3 Things to Do to Boost Your Social Media Engagement

3 Things to Do to Boost Your Social Media Engagement: A Guide for Handmade Sellers

Are you tired of shouting into the social media void and getting nothing but crickets? 🙉 Don’t worry; we’ve all been there! Social media can feel like a rollercoaster ride, especially for handmade sellers trying to get noticed among millions of posts. The good news? There are some tried-and-true strategies to get more eyes on your content, more likes, comments, and shares, and ultimately, more customers excited about your handmade goodies. Ready to boost that engagement? Let’s dive into three fun and effective things you can do.

1. Host a Fun Giveaway or Contest

Who doesn’t love the chance to win something fabulous? Hosting a giveaway or contest is one of the most effective ways to increase your social media engagement and grow your following. Make it simple—ask people to like the post, tag a friend, and follow your account to enter. This not only gets your current followers excited but also brings new potential customers into your circle.

Example from My Experience: Last year, I ran a “Win Your Favorite Item” giveaway on Instagram where participants had to comment on their favorite item from my shop, follow my page, and tag three friends. The response was incredible! Not only did I gain hundreds of new followers, but my engagement rate skyrocketed as people commented, liked, and shared my posts. Plus, it was a great way to gather feedback on which products people loved most.

2. Use Instagram Stories and Reels to Show Behind-the-Scenes

People love seeing the "real" side of your business! Show them what goes into making your products—the mess, the fun, and everything in between. Use Instagram Stories and Reels to share behind-the-scenes snippets of your creative process, packaging orders, or even a day in the life of a handmade seller. The more authentic and engaging your content, the more people will connect with your brand.

Example from My Experience: I started sharing “Studio Sundays,” where I post quick behind-the-scenes videos of me working in my studio. Whether I’m mixing colors for a new line of pottery or hand-stamping each tag, these posts have consistently garnered more views and interactions than regular posts. People love feeling like they’re part of the creative process, and it’s a great way to build a loyal following.

Show your personality! Don’t be afraid to share the “you” behind your brand. Authenticity drives engagement.

3. Engage Actively with Your Audience

Here’s a secret: social media is supposed to be social! It’s not just about posting pretty pictures and waiting for the likes to roll in. Make an effort to interact with your followers—reply to comments, like their posts, and even DM them if appropriate. Show genuine interest in their feedback and be an active member of your community. People are more likely to engage with your content if they feel like you genuinely care.

Example from My Experience: I noticed that whenever I took the time to respond thoughtfully to comments, questions, and even DMs, people were more likely to engage with my future posts. I also started sharing customer photos and shoutouts, which encouraged more people to interact with my content. It’s like a snowball effect—the more you engage, the more engagement you’ll receive.

Question for You:

What’s your go-to strategy for boosting social media engagement for your handmade business? Got any tips or tricks that work wonders? Share in the comments below—let’s help each other grow.

Remember, boosting social media engagement isn’t just about hacking the algorithm; it’s about building genuine connections with your audience. By hosting fun giveaways, sharing behind-the-scenes content, and actively engaging with your followers, you’ll turn those crickets into meaningful conversations in no time! 🦗