Are you looking for ways to get more social media love from your followers? Want to know the best content to share to get them engaging with your posts?

Cute kittens and funny memes are all the rage but if you want to keep things strictly business there are 5 types of content you need to share as shown in the infographic below from Buzzstream and Fractl.

They’ve also broken down which of these 5 types of post work best in a range of different sectors including business, travel and entertainment.

 

In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives. Whether it’s scrolling through your Instagram feed during lunch or catching up with friends on Facebook, social media platforms have revolutionized the way we connect, share, and communicate with one another. For businesses and individuals alike, social media provides a powerful platform to engage with an audience and build a loyal following.

However, in the vast sea of content that floods social media every day, it’s crucial to understand what your followers truly want. To stand out and create meaningful connections, you need to share content that resonates with your audience. In this blog post, we’ll explore five types of content that your social media followers want to see, helping you boost engagement, increase your reach, and foster a thriving online community.

1. Educational Content

One of the most valuable types of content you can share on social media is educational content. People turn to social media not only for entertainment but also to learn new things, discover insights, and gain knowledge in their areas of interest. By providing educational content, you can position yourself as an authority in your niche and build trust with your followers.

Here are some ideas for educational content:

How-to Guides and Tutorials

Create step-by-step guides and tutorials related to your industry or expertise. These can be in the form of videos, blog posts, infographics, or even a series of tweets. For example, if you’re a fitness trainer, you could share workout routines, healthy meal recipes, or tips for staying motivated.

Industry Insights and Trends

Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in your industry and share your insights with your followers. Discuss trends, share relevant news articles, and offer your perspective on how these changes might impact your audience.

Q&A Sessions

Host live Q&A sessions on platforms like Instagram or Facebook Live. Encourage your followers to ask questions about your expertise, and provide thoughtful answers. This not only educates your audience but also allows for direct interaction and engagement.

Case Studies and Success Stories

Share real-life examples of how your products, services, or advice have made a positive impact on your customers or clients. Case studies and success stories can inspire trust and demonstrate the value you provide.

Infographics and Visual Summaries

Create visually appealing infographics that condense complex information into easy-to-understand visuals. Visual content tends to be highly shareable and can quickly convey valuable insights.

Remember to tailor your educational content to your specific audience’s needs and preferences. Conduct surveys or ask for feedback to understand what topics or types of content they find most valuable.

2. Entertaining and Inspirational Content

While educational content is essential, it’s equally crucial to provide content that entertains and inspires your followers. Social media is a place where people go to relax, unwind, and be inspired. By adding a touch of entertainment and inspiration to your content mix, you can create a well-rounded and engaging profile.

Here are some ideas for entertaining and inspirational content:

Memes and Humor

Share funny memes, jokes, and humorous anecdotes related to your niche or industry. Laughter is a universal language, and a good laugh can help your content go viral.

Behind-the-Scenes

Offer a glimpse behind the scenes of your life or business. Showcasing the human side of your brand can humanize it and make it more relatable to your audience.

User-Generated Content

Encourage your followers to create content related to your brand or products. Share user-generated content (with permission) as a way to showcase the love and loyalty of your customer base.

Success Stories and Achievements

Share your personal or business achievements and milestones. Whether it’s hitting a fitness goal, celebrating an anniversary, or reaching a significant milestone in your career, your successes can inspire others.

Daily Quotes and Affirmations

Share daily motivational quotes or affirmations that resonate with your audience. Positive messages can uplift and inspire your followers, creating a positive association with your brand.

Entertaining and inspirational content can help you connect with your followers on a more emotional level. People often share content that makes them laugh or feel inspired, increasing your reach and engagement.

3. Interactive and Engaging Content

Social media is a two-way street, and your followers want to feel like they’re an active part of your community. Interactive and engaging content encourages participation, sparks conversations, and fosters a sense of belonging.

