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How to Read and Use Analytics on Social Media (but make it fun)



This isn’t as fun as scrolling through your feed but you NEED to understand your analytics to grow your biz. Talking about analytics is boring so we tried to make it more fun to understand. Let’s dive in!


Step 1: Get Ready to Spy (on Your Own Content)

Depending on the platform you’re working with, you need to access your analytics. It's like discovering a treasure map that will lead you to your next business strategy playbook.


  • Facebook: Head to your page and click on "Insights" at the top. 

  • Instagram: Go to your profile, tap the menu icon, and select "Insights." 

  • Twitter: Click on your profile pic, then select "Analytics." 

  • LinkedIn: Go to your company page and click on "Analytics." 


Step 2: Meet Your New Best Friends (The Metrics)

These are the basics you need to wrap your head around.

  • Reach: This is like the number of people who saw your post. Think of it as the size of your audience at your virtual concert.

  • Impressions: The total number of times your content has been displayed. Imagine every single time someone sees your post, even if it's multiple times.

  • Engagements: Likes, comments, shares – it's like your content throwing a party, and these are your RSVPs.

  • Engagement Rate: This is the percentage of people who partied with you after seeing your post. Higher rates mean your content was a hit!

  • Followers/Followers Growth: These are your loyal fans. Track how fast your fan club is growing.


Step 3: Get to Know Your Audience 


Check out the deets on your audience:

  • Age

  • Gender

  • Location

  • Interests

It's like figuring out who's in your squad and what they love!


Step 4: Discover Your Rock Stars (Top-Performing Posts)

  • Top Posts: These are the posts that everyone is talking about. They’re like your chart-topping hits.

  • Content Type Performance: Photos, videos, links – see which type gets the crowd on their feet.


Step 5: Follow the Trends 

Track how your numbers change over time:


  • Growth Trends: Is your fan base growing or shrinking? It’s like watching your band go from garage to stadium.

  • Seasonal Trends: Do you get more love in the summer or during holidays? Spot the patterns and rock out accordingly.


Step 6: Benchmark Like a Pro

Compare your stats with industry averages or your own past performances. It’s like seeing if you’re the fastest runner in the race or if you need to up your game.


Step 7: Action Time (Turn Insights into Gold)

Use what you’ve learned to:


  • Content Strategy: Double down on what works, ditch what doesn’t. 

  • Posting Times: Post when your audience is most active. It’s like timing your grand entrance perfectly.

  • Audience Engagement: Chat back, reply to comments, DM back. It’s your time to be the life of the party.


Step 8: Keep the Party Going

Check your analytics regularly. Adjust your strategy to keep things fresh and exciting.


Bonus: Use Super Tools

Tools like Hootsuite or Sprout Social can give you even more insights. We like a lot of the tools from Planoly, too. Don't forget to check out our code.


Now, go rock your social media world and watch those numbers soar!

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