Today, we’re continuing our two-part series on building an engaged audience. Last time, we talked about how to find and attract your ideal audience. But getting people’s attention is only the first step. The real magic happens when you KEEP them engaged. And that’s exactly what we’re diving into today! So whether you have 10 followers or 10,000, these strategies will help you nurture your audience and build real connections.

Keeping Your Audience Engaged

Consistency Over Perfection

You don’t have to post every day, but you do need a consistent schedule. Show up regularly so your audience knows what to expect.

I actually dedicated an entire episode to this—Episode 4: How to Stay Consistent with Content (Even When You’re Busy). If you haven’t listened to it yet, I highly recommend going back to check it out because I go deep into practical strategies for staying consistent without burning out.

But here’s a quick recap of a few key takeaways:

Choose a Manageable Posting Schedule: You don’t have to post every single day, but you do need to be predictable. Whether it’s twice a week, three times a week, or just every Monday, make sure your audience knows when to expect you.

Batch and Repurpose Content: Instead of stressing over daily content creation, batch your content ahead of time. For example, record one video and repurpose it into multiple posts, emails, and blog content.

Use AI and Automation to Stay Consistent: Tools like ChatGPT can help you generate ideas, draft captions, and schedule content in advance so you don’t have to create from scratch every day. But remember, always add your personal touch!

Give Yourself Permission to Be Imperfect: If you wait until every post is perfect, you’ll never post at all. Done is better than perfect!

If you want a step-by-step plan for staying consistent, go listen to Episode 4—I break it all down for you there. But for now, remember: It’s not about being perfect; it’s about showing up.

ACTION STEP: Pick a posting schedule you can realistically stick to and commit to it for the next 30 days. Even if it’s just once a week, consistency is what builds trust and keeps your audience engaged!

Create a Two-Way Conversation

Most entrepreneurs just talk AT their audience instead of WITH them.

One of the biggest mistakes I see business owners make when creating content is treating their social media or email list like a one-way megaphone. They constantly broadcast messages but never invite a response.

If your audience feels like you’re just talking AT them, they will eventually tune out.

The goal is to create an interactive experience where your audience feels like they are part of the conversation. People don’t just want information—they want connection, recognition, and engagement. Here are some engagement-Boosting Strategies.

1. Ask Questions in Your Posts
Many entrepreneurs struggle with engagement simply because they never ask for it! Questions naturally spark conversations.

Instead of this:
“My new book just launched! Grab a copy today.”

Try this:
“My new book just launched! I’m curious—what’s the last book that really inspired you? Drop your favorite read in the comments!”

Types of questions to ask:

• Opinion-based: “What do you think about [topic]?”

• Experience-based: “Have you ever struggled with [challenge]? How did you handle it?”

• This or That: “Would you rather [option A] or [option B]?”

• Fill in the blank: “My biggest business challenge right now is _______.”

ACTION STEP: Go to your last 5 posts. Did you invite interaction? If not, edit one post to include a question and see how your audience responds!

2. Go Live & Interact in Real-Time
Live video is one of the fastest ways to build trust and create real-time engagement. The key is to make your audience feel like they are part of the experience.

How to maximize live engagement:
✔ Greet people by name as they join.
✔ Ask them to comment where they’re watching from.
✔ Answer questions from the chat in real-time.
✔ Use polls or reactions to encourage participation.

ACTION STEP: Plan a short live session this week, even if it’s just 10 minutes. Pick a topic and invite your audience to join the conversation.

3. Use Polls, Quizzes, & Surveys
People love to share their opinions—but they won’t if you don’t make it easy.

Polls: Quick and easy engagement—people can vote with one tap. (Example: “Which logo do you like better? A or B?”)

Quizzes: Help people see where they fit in. (Example: “What type of entrepreneur are you? Take this 2-minute quiz!”)

Surveys: Ask for feedback on what your audience wants from you next.

ACTION STEP: Post a poll or a quick “This or That” question on social media today.

4. Respond to EVERY Comment (Even the Small Ones!)
If someone takes the time to leave a comment on your post, reply! Engagement is a two-way street. A simple “thank you” or follow-up question can go a long way.

Example:
Comment: “Great post! This really helped me.”
Your response: “So glad to hear that! What was your biggest takeaway?”

Want to encourage even more engagement? End your response with another question to keep the conversation going!

ACTION STEP: Go through your last 5 posts and reply to every comment you haven’t responded to yet.

5. Make Your Audience Feel Seen & Heard
One of the easiest ways to deepen engagement is to acknowledge and feature your audience.

• Give shoutouts to active followers.

• Share user-generated content (testimonials, customer stories).

• Feature audience questions in your content. (Example: “A listener recently asked me about XYZ, so let’s talk about it today!”)

ACTION STEP: Choose one follower or audience member to highlight this week. Share their story, tag them, or respond to their question publicly.

Remember: Engagement is About RELATIONSHIPS

If you want engagement, BE engaging. Don’t just post and disappear. Invite conversation, be present, and make your audience feel like they matter.

The Power of Email Marketing

Your email list is the most important asset you own!

Listen, social media is great, but it’s borrowed real estate. The algorithm could change tomorrow, and suddenly, your reach is cut in half. But your email list? That’s YOURS.

✔ Send emails regularly—once a week is a great start.
✔ Keep it conversational. Write like you’re talking to a friend.
✔ Give value before you sell—nurture before you pitch.

I can’t tell you how many times people have bought from me months—even YEARS—after joining my email list. Why? Because I stayed in touch.

ACTION STEP: If you don’t already have an email list, start one today. If you do, make sure you’re emailing consistently.

Overcoming Common Audience Growth Challenges

"I feel like I’m talking to no one…".

Engagement doesn’t happen overnight! Keep showing up and tweak your approach.

I hear this all the time from entrepreneurs, and I get it. You put your heart and soul into creating content, but when you post, it feels like you’re shouting into the void. No comments, no shares, no interaction. It’s frustrating, right?

But here’s the truth: Just because you don’t see engagement doesn’t mean no one is watching.

If you feel like you’re talking to no one, it could be because:

Your audience is too small – Growth takes time. If you only have a few followers, expect engagement to start small too.
Your content isn’t sparking conversation – Sometimes, posts feel too much like statements instead of invitations to engage.
People are watching but not commenting – Many people consume content quietly. They may be engaged in their minds but not taking action.
You haven’t built trust yet – People are more likely to engage when they feel a real connection.

Here are some strategies to increase engagement.

1. Start Conversations (Instead of Just Posting)

Many entrepreneurs post