Genealogy is a fascinating field, connecting us with our ancestors and revealing stories of the past. Many genealogists and family historians have taken to social media to share their findings, ask questions, and connect with others in the community. However, not everyone sees the engagement they hope for on their posts. If you're one of them, here are nine possible reasons why:
Lack of Visual Content: Social media is a visual platform. Posts with images, infographics, or short videos tend to get more engagement than plain text. Consider adding relevant photos or creating graphics that illustrate your genealogical findings.
Overly Technical Language: While it's essential to be accurate, using too much jargon can alienate your audience. Try to simplify complex terms and explain concepts in a way that both beginners and experts can understand.
Inconsistent Posting: If you post sporadically, your audience might forget about you. Establishing a regular posting schedule can help keep your followers engaged and attract new ones.
Not Engaging with Your Audience: Social media is a two-way street. If you're not responding to comments or participating in discussions, your followers might feel unappreciated. Engage with them by answering questions, thanking them for their input, and joining relevant conversations.
Lack of Variety: Posting the same type of content repeatedly can become monotonous for your followers. Mix it up with different types of posts, such as personal stories, historical facts, genealogy tips, and more.
Not Utilizing Hashtags: Hashtags can help increase the visibility of your posts. Use popular and relevant hashtags in the genealogy community to reach a broader audience.
Ignoring Trends: Stay updated with the latest trends in both the genealogy world and social media. Incorporating trending topics into your posts can make them more relevant and engaging.
Not Collaborating with Others: Collaborating with other genealogists or family history enthusiasts can boost your reach. Consider guest posting, hosting joint live sessions, or sharing each other's content.
Not Promoting Your Social Media: If you have a blog, website, or are part of genealogy forums, make sure to promote your social media channels there. The more places you share your social media presence, the more likely you are to increase your engagement.
Engagement on social media requires a combination of consistency, variety, and genuine interaction. By addressing these potential pitfalls and being proactive in your approach, you can boost your engagement and connect more deeply with the genealogy community.