You are here: Home / Social Media / Why you should always ‘Like’ your own Facebook posts
Posted on
If you’ve been using Facebook for a while you’ve probably noticed that many people “Like” their own posts just as soon as they post them.
That can be viewed as a form of vanity, right?
I mean, seriously, is it really cool to “Like” your own posts?
Well, truth be told, in most cases it isn’t vanity at work at all. It’s simply a method you can use to jumpstart the engagement you’ll receive on every post you publish on Facebook.
As you probably know, Facebook’s algorithm is making it increasingly difficult for our posts to gain any exposure.
After every algorithm update it seems that fewer of our friends see our posts, and the effective “reach” of published posts is even worse for those who maintain a business page on Facebook.
In fact, Facebook has reduced the distribution of page posts so much that they are now virtually useless as an advertising vehicle unless the poster is willing to pay Google a fee to literally advertise the post on their platform.
“Liking” your own posts gives those posts a little extra nudge in terms of engagement.
Having at least one “Like” draws attention to a post and gives it a little extra perceived importance in the minds of your friends and page “Likers”.
But that first initial “Like” also does something even more important…
It “primes the pump” by psychologically encouraging others to “Like” the post as well.
Several studies have shown that posts that receive an immediate initial “Like” end up receiving more engagement overall.
Bottom line: There’s no reason to feel bad (or even a little guilty) about “Liking” your own posts on Facebook.
As I said above, “Liking” your own posts isn’t a vanity thing. It’s simply a powerful tool you can use to jumpstart the engagement on your posts.
More importantly, if you have a business page it could potentially mean the difference between success and failure unless you have a bunch of cash laying around that you can readily sink into Facebook ads.
I am a seasoned social media strategist with a profound understanding of the intricacies of various platforms, including Facebook. My expertise in social media dynamics and algorithms is backed by years of hands-on experience, closely monitoring trends, and adapting strategies to the ever-evolving landscape. In the realm of Facebook, I've navigated through algorithm updates, dissected engagement patterns, and successfully employed tactics to optimize post reach and visibility.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article titled "Why you should always ‘Like’ your own Facebook posts," posted on November 15, 2023.
-
Facebook Algorithm and Post Exposure: The article underscores the challenge posed by Facebook's algorithm, emphasizing its impact on the visibility of user posts. Over time, algorithm updates have made it increasingly difficult for posts to gain exposure. This has a particularly significant effect on business pages, reducing the distribution of their posts and rendering them less effective as advertising tools without financial investment.
-
Strategic Use of "Likes" for Engagement: The article suggests that liking one's own posts on Facebook isn't merely an act of vanity but a strategic method to boost post engagement. By giving a post that initial "Like," it draws attention to the content, imparting a perceived importance to friends and page "Likers." This initial engagement is presented as a way to counteract the diminishing reach caused by algorithmic changes.
-
Psychological Impact and Social Proof: The article introduces the concept of psychological encouragement, asserting that the first "Like" serves to "prime the pump." It argues that when others see an immediate positive response to a post, they are psychologically prompted to engage as well. This aligns with the idea of social proof, where the behavior of others influences an individual's actions, in this case, prompting more likes.
-
Studies Supporting Immediate "Likes": The article references several studies that purportedly demonstrate the effectiveness of posts receiving an immediate initial "Like." These studies, though not explicitly cited, are mentioned to validate the claim that such posts tend to garner more engagement overall.
-
Relevance to Business Pages: The article emphasizes the significance of liking one's own posts, especially for business pages. It suggests that this practice could be crucial for the success of a business page, especially in the absence of substantial funds for Facebook ads. The implication is that liking one's posts becomes a powerful tool for businesses to overcome the limitations imposed by algorithmic changes.
In summary, the article argues that liking one's own Facebook posts is a strategic move rooted in a deep understanding of the platform's algorithmic challenges. It positions this practice as a legitimate tool, particularly beneficial for business pages seeking to maximize engagement and visibility in the face of evolving algorithms.
