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Stop chasing followers! The social media metrics that actually matter for businesses

by Gabrielle Makovka

Shot of Accurate team member looking at phone with the text "Stop Chasing Followers!"

Why follower count doesn’t matter

A high follower count is overrated. It might look impressive, but it doesn’t mean your digital strategy is reaching the right target audience. Your followers could be bots, inactive accounts, or random clicks.

The real power lies in engagement: comments, shares, and likes. These metrics show you what’s working and what’s not, and they’re what the algorithm actually values.

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Likes—the “meh”tric

Likes are nice, but they’re a dead end. You can’t like a like. Sure, it gives a quick dopamine hit, but it won’t help with lead generation or creating conversations.

The algorithm knows this, so likes get the bronze medal. Nice, but not the star of the show.

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Comments—where the magic happens

Now we’re talking. Comments are where the real magic happens. When people comment, they demonstrate their investment in your content by engaging.

This signals to the algorithm that your post is worth showing to more people. Plus, comments often lead to likes and replies, boosting your post’s reach even more.

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Pro tip:

Highly recommend commenting on trending content

Want to get more eyes on your content? Jump into the comments of trending posts in your niche.

Share something interesting that catches attention. This will help your products or services get more engagement. The algorithm loves it, and so will your audience.

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Shares—the significant victory

Shares are the gold medal of social media. When someone shares your post, they’re vouching for it to their entire network. That means a proven track record for new eyes, new followers, and even new leads for your association, large or small business. The algorithm takes notice when others share your content, and it rewards you with more exposure.

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The algorithm doesn’t just value how many people like your post. It values whether people are interacting.

Why the algorithm loves comments and shares more than likes

Here’s the deal: the algorithm doesn’t just value how many people like your post. It values whether people are interacting. Comments show that your content is sparking a conversation, and shares tell the algorithm your post is worth spreading. That’s why they get all the love.

How to maximize engagement

1. Ask for engagement

Don’t wait for engagement, ask for it. Phrases like “What do you think?” or “Tag a friend who needs this!” give your audience a clear call to action.

2. Make it shareable

Content that’s shareable is gold. Whether it’s funny, informative, or relatable, make sure it’s something your audience will want to send to their friends. Don’t forget to add “Share this with your network” because it works wonders.

Two iPhones, each displaying photo content from the Health Products Stewardship Association Instagram, an example of one of Accurate Creative's social media clients

Our client, @healthproductstewards, needed a creative agency to help with their social media campaigns, brand strategy, and brand identity. We delivered results seeing a 15% increase in engagements, helping them reach their digital marketing solutions.

3. Build a community

Engage with your audience! Respond to comments, ask follow-up questions, and keep the conversation going. When people feel heard, they’re more likely to interact again and share your content.

Bottom line: forget followers, focus on engagement

Followers can be fake accounts or people who don’t care about your content. Real growth comes from the people who engage with your online marketing. Shares take the top spot, followed by comments and likes. Focus on them, and watch your social presence grow.

About the Author

Gabrielle Makovka is an emerging marketing professional with a strong foundation in communications and media studies. Currently pursuing an Honours Bachelor’s co-op degree at Carleton University, she has demonstrated a commitment to excellence, earning a place on the Dean’s Honour List.

Gabrielle’s practical co-op experience is marked by impactful roles in the marketing field. As a Junior Marketing Officer at Accurate Creative, she researched, pitched, and developed the agency’s first internal SEO marketing plan. Gabrielle has also assisted various content/social media roles at previous agencies, honing her skills in content creation and audience engagement.

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