What are Likes, Comments, and Shares, and why do we need them?
Likes, comments, and shares are different forms of social engagement within social media. Giving Likes is really just an acknowledgement that you, well like what you see. Instagram is a social site built on Likes. They are the main form of engagement there. Other sites like Facebook and Twitter work more with comments and look to drive the conversation.
Giving likes is a very basic form of engagement, highly popular on more app-based social sites like The8App. They give you the potential to get tons more engagement because you are leaving a calling card.
When you click Like or leave a comment or participate in any kind of social engagement on a social media then normally (depending on the site) a notification goes to the content creator or a link back to you is left to alert the content creator that there has been some social engagement around their content. LIKES COMMENTS SHARES
Why comments are my favourite form of social engagement
Comments are your chance to share your thoughts, ideas, and opinion. And for you to show an interest in the post topic and again to leave that calling card for others to follow you back to your page.
Comments breed engagement. It’s easy to ignore a Like. Not so easy to ignore a comment when it asks a question or agrees or disagrees with what you say. When a new person comments notifications are pinged out. Profile link backs are left and this brings in members to read the new replies. Content creators often create content that asks questions, that give opinions. They create content that generates some kind of emotional response.
Tweet ThisEMOTION IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND CONTENT GOING VIRAL
Why Shares/Re-posts Are Important
Comments may be king for engagement but it is also about your social reach. And shares put you in front of a new audience. Let me give you an example.
You create some socially engaging original content with your smartphone. A sunset or beach scene. A holiday destination.
You have 10 followers or friends. That’s 10 potential members who can see your original content. I’m one of those 10 followers and I share what you have created to my social feed. I have 10000 followers.
That’s another 10000 members or so that can now potentially see your post if they are looking at my feed.
Some of my followers then also share the post that I have shared. Before you know it your social engagement going up your social reach has jumped from 20 members to 20000+. Every form or social engagement, likes, comments, shares, they all receive a boost. Not only that but your own followers are increasing.
Conclusion
Likes Comments and Shares. They are all important. If you solely want views then it is all about shares. If it’s engagement and conversation then it’s all about comments. But one thing is for sure don’t let anyone tell you that Likes are worthless.
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9 Responses
Ana
Thank you Dexter Roona for your article and involvement. It is a great one!
Dexter Roona
Your welcome Ana … have you joined us on The8App yet.
Dexter Roona recently posted…Link My Photos – Cool Instagram Hack or is it more than that?
Ruth Bowers
All forms of social engagement are important in their own way. I like comments best as well. They let you have conversations and build relationships with your readers.
Ruth Bowers recently posted…[Friday Five] 5 Content Mistakes That Drive Readers Away
Dexter Roona
Exactly!! Comments are the bomb especially with blogs!
Dexter Roona recently posted…Instagram Followers – The secret to getting real Instagram Followers
ikechi
Hi Dexter
I think each and every form of engagement have their significance on Social media but I like comments and reshares as they help to boost engagement. Thanks for sharing. Take care
Marcelino Usrey
I love reading an article that can make people think. Also, many thanks for allowing me to comment!
Denise
I like social media where there is a guve and take. Why write if nobody reads, merely goibg though the motions of liking, reposting, etc. It used to mean something. Now, it practicallt means nothing. I love comnents! They are wbat posting/writing is all about!
Denise
I like social media where there is a guve and take. Why write if nobody reads, merely goibg though the motions of liking, reposting, etc. It used to mean something. Now, it practicallt means nothing. I love comnents! They are wbat posting/writing is all about!
Austin Bailey
I think social engagement is important in all its form but repost and shares plays a important role in that. Thanks for your post it will help everyone in a good way. New Social Media Trends 2017