As a small business owner or Facebook page manager, you might have noticed your posts aren’t reaching or engaging as many people as they used to. Don’t worry – you’re not alone, and there are proven strategies to turn things around. In this guide, we’ll explain why Facebook engagement has become trickier (hint: algorithm changes) and share best practices to increase likes, comments, and shares on your business page. We’ll cover everything from optimal posting times and content types to using Facebook Stories, asking engaging questions, sharing across platforms, and even adding a dash of humor. Let’s dive in! 😊

Facebook’s Algorithm and the Decline of Organic Reach

Facebook’s news feed algorithm has evolved to prioritize content from friends, family, and groups over posts from business pages. In 2018, for example, Mark Zuckerberg announced that Facebook would show less public content (from businesses, brands, and media) and more posts that spark “meaningful interactions” between people. This change meant organic (unpaid) posts from pages now reach only a small fraction of your followers – on average around 5% or even less of your page’s fans. In fact, one analysis found the average engagement rate for Facebook posts is just 0.18% (that’s not a typo!).

Why did Facebook do this? Largely to improve user experience – showing people content they find most relevant or conversational. As a result, posts that don’t get engagement (likes, comments, or shares) are shown to even fewer people, creating a downward spiral. Facebook’s own 2025 algorithm update notes that posts which fail to generate engagement “may see a decrease in reach,” whereas posts that spark conversation will be prioritized. In other words, Facebook rewards content that people interact with.

The good news: you can work with this algorithm change by focusing on organic engagement strategies. By posting the right content at the right time and actively encouraging interactions, you’ll signal to Facebook that your posts are relevant – helping them reach more people without paying for ads. Below are actionable tips to organically boost your Facebook page engagement in light of these algorithm realities.

Post at Times When Your Followers Are Online

Timing is everything on Facebook. Since the news feed is so crowded, posting when your audience is most active gives your content a better chance to be seen and engaged with early on. Facebook itself advises that you’re “more likely to see engagement if you post when your fans are online.” When more followers see your post right away, you’ll accumulate likes/comments faster, which in turn leads Facebook’s algorithm to show it to even more people.

Find your optimal times: Use your page’s Insights (under Posts → When Your Fans Are Online) to check the days and hours your followers are most active. Schedule your important posts for those peak periods. For many businesses, evenings or early mornings on weekdays can perform well. In fact, one study found that weekday mornings (around 8–12 a.m.) tend to be high-engagement periods on Facebook – possibly because people check their feeds first thing in the day. However, every audience is different, so rely on your own data. If your fans tend to be night owls or in different time zones, plan accordingly.

Pro Tip: Consistency matters (more on that next), so establish a regular posting schedule. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different times and then measure which posts get the most reach and interaction. Over time, you’ll discover the sweet spots when your particular audience is ready to engage.

Post Consistently and in Moderation

Staying active and consistent on your page is key to building engagement. An inactive page where weeks go by without posts will struggle to gain any traction. On the other hand, pages that post regularly train their audience to expect content and give more opportunities for followers to interact. Consistency also “appeases the algorithm” by signaling your page is alive and worth surfacing.

How often should you post? There’s no one-size answer, but social media experts commonly recommend posting at least 2–3 times per week on Facebook. At a minimum, aim for a couple of quality posts each week. If you have the capacity for daily posts, that can further boost visibility – some top brands even post 4-5 times per day on Facebook. That level of frequency is not realistic for most small businesses (and could overwhelm your audience if content quality suffers), so focus on what you can sustain. Even posting once per day or every other day can be effective if you maintain it consistently.

Remember, quality beats quantity. Facebook’s feed is competitive, so it’s usually better to share fewer but more engaging posts, rather than flooding your page with mediocre content. Find a cadence that keeps you on your followers’ radar without annoying them. Consistent, moderately paced posting keeps your page active in Facebook’s eyes and gives your fans regular chances to interact.

Share Engaging Visual Content (Photos & Videos Beat Links)

When it comes to content types, not all posts are created equal. On Facebook, visual posts tend to perform far better than plain text or link posts. In fact, visual content “totally crushes it on Facebook – plain and simple”. People prefer to engage with photos or videos over a wall of text, and Facebook’s algorithm knows this. Studies show photos and videos are among the most common and engaging post types on the platform.