Here are some ideas for interactive and engaging content:

Polls and Surveys

Use polls and surveys to gather opinions and preferences from your audience. Ask questions related to your niche or industry and let your followers have a say in your decision-making process.

Contests and Giveaways

Organize contests and giveaways with enticing prizes. Encourage your followers to participate by sharing your content, tagging friends, or creating user-generated content. Contests can create buzz and excitement around your brand.

Quizzes and Trivia

Create quizzes or trivia questions related to your niche or expertise. Challenge your followers’ knowledge and offer prizes or recognition to those who participate and answer correctly.

Live Events and Webinars

Host live events, webinars, or workshops where you can interact with your audience in real-time. These events allow for direct engagement, Q&A sessions, and a chance to connect on a deeper level.

Challenges

Start social media challenges that encourage your followers to take specific actions and share their experiences. Challenges can be related to fitness, personal development, or any topic relevant to your niche.

Interactive content not only keeps your audience engaged but also helps you gather valuable insights about their preferences and interests. Use the data you collect from interactive content to refine your content strategy.

4. Visual Content

In the age of Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok, visual content has become incredibly popular and effective on social media. People are naturally drawn to eye-catching visuals, and incorporating visual content into your strategy can help you capture and retain your audience’s attention.

Here are some types of visual content to consider:

High-Quality Images

Share high-resolution images that showcase your products, services, or lifestyle. Invest in professional photography or graphic design to ensure your visuals are visually appealing.

Videos

Video content is booming across all social media platforms. Create short, engaging videos that entertain, educate, or tell a story. Videos can be in the form of tutorials, vlogs, product demonstrations, or even behind-the-scenes clips.

Infographics

As mentioned earlier, infographics are an excellent way to present information visually. Use colorful graphics and concise text to convey complex ideas in a visually pleasing manner.

Stories

Platforms like Instagram and Facebook offer “Stories” features, allowing you to share ephemeral content that disappears after 24 hours. Use Stories to share updates, promotions, or behind-the-scenes glimpses.

Carousel Posts

Carousel posts on Instagram and Facebook enable you to share multiple images or videos in a single post. This format is perfect for storytelling, step-by-step guides, or showcasing a collection of products.

Visual content is more shareable and memorable than text-only content. Invest time and effort into creating visually appealing content to make a lasting impression on your followers.

5. Personal and Authentic Content

In an era of carefully curated social media profiles, authenticity stands out. Your followers want to connect with real people, not polished personas. Sharing personal and authentic content helps you build trust, create a deeper connection, and humanize your brand.

Here are some ways to incorporate personal and authentic content into your social media strategy:

Personal Stories and Anecdotes

Share personal stories, experiences, and anecdotes that relate to your niche or life journey. Being vulnerable and open about your challenges and successes can resonate with your audience.

Behind-the-Scenes

Peel back the curtain and show the less glamorous side of your life or business. Document the everyday struggles, setbacks, and triumphs. This transparency can build authenticity and relatability.

Live Videos

Go live on social media platforms to connect with your audience in real-time. Live videos allow for unscripted, authentic interactions, and your audience can ask questions and comment in real-time.

User Testimonials and Reviews

Share authentic user testimonials and reviews of your products or services. These real-life experiences provide social proof and build trust with potential customers.

Personal Values and Causes

Share your personal values, beliefs, and causes that are important to you. Advocating for meaningful causes can resonate with like-minded individuals and create a sense of community.

Remember that authenticity doesn’t mean oversharing or being unprofessional. It’s about striking a balance between being real and maintaining a positive and respectful online presence.

Conclusion

Understanding what your social media followers want is key to building a thriving online community and growing your brand’s presence. By diversifying your content strategy with educational, entertaining, interactive, visual, and authentic content, you can engage your audience on multiple levels and create a lasting impact.

Keep in mind that consistency is essential in social media marketing. Consistently providing the types of content your followers want to see will help you build trust, loyalty, and a strong online presence. Listen to your audience, adapt to their preferences, and watch your social media following flourish.