Understanding Social Media
Ever wondered why some posts seem to spread like wildfire across social media while others barely make a blip?
That’s the power of virality in action. It’s not just about luck – there are specific factors that contribute to making content go viral.
Social Media uses a few types of metrics to gauge how well your content resonated with your audience and they are
- Engagement rates
- Shares
- Comments
- Reach
- Watch times (In seconds/minutes)
If your content does well in any of these areas, the platform will reward you by showing it to more people on their platform. Alternatively, if it doesn’t do well, the platform will show it to less of your audience and that is where the virality of a post comes from. The chart below shows how the social media platforms actually works
Content Creation Strategies
Creating engaging and shareable content is key to going viral on social media and here are some examples of what you can do:
Trend Jacking
One strategy is to tap into current trends and topics that resonate with your audience.
Storytelling
People connect with narratives that evoke emotions or inspire them. Craft compelling stories that captivate your audience and encourage them to share them with their networks.
Utilise eye-catching visuals
Visual content such as videos, infographics, and memes is highly shareable on social media. Utilise eye-catching visuals to grab attention and make your content stand out in a crowded digital space.
Creating Interactive Content
Interactive content like polls, quizzes, or challenges can boost engagement levels and encourage users to interact with your brand. Encourage participation by creating fun and interactive experiences for your followers.
User Generated Content (UGC)
Incorporating user-generated content can also amplify reach, as it fosters a sense of community among followers. Encourage users to create and share their own content related to your brand or products for increased visibility on social platforms.
Leveraging Social Media Platforms
When it comes to leveraging social media platforms, understanding the unique features and algorithms of each platform is crucial. Tailoring your content to suit the specific audience and trends on each platform can significantly boost engagement.
Tiktok
It is all about fast paced videos and commanding a short attention span. Your videos should be straight to the point and provide hooks that capture users’ attention or you will lose them quickly with their next scroll.
Visual content reigns supreme here. Utilise high-quality images or videos that are aesthetically pleasing to capture users’ attention as they scroll through their feeds. Use relevant hashtags strategically to expand your reach beyond your current followers. Check out our latest guide to learn about the posting styles on Instagram.
Facebook’s algorithm prioritises meaningful interactions between users and brands. Focus on creating shareable content that encourages likes, comments, and shares from your followers.
LinkedIn is a professional networking platform where informative articles and industry insights perform well. Share valuable content related to your niche to establish credibility among professionals in your field.
If you would like to understand how to better understand which social media to use, Eziom has a helpful guide to decode the social media platforms.
Engagement and Interaction
When it comes to going viral on social media, engagement and interaction play a crucial role and these are some of the things to take note of when posting on social media.
Quick response time
Building a strong connection with your audience is key to fostering loyalty and encouraging them to share your content. Responding promptly to comments, messages, and mentions shows that you value their input.
Creating engagement content
Encouraging participation through polls, contests, or interactive posts can spark conversations and increase visibility. Asking questions or seeking opinions from your followers not only boosts engagement but also provides valuable insights into their preferences.
Creating shareable content
Creating shareable content that evokes emotions or prompts reactions can initiate discussions among users. Utilising features like stories, live videos, or user-generated content can further enhance interaction with your audience.
Analysing and Measuring Success
Once your content goes viral on social media, it’s crucial to analyse and measure its success. This step is not only about tracking numbers but also understanding the impact of your campaigns. Dive into the data to uncover insights that can inform future strategies.
Utilise tools like Google Analytics or social media analytics platforms to track key performance indicators. By monitoring these metrics regularly, you can adapt and optimise your strategies for maximum impact.
Pay attention to qualitative feedback as well. Listen to what your audience is saying about your content and use that insight to refine your approach moving forward. Arena Calibrate has an article about the different social media analytics tools that are available on the market and the comparison between these tools.
Conclusion
In today’s digital landscape, mastering the art of going viral on social media is crucial for any modern marketer. Understanding what makes content shareable and leveraging the power of social platforms are key components of achieving virality.
Remember that going viral is not just about luck; it’s about understanding your audience’s preferences and delivering content that resonates with them. Stay creative, stay authentic, and stay connected – the next viral sensation could be just one post away! If you are looking for an agency to help you improve your social media content creation and conceptualisation, feel free to check us out!