Use eye-catching images: Whenever possible, include a relevant image or graphic with your post. Show off your product, your team, or a behind-the-scenes peek. Original photos (or authentic images of your business in action) work better than obvious stock photos, because they feel more personal. Bright colors, happy faces, or interesting scenes can stop scrollers in their tracks. For example, GoPro’s Facebook page is famous for stunning user-generated photos that grab attention.

Leverage video content: Video is arguably the most engaging format on Facebook today. Native Facebook videos (videos uploaded directly to Facebook, not just linked from YouTube) often get superior reach and engagement because Facebook’s algorithm prioritizes native video content. Even a short video clip can outperform a static image in some cases. Facebook Live video in particular sees the highest engagement of all post types – live streams tend to draw more comments and longer view times, which Facebook rewards. Consider going live for product demos, Q&As, or event coverage; your followers will get notified and can join in real-time. (Fun fact: live videos even outperform regular pre-recorded videos in engagement on Facebook.)

Avoid link-only posts: Whenever you post a link (to your website or a news article, etc.), try to include an image and a compelling blurb, rather than just dumping the link. Facebook reportedly reduces the reach of posts that might lead users off-platform (like external links) in favor of content that keeps people on Facebook. If you must share a link, at least ask a question or add commentary to spark interaction (more on that below). Better yet, mix up your content so you’re not only posting links. A good rule of thumb is the “80/20 rule” – make about 80% of your posts entertaining or useful content for your audience, and no more than 20% direct promotions of your business. This keeps your feed interesting, so people are more likely to like and share your posts.

In short: Think visual. Photos, infographics, videos, and GIFs can dramatically boost your engagement. They make your posts stand out in the news feed and invite viewers to stop scrolling and interact.

Take Advantage of Facebook Stories

Don’t forget about Facebook Stories, the 24-hour ephemeral posts that appear in the top-of-feed Stories carousel. Facebook Stories are an excellent, often underutilized, tool for business pages to connect with followers in a fun, informal way. They literally sit at the very top of the Facebook app – prime real estate for grabbing attention.

Why use Stories? For one, 500 million people use Facebook Stories every day, so clearly users are watching them. Stories aren’t governed by the same algorithm as the News Feed; they autoplay at the top and can be tapped through by interested viewers. This means your story content won’t be lost in the feed frenzy. You can post freely to Stories without worrying about spamming – the format is expected to be more frequent and off-the-cuff. In fact, the ephemeral nature encourages authenticity. You can be more personal and in-the-moment on Stories, sharing quick updates, behind-the-scenes clips, or daily tips that humanize your brand.

Some best practices for Stories: use a mix of photos and short videos to keep things dynamic. Try interactive features like polls, emoji reactions, or Q&A stickers to get your audience participating. For example, you could post a story asking “Which new menu item should we launch? 🥗🍔 Vote now!” – followers can tap to vote, and you’ve just created an easy engagement. Because stories vanish after 24 hours, you can also repurpose them or save important ones as Story Highlights on your page profile. The key is to post consistently to Stories (aim for a few per week or even daily if you can) so your page stays visible in that Stories bar. It’s a free, organic way to ensure your brand is front-and-center and to supplement your regular feed content.

Ask Questions and Use Call-to-Action Prompts

One of the simplest ways to boost engagement is to invite it directly. Don’t be shy about asking your followers to interact – just do it in an authentic way. A proven tactic is to include a question or call-to-action (CTA) in your post text. Pose a question that encourages people to comment with their thoughts or experiences. It can be as straightforward as: “What do you guys think of this new design? Let us know in the comments!” or “Happy Friday! 💚 What are your weekend plans?” An interesting question is a great conversation starter and can “kick off an active comments thread”. For instance, the fast-food brand Burger King once asked fans to pick their favorite meal deal – prompting lots of responses as people shared their picks.

Here are a few question ideas that tend to get people talking:

• Either/Or: “Which do you prefer, X or Y?” (e.g., a boutique might post two outfits and ask which followers like more).
• Fill-in-the-Blank: “My favorite thing about [your city/your product] is ______. Comment below!”
• Advice/Recommendations: “We’re looking for new book recommendations – any favorites?”
• Experiences: “Have you tried our new coffee blend? Share your experience!”
• Fun & Relatable: “Caption this photo!” (with a funny image) or “Monday mornings are better with ______.”

