Engaging with customers is key to social media marketing. We have said it before, you have heard it before, but how do the experts make content more engaging? Here are eight tips to help boost the impact of your posts, pins and tweets.

1.   Benefits over features

Apple does a great job at this. Show people why they want your products, not what features your products have. Apple iPod commercials show people dancing and enjoying their iPods. The spots make you want to have that experience, too.

2.   The YouTube budget

One of the largest social networks, YouTube has videos with all sorts of production budgets. Use YouTube and take advantage of the low cost of displaying content to millions of users. Traditional video or edited interviews are great. But you can add casual content with impromptu interviews. Both drive traffic and provide great balance.

3.   Winner, winner, chicken dinner

Make your audience feel like winners. They should feel important. Inspire them by offering discounts, giveaways and promotions. People like free stuff.

4.   Sound natural

Avoid typographical errors and make copy skimmable & scannable. Read content aloud to make sure it sounds natural.

5.   Call to action

Your content may bring followers, likes and views, but without a call to action you may not get the results you really want: engagement!

6.   Embrace memes and humor

Post memes, funny pictures and quotes as long as they’re not offensive. The material should appeal to a general audience.

7.   Useful advice

Tips and tricks are often shared throughout social media. Since everyone has problems in their lives, useful advice helps increase social engagement.

8.   Amaze the audience

“I saw this amazing video on YouTube!”  How often have you heard this? Content that surprises or excites is content people will share.