Why Low Engagement Isn’t the End—and How to Turn It Around
“What Should I Do If I Don’t Get Any Likes or Engagement?”
You finally carve out time to post on social media. You share something thoughtful, helpful, maybe even personal. You hit publish… and then?
Crickets.
No likes. No comments. Maybe one pity emoji from your cousin.
It’s frustrating—and discouraging. So it’s no surprise that many small business owners ask:
“What should I do if I’m not getting any engagement?”
The good news? Low engagement doesn’t mean you’re failing. It just means something needs to shift. Let’s break down why it might be happening—and how to fix it.
First: Engagement Isn’t the Whole Story
It’s easy to obsess over likes and comments, but those aren’t the only (or best) indicators of success. People often see your content without interacting with it. In fact, many clients and customers make purchasing decisions based on posts they never liked or commented on.
So while engagement matters, it’s not everything. Don’t quit just because the algorithm hasn’t rewarded you yet.
Step 1: Check Your Content Clarity
Ask yourself honestly:
Is the post trying to say too many things at once?
Is there a clear message or takeaway?
Does it grab attention in the first sentence or line?
If your message isn’t clear or it blends in with everything else, people will scroll past—no matter how valuable it is. Simplify. Speak directly to your audience’s problems, goals, or curiosity.
Step 2: Add a Clear Call to Action (CTA)
Sometimes, people don’t engage because they don’t know what you want them to do. A strong CTA can make a huge difference.
Try:
“What do you think—agree or disagree?”
“Tag a friend who needs to hear this.”
“Want the link? Drop a 🔥 in the comments.”
“Have you experienced this too? Let me know below.”
Give people a reason and a way to engage—and they’ll be more likely to do it.
Step 3: Post When Your Audience Is Active
Even great content can get buried if it’s posted at the wrong time. Test different times of day to see when your audience is most responsive. For many small businesses, weekday mornings or early evenings work well.
Also: don’t post and ghost. Stick around for 15–30 minutes after posting to reply to comments and engage with others—that often boosts visibility.
Step 4: Engage First
Social media is a two-way street. If you’re not engaging with other people’s content, it’s less likely they’ll engage with yours. Before (and after) you post, spend a few minutes liking, commenting, and interacting. Be a human, not just a broadcaster.
Step 5: Keep Showing Up—Even When It’s Quiet
Sometimes, your best leads are watching silently. I’ve had clients land speaking gigs, partnerships, and sales from people who never once liked a post.
Consistency builds trust—even when you don’t see immediate feedback.
Struggling with low engagement? You’re not alone—and you’re not stuck.
Let’s audit your content, tweak your strategy, and build a presence that actually gets seen and heard.