Such prompts invite people to add their voice. Every additional comment or reaction not only creates buzz but also boosts the post in the algorithm (Facebook sees that people are interested). Just make sure your questions are relevant to your audience and easy to answer – low effort to join the fun.

Similarly, incorporate calls-to-action in your captions. A CTA can be as simple as “👉 Tell us what you think in the comments,” “Tag a friend who needs a laugh today,” or “Click share if you agree!” When appropriate, you can encourage sharing (e.g., “Share this post to spread the word about our charity event”). However, a word of caution: do not resort to engagement-baiting, like explicitly begging for likes or shares on every post. Facebook considers phrases like “Please LIKE this!” or “Share this with 10 friends!” to be engagement bait and will actually down-rank those posts. It’s fine to ask a genuine question or encourage feedback; just avoid spammy requests that don’t add value. In short, be genuine in asking for interaction.

By making your posts more conversational and inviting response, you’ll cultivate an active comment section. Those conversations not only boost engagement metrics but also fulfill Facebook’s “meaningful interactions” criteria – exactly what the algorithm is looking for.

Respond to Comments and Foster Community

Engagement is a two-way street. If you want people to interact with your page, be ready to interact back with them. When a follower takes the time to comment on one of your posts, never leave them hanging. A quick reply or even just a “👍” reaction from your page can make that person feel seen and appreciated. No one likes being ignored, and fans who engage with your content expect you to engage in return.

Make it a habit to respond to comments regularly. Thank people for their input, answer their questions, and join the conversation in your own comment threads. This kind of responsiveness can significantly boost your page’s engagement over time. Why? Firstly, it encourages those users (and others watching) to comment more in the future, since they know you’re listening. Secondly, every additional comment (even yours) adds to the total engagement on the post, which can help its visibility. Facebook has explicitly said that pages whose posts prompt conversations (and where the page might even reply) will be less affected by the reach drop. In other words, active comment sections are gold. Companies that reply to their followers often “score more interactions” as a result.

Another tip: consider building a Facebook Group connected to your page. Groups are communities where members (often your biggest fans or customers) can discuss shared interests. Over 1.8 billion people use Facebook Groups, and Facebook has indicated that meaningful interactions in groups can foster brand loyalty and even spill over to more engagement on your public page. For example, a beauty brand might create a private group for makeup tips. The community feeling in the group can strengthen the audience’s bond with your brand, making them more likely to like and comment on your page posts as well. Some businesses also participate in other relevant Facebook Groups (not just ones they own) to connect with potential fans and establish authority – just be careful to add value, not to spam with self-promotion.

In summary, be present on your page. Don’t just broadcast content and disappear – stick around to interact. By responding to your followers and maybe even creating a space for community (via groups), you show that there’s a human behind the brand. This kind of genuine engagement can turn casual followers into an active community that regularly boosts your posts with their participation.

Cross-Promote Your Facebook Page on Other Channels

Sometimes, the easiest way to boost engagement is to invite more people to the party. Leverage your presence on other platforms to drive traffic to your Facebook page. The people who already love your business elsewhere (your website visitors, email subscribers, Instagram/Twitter followers, etc.) are a great source of potential Facebook engagement – they just need to know where to find you on Facebook.

Here are some smart cross-promotion moves:

• Add Facebook links to your website and emails: Include a Facebook icon or “Follow us on Facebook” link on your homepage, footer, or contact page. Many companies also put social media links (including Facebook) in email newsletters or their email signature. This way, anyone reading your content off Facebook is one click away from becoming a Facebook follower.

• Promote across other social networks: Occasionally remind your followers on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn that you have a Facebook page with content they’d enjoy. For example, tweet a teaser of your Facebook post and prompt people to check out the full discussion on Facebook. (Just be careful not to overdo this – tailor it so it doesn’t feel like spam or platform favoritism).

• Embed Facebook content in your blog: If you have a blog, try embedding some of your Facebook posts directly into blog articles. This can showcase the conversation happening on your page and entice blog readers to click through and engage on Facebook.

• Use offline and print media: If applicable, include your Facebook page URL or handle on business cards, brochures, posters at your store/events, or even on product packaging. Anywhere your brand touches customers is an opportunity to invite them to join your Facebook community.

The goal is to funnel your existing audience into Facebook where they can like, comment, and share your content. This organic growth strategy can increase your follower count and the engagement on your posts, because these are people who already have interest in your business. Just make sure when they arrive on your Facebook page, they find valuable and engaging content (using the tips we’ve discussed). Cross-promotion sets the stage, but great content keeps them there interacting.

