keeps your audience engaged. Sharing unique insights, bold opinions, or entertaining takes on industry trends makes your brand more appealing. Above all, be authentic—audiences connect more with real people than with faceless brands.
Track Your Performance & Adapt
Not every post will be a hit, and that’s perfectly fine. The key is to analyse what works and refine your strategy. Regularly check your engagement metrics, including likes, shares, saves, and comments. Identify which types of content perform best and create more of them. Stay flexible and open to experimenting with new strategies—social media is constantly evolving, and adapting is crucial for sustained success.

Get In Touch!
We hope now you’ve read this blog you understand how to boost engagement on social media (without spending a fortune). These options are all free – they just take a bit of time to do. Boosting engagement on social media doesn’t have to be expensive. By focusing on high-quality content, active engagement, and strategic collaborations, you can build a strong and engaged community. Implement these strategies, stay consistent, and watch your engagement grow.
If you’re struggling to gain traction on social media, Sokada can help. Whether it’s content creation, engagement strategies, or a full social media marketing plan, our team has the expertise to grow your online presence. Get in touch today via email at info@sokada.co.uk or call us at 01435 817226. Visit our website at Sokada to learn more about our services and take your social media to the next level.