Social media has become the preferred medium for sharing information and because of that social media sites have become incredible drivers of web traffic. The main goal of sharing content through social media is to increase the overall awareness of your business and the products and services you offer. When your social media content is optimized you position your business in line for increased awareness and engagement.

When you are preparing to optimize your social media content, make sure you can check off all five of these steps.

1. First, ensure that the content you share is quality

The only way to capture an audience is to provide them with content that they are interested in. Your content needs to be so interesting that followers engage with it and share it. Quality content not only attracts an audience, but can help convert audiences into potential leads and loyal customers if the content truly helps your audience reach their goals.

Make sure the content is written well and that grammar and spelling have been double checked. You can also add social share buttons on your page so that your audience is reminded to share it through their own social media.

2. Create a compelling headline

You may have great content, but that content needs to be supported by a compelling headline. Your goal is to grab the attention of your audience and convince them to follow the link to your website.

3. Review your social media analytics

Check out your analytics for each of the platforms that you plan to share content through. Review the days and times that your followers most often engage and read your social posts. Set up your posts to go out during the optimal day and time.

4. Add a call-to-action

We use call-to-actions all the time when we create websites and blogs for clients, simply because they work. Tell your social media followers exactly what you want them to do with your content. Invite your followers to “like,” “share,” “read more” or even to “click to download.” Don’t be afraid to ask questions in your posts or to drop an opinion that may encourage discussion.

5. Include an image

All content posted to social media should be supported by an attention grabbing image, especially if the content you are sharing is simply an image. Statistics from every major marketing influencer speak to the power of images on social media, the bottom line is that images encourage engagement.

You need to put time into each social media posts you make, following these tips will help you to get the most out of your social media. For advice on how to create engaging social media posts read our article: 7 creative ways to increase community engagement on social media.