Show Personality – Don’t Be Afraid to Have Fun

Finally, one of the most underrated ways to boost engagement is to let your brand’s personality shine. Facebook is ultimately a social platform where people seek entertainment, community, and authentic connection. Brands that come off as too stiff, salesy, or robotic tend to have low engagement. On the other hand, if you inject some humor, warmth, or human interest into your posts, people are far more likely to react and share.

Facebook has become a “hotbed for memes and humorous content”. Funny videos, clever memes, or lighthearted jokes tend to perform well – they’re the kind of content people naturally tag their friends in or share. Now, you don’t need to force jokes if it doesn’t suit your business, but look for ways to be relatable. For example, a local bakery might post a Monday morning meme about needing coffee, which many followers can chuckle at and share. Even B2B companies can sprinkle in a bit of humor or pop culture reference occasionally to show there are real people behind the brand.

Show your human side: Share behind-the-scenes photos of your team (maybe celebrating a staff birthday or a goofy “office pet” moment). Celebrate holidays (both major ones and fun social media holidays relevant to your brand). Tell stories about your customers or your business journey. This kind of content builds an emotional connection. When followers feel like they know your team or appreciate your brand values, they’re more likely to engage – whether that’s dropping a supportive comment or hitting the heart reaction.

Also, stay relevant with what’s happening in the world. If there’s a trending topic or local event that your audience cares about, join the conversation in a way that fits your voice. For instance, tie in popular culture moments (sports championships, viral challenges, seasonal events) with your own twist. One company that does this well is HubSpot – they created a timely Valentine’s Day post that cleverly linked the holiday to their brand, sparking high engagement. Trending or timely content can generate a spike in interactions if done tactfully and genuinely.

In short, be authentic and engaging, not just promotional. People use Facebook to interact with people, not just to read ads. So the more your page feels like a personable friend sharing useful or entertaining tidbits (rather than a billboard), the more comments, likes, and shares you’ll earn. A bit of humor and heart can go a long way in making your Facebook page a lively place that fans want to visit and engage with regularly.

Conclusion: Keep Experimenting and Engaging

Increasing Facebook engagement organically is definitely more challenging than it used to be, but it’s far from impossible. The key takeaway is that Facebook’s algorithm now favors meaningful engagement – so our job is to create content that naturally encourages that engagement. By posting at the right times, keeping a consistent schedule, using attention-grabbing visuals, leveraging features like Stories, and actively prompting and participating in conversations, you can gradually improve your reach and interaction levels even without paid ads.

A few final reminders: monitor your results and learn from them. Use Facebook’s Insights and other analytics tools to see what’s working. Maybe your audience loves videos but doesn’t care much for link posts – that’s a clue to do more of the former. Perhaps you get more comments when you post a humorous meme or ask a question. Double down on what strikes a chord, and don’t be afraid to adjust your strategy as you discover what your followers respond to. Social media is an evolving game, and even small businesses should approach it with a test-and-learn mindset.

Finally, remember that genuine engagement builds over time. You might not go viral overnight, but if you cultivate a loyal community that interacts with you, you’ll outsmart the algorithm in the long run. Your organic reach will improve as Facebook detects more activity on your posts, creating a positive feedback loop. And beyond algorithms, the real win is building stronger relationships with your customers and fans. Every like, comment, or share is an opportunity to connect with someone and turn them into a true advocate for your business.

So start implementing these best practices today. With a friendly tone, a bit of creativity, and consistent effort, you’ll transform your Facebook business page into a bustling hub of engagement. 👍 Happy posting!

Sources & Further Reading:

• Sprout Social – 13 Strategies to Increase Facebook Engagement sproutsocial.comsproutsocial.com
• Hootsuite Blog – 24 Ways to Increase Facebook Engagement blog.hootsuite.comblog.hootsuite.com
• Keyhole – 10 Proven Tips to Increase Facebook Engagement in 2024 keyhole.co
• Facebook Newsroom – Announcement on News Feed Changes (2018) about.fb.com
• LAIRE Digital – What Facebook’s News Feed Changes Mean for Businesses lairedigital.comlairedigital.com
• Hootsuite – Facebook Algorithm 2025: What You Need to Know blog.hootsuite.com