Be Honest—When’s the Last Time You Shared a Post?
Think about the last post you actually shared with a friend. Was it because it was super useful, hilariously relatable, or mind-blowingly good?
Now, ask yourself: Do my posts make people feel the same way?
If your content isn’t getting shared, it’s not because people are stingy with their reposts—it’s because they don’t feel compelled to share it.
Let’s break down how to fix that.
1. Make It About Them, Not Just You
People don’t share posts to help you—they share them to express themselves.
✅ Do this:
- Create posts that reflect their thoughts, struggles, or wins.
- Make them feel seen, heard, or inspired.
- Write in a way that makes them think, “Omg, this is SO me.”
🚫 Avoid this:
- Posting only about your product (“Check out our new offer!” = no one cares).
- Making every post about you instead of them.
Example:
❌ “Our marketing agency offers the best social media strategies!” (Nobody’s sharing that.)
✅ “Ever feel like you’re posting into the void? Here’s how to fix that.” (Way more relatable!)
2. Trigger an Emotional Response
People share posts that make them laugh, cry, or go ‘WOW’. If your content doesn’t spark an emotional reaction, it’s forgettable.
✅ Do this:
- Make people laugh (memes work for a reason).
- Inspire them (share wins, transformations, or powerful messages).
- Shock them (hit them with a surprising fact or bold statement).
🚫 Avoid this:
- Boring, safe, generic posts that don’t make people feel anything.
Example:
❌ “Hashtags are still important.” (Cool, but why should I care?)
✅ “The biggest social media myth? That hashtags still matter. Here’s the truth.” (Ooooh, controversy!)
3. Make Your Content Ridiculously Useful
One of the biggest reasons people share posts? Because it’s helpful. If your post makes their life easier, they’ll gladly pass it along.
✅ Do this:
- Share quick tips that solve a common problem.
- Post step-by-step guides that make something easier.
- Create lists, templates, or checklists people can save.
🚫 Avoid this:
- Giving vague advice with no real takeaways.
Example:
❌ “Engagement is important on social media.” (Okay… and?)
✅ “3 simple ways to double your engagement this week: 👇” (Boom—instant value.)
4. Use the “This or That” Trick
People love sharing things that spark opinions or debate. If your post makes them think, “I NEED to send this to someone,” it’s a winner.
✅ Do this:
- Compare two things and ask people to pick a side.
- Share a hot take and ask if people agree.
- Post something that feels like an inside joke for your audience.
🚫 Avoid this:
- Making everything neutral and inoffensive (not saying be controversial, but a little edge helps).
Example:
❌ “Social media trends are always changing.” (No one’s sharing this.)
✅ “Instagram carousels > TikTok videos. Fight me.” (Instant conversation starter.)
5. Make Sharing Stupidly Easy
Sometimes, people want to share your post but… forget, or just don’t feel like putting in the effort.
✅ Do this:
- End with a clear call-to-action (CTA): “Tag a friend who needs to see this!”
- Design content that looks great in a share (bold headlines, easy-to-read text).
- On Instagram/TikTok, ask people to save, stitch, or duet your post.
🚫 Avoid this:
- Posting great content with no invitation to share.
- Making posts too long or complicated—people won’t share if they think no one else will read it.
Example:
❌ “Hope this was helpful!” (Weak CTA.)
✅ “Tag someone who NEEDS to hear this today. 👇” (Now they’re way more likely to share.)
6. Use Memes and Pop Culture (But Do It Right)
Memes go viral for a reason—they’re funny, relatable, and easy to share. If you can tie a meme or trending moment to your brand, you’ve got a shareable post.
✅ Do this:
- Use meme formats your audience recognizes.
- Make sure it actually fits your brand’s tone.
- Keep it timely—don’t post last month’s trend.
🚫 Avoid this:
- Forcing memes that don’t fit your brand.
- Jumping on trends too late (if it was big two weeks ago, move on).
Example:
🔥 Trending meme: Side-eye Chloe
✅ “When the algorithm decides to show your post to 3 people.” (Relatable + funny = shares!)
7. Post Things People Are Proud to Share
Some posts are so well-written, inspiring, or visually stunning that people want them on their feed.
✅ Do this:
- Make posts aesthetic and visually appealing (quotes, infographics, well-designed carousels).
- Share motivational, feel-good messages people would repost.
- Provide industry insights or valuable research people can reference.
🚫 Avoid this:
- Low-effort posts that don’t add real value.
Example:
❌ “Hard work pays off.” (Nice sentiment, but no one’s sharing that.)
✅ “96% of people give up before they see results. Be the 4%.” (Now that is shareable.)
Final Takeaway: People Share Content That Makes Them Look Smart, Funny, or Relatable
If you want more shares, focus on your audience—not yourself.
✔️ Make it about them.
✔️ Trigger emotions.
✔️ Make it useful.
✔️ Spark opinions.
✔️ Make sharing effortless.
✔️ Use memes & trends smartly.
✔️ Create content people are proud to share.
