044 The Art of Creating Posts That Get Shared: A Masterclass in Virality

In the world of social media, sharing is the holy grail. Likes are lovely, comments are cool, but a share is the ultimate digital high-five. It’s a badge of honor that says, “Hey, this post is so good, I need everyone I know to see it!” But here’s the thing: creating posts that get shared isn’t as simple as slapping a cat meme on the internet and waiting for the magic to happen (although, to be fair, cat memes do work sometimes). The art of creating shareable content is a strategic, creative process—and a bit of fun, too.

So, let’s dive into the secret sauce of how to create posts that make people hit that share button like it’s Black Friday at an online store.

1. Know Thy Audience

First rule of creating shareable posts? You’ve got to know who you’re talking to. Picture this: you’re throwing a party, but you forgot to ask your guests what music they like. So, instead of setting the vibe with crowd-pleasers, you accidentally queue up pan-flute covers of death metal. Yikes, right? The same goes for your posts. If you don’t know your audience, you’ll miss the mark.

Who are they? Age, gender, location, and interests all matter.
What do they care about? Humor, inspiration, or informative tips?
Where do they hang out? Facebook moms aren’t the same as TikTok teens.

Tailor your posts to their preferences, and they’ll be much more likely to share them.

2. Keep It Short, Sweet, and Snackable

When it comes to the internet, attention spans are shorter than the lifespan of a mayfly. Your post needs to grab attention within the first few seconds. Whether you’re crafting a blog post, a tweet, or a video, make sure it’s:

Concise: Get to the point fast. Rambling is a surefire way to lose your audience.
Engaging: Start with a hook—something that grabs attention right away.
Visually appealing: People are 2.3 times more likely to share posts with images. Humans love pretty pictures!

Remember, your audience wants something they can consume quickly. If your post is a tasty bite of content, they’ll want to share the snack with friends.

3. Create Value—It’s Not All About You

People love to share things that make them look good. So, make your post less about you and more about them. Provide value in some way:

Teach something: Give a quick, actionable tip. Example: “5 Tricks to Reduce Your Facebook Ad Spend by 50%.”
Make them laugh: Humor is a universal connector. People love sharing things that make them chuckle.
Inspire them: Everyone needs a motivational boost now and then. Think: heartfelt quotes, rags-to-riches stories, or awe-inspiring achievements.
Evoke emotion: Content that makes people feel something—whether it’s happiness, anger, or nostalgia—is more likely to get shared.

When your post makes people think, “Wow, this could help someone else,” they’ll share it for you.

4. Craft a Killer Headline

A headline can make or break your post. If the headline doesn’t grab attention, your post could be the cure for insomnia. However, with the right headline, even a post about cleaning gutters can seem thrilling (okay, maybe not that thrilling, but you get the point).

To craft a killer headline:

Be specific: “How to Lose Weight” vs. “How to Lose 10 Pounds in 30 Days Without Starving.”
Use numbers: People love lists! “7 Ways to Maximize Your Instagram Reach.”
Create curiosity: “The Secret to Getting 100K Followers in 6 Months.”
Promise value: “Boost Your Engagement by 300% With This Simple Trick.”

Headlines are like the clickbait of social media, but the good kind—you know, the kind that delivers on its promise.

5. Timing is Everything

When you post is as important as what you post. You could create the most genius, share-worthy content, but if you drop it on a sleepy Monday morning, it might get lost in the void. Pay attention to when your audience is online and more likely to engage:

Social platforms have peak times. For example, Facebook users are most active around noon and early evening. Instagram lights up after 7 PM, especially on weekdays.
Consider time zones if you have an international audience.
Watch for trends. If something newsworthy happens that relates to your content, jump on it while it’s hot.

The right timing gives your post a fighting chance in the chaotic world of news feeds.

6. Make It Easy to Share

Let’s be honest—humans are inherently lazy. If sharing your post requires more than two clicks, you’re losing potential shares. The easier it is to share, the better your chances are. Here’s how to simplify the process:

Add share buttons: Sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people forget to include them.
Ask for shares: A friendly reminder at the end of your post (“If you found this helpful, please share!”) can boost your share rate.
Create quotable moments: Use short, impactful quotes that people can easily copy and share.

7. Tap Into Trends

Trending topics are like digital waves—ride them, and you’ll get swept along with the momentum. Keep an eye on what’s hot in your industry and tap into those trends:

Use hashtags: They help people find your content organically.
Leverage memes: If it fits your brand’s voice, sprinkle in some humor with trending memes.
Stay relevant: Posts about evergreen topics can be good, but don’t be afraid to experiment with timely subjects, like a pop culture event or a new tech gadget.

Just make sure you’re not jumping on a trend that’s already stale. No one likes the guy still quoting last year’s meme.

8. Encourage Engagement

People love feeling like they’re part of a conversation, not just being spoken to. Encourage your audience to interact with your post by:

Asking a question: Something as simple as “What do you think?” or “Have you tried this?” invites replies.
Running polls: They’re quick, easy, and engaging.
Starting a challenge: “Share this post if you’re ready to crush your goals this week!”

Engagement begets engagement. The more people comment, the more likely others are to share your content.

9. Consistency is Key

Creating one viral post is like finding a $100 bill on the ground—awesome, but it’s not a sustainable strategy. Consistency is how you build a steady flow of shares over time. Whether you post daily, weekly, or bi-weekly, make sure you’re showing up regularly. When people expect valuable content from you, they’re more likely to engage and share it when it comes.

Final Thoughts: Get Ready for Shares Galore!

Creating posts that get shared is a mix of art, science, and a dash of psychology. It’s about knowing your audience, offering value, and making your content too good not to share. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating posts that get passed around like the internet’s favorite secret. So, get out there and start creating shareable content!

Remember, shares are more than just a vanity metric—they’re proof that your content resonates with your audience. And if you can consistently create share-worthy content, you’ll not only expand your reach but also build a loyal, engaged community.