5 Ways to Step Up Your Caption Game
We've all been there. We have a beautiful picture or a new service we can't wait to share on social media, but we can't get the accompanying caption right. Without a good caption, you might feel like there isn't a point in posting. This line of thinking shows the importance we place on the copy of your accompanying post.
Captions are a powerful aspect of a post. Good captions hook scrolling eyes to read your entire post, encourage engagement, and even redirect them to your website. Enough attention and your post can end up on the Instagram holy grail, the explore page.
Below are some steps you can take to turn a good caption into a great caption.
First impression
Let's get straight to it, the first sentence in your caption is the most important! You want your first sentence to be an attention-grabbing hook that will prompt your followers to continue reading your post. This can be done by delivering a quick stat, an intriguing statement, or an engaging question are all great ways to hook your audience. Adding emojis to your first sentence is also a quick way to add a visual element that showcases your brand's personality.
2. Show who you are
Social media is all about being social - and the best way for people to connect to you is to show what makes you, well you!
Adding a personal, human element to your posts (think stories and life events) will help show your followers who you are and foster a connection beyond liking a post they will invest in the person, not just the service. In addition, a mix of personal content mixed with professional will give the impression of a relatable person who is also a trusted authority in the field.
3. Value
Make your post a keeper! Adding valuable information or tips and templates will boost the chance your post is shared and bookmarked. Offer information that will show your scrolling eyes what benefit you offer them. You know your audience, so talk directly to them and offer something you think they would like to read or need to know.
4. Call to action (CTA)
Once you hook them, make sure you have a call to action. The point is to drive up social media engagement, so make sure your captions allow your followers to connect with you. It's a simple as asking them to double-tap, share, or tag a few friends. The first line hook, coupled with the call to action, will force you to get creative in the way you are asking your followers to engage with your posts.
Examples of Instagram Call-To-Actions:
Visit the link in bio to learn more!
Send me a direct message for a free consultation!
5. Plan
Doing your research and dedicating time to your social media content strategy is a great way to alleviate the stress when it comes to writing captions. If you already have the accompanying pictures for your post, writing your Instagram captions in batches ahead of time can be a much more efficient route than coming up with a catchy, witty, funny, engaging caption on the fly.
So yes, captions are particularly important. But don't let writer's block or perfectionism prevent you from posting. Having a consistent posting schedule is essential for an engaged audience. Working on your captions while you're planning the rest of your post (hashtags, pictures, etc.) will allow you the time to write personable, educational, and valuable copy that will resonate with your audience.
P.S. To kickstart your social media presence today, download a sample of weekly social media content plan that includes graphics, captions, and Instagram package to go with each graphic. Feel free to use those on your social media pages!
Many of these links are affiliate links, which means I may get a small commission if you purchase at no additional cost to you. Most of the time, the link gives you a discount as well. Keep in mind that I only share about companies that I truly believe in.
