You’ve been showing up. You’ve followed the trends, tested different formats, and maybe even invested in better visuals. But the engagement? It still feels stuck in first gear.
If you’re nodding along, you’re not alone. Growing real engagement—likes, comments, shares—is harder than ever, especially with ever-changing algorithms and a sea of creators doing all the same things. The good news? Boosting engagement isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing the right things with clarity and consistency.
In this guide, we’ll walk through tactical ways to improve engagement, grounded in what actually works today—and what doesn’t. Whether you’re a creator, coach, or business owner, these tips are designed to help your content start conversations, not just fill a feed.
Why Isn’t Anyone Engaging with My Posts?
Let’s start with the elephant in the room: if you’re getting impressions but no likes or comments, something’s off—and it’s not always your fault. Sometimes, even decent content falls flat simply because it’s missing intention.
Many creators post content without a clear emotional hook or action point. It might be a good post, but if it doesn’t make someone feel something or do something, it gets lost in the scroll. Another common mistake? Broadcasting instead of connecting. Social media is not a bulletin board—it’s a conversation.
If your engagement has been flat for a while, it might be part of a bigger pattern—check out why your social media isn’t growing (and how to fix it) for a deeper dive into what’s really going on behind the scenes.
How Can I Get More Likes on My Posts?
Likes might seem superficial, but they’re often the first sign that your content is resonating. A like tells the algorithm, “Hey, this is worth showing to more people.” So if you want more reach, more visibility, and eventually more conversions, getting more likes is step one.
First, let’s talk visuals. If someone scrolls past your post in half a second, it’s often because the visual didn’t catch their eye. Bright backgrounds, bold text overlays, and expressive imagery perform far better than dark, cluttered designs. You don’t need to be a designer—just focus on clarity and scroll-stopping simplicity. Tools like Canva make this super easy with customizable templates that fit every platform.
Next, use your captions wisely. Think of them as the hook that keeps someone reading after they stop scrolling. Add personality, tell a short story, or offer a bite-sized tip. Even better? Ask for the like. A CTA as simple as “Tap like if this made you laugh” or “Agree? Hit that heart” can spark engagement. People often need a gentle prompt to act—even for something as simple as double-tapping.
Finally, be mindful of when you post. If your audience is mostly active in the evening, posting at 9 AM might mean your content gets buried. Finding your best posting time will help you uncover when your audience is actually online—and when they’re most likely to engage.
What Actually Gets People to Comment?
Comments are where the magic happens. They’re the start of relationships, algorithms love them, and they tell you that your audience isn’t just watching—they’re feeling something.
But most posts don’t invite comments. They present an idea, drop it, and move on. If you want responses, your content needs to spark a reaction or ask for one. Think about the last time you left a comment. What motivated you? Probably a relatable story, a question, or something that made you laugh, learn, or reflect.
One great strategy is to end your caption with a clear, easy-to-answer question. Instead of “Thoughts?” try “What’s your go-to productivity hack when you’re low on motivation?” It’s specific, feels personal, and doesn’t require much effort to respond.
You can also use the “first comment strategy”—where you drop an engaging follow-up or extra question in the first comment of your own post. It keeps the conversation going and often encourages others to jump in.
Another often-overlooked tactic? Responding to every comment you receive. Not only does this encourage more interaction on the post, but it also trains your audience to expect engagement when they engage—which builds loyalty and trust.
How Do I Get People to Share My Content?
Shares are the gold standard of social media engagement. When someone shares your content, they’re recommending it to their own network. That kind of organic reach is powerful—and free.
So what gets shared? Relatable and helpful content. Checklists, quick how-tos, or carousel posts with tips your audience can’t resist saving. Posts that say what people are thinking—but can’t quite put into words—also do incredibly well. Emotional resonance (humor, inspiration, nostalgia) is a powerful trigger for sharing.
Also, think about how your post makes the sharer look. People tend to share content that reinforces how they want to be seen—smart, funny, on-trend, or thoughtful. Create content that adds value not just to the original viewer, but to their audience too.
Want more insight into what makes content go viral? Check out Buffer’s breakdown of share-worthy content for actionable tips based on real-world data.
When Should I Post for Maximum Engagement?
You could have the perfect post, but if no one sees it, it won’t go anywhere. Timing matters more than most people think, especially on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn that reward early engagement.
The right time to post depends on your audience’s habits. For example, if you’re targeting working professionals, early mornings or lunch hours might work best. If your audience is younger or more global, evenings and weekends might be better.
Use your platform’s analytics to see when your followers are online most often. Then test different times and see what gets the most traction. You’ll likely find a few sweet spots that become your go-to windows for posting.
Remember: Consistency plus timing equals momentum. The more your posts hit when your audience is ready to engage, the more likely they are to gain traction—and the algorithm takes notice.
FAQs: Boosting Social Media Engagement
What kind of posts get the most engagement?
Posts that are visually engaging, emotionally resonant, and actionable tend to perform best. Educational tips, personal stories, relatable humor, and “save this for later” posts all do well when tailored to your audience.
Is it okay to ask for likes and comments?
Absolutely. Just keep it authentic. CTAs like “What’s your take on this?” or “Tap like if this sounds familiar” help naturally nudge engagement.
Can I boost engagement without spending money?
Yes, you can. While ads help scale reach, organic engagement comes from consistent value-driven content, meaningful interactions, and strategic posting. Many successful creators grow entirely through organic methods first.
What’s more important—likes or comments?
Comments carry more weight with most algorithms because they indicate deeper interest. But ideally, you want both—along with shares and saves—for well-rounded engagement.
How do I know which posts are working?
Check your analytics. Look at saves, shares, comments, and reach. If certain types of posts consistently outperform others, that’s your audience telling you what they love. Lean into it.
If you’re ready to explore video as part of your content strategy, our guide on short-form vs. long-form video content breaks down exactly how to use each format to drive real engagement.
Final Thoughts: Show Up With Value, and the Engagement Will Come
If you’ve been feeling stuck, don’t worry—it doesn’t mean your content is bad. It probably just needs a few strategic tweaks. From refining your visuals and captions to being intentional about interaction and timing, every tactic in this blog is something you can start applying today.
Remember: social media success isn’t about chasing the algorithm. It’s about creating content that connects—and then consistently showing up for your audience.
And if you’re ready for professional support, Digivox Global is here to help you turn your content into conversations—and your conversations into community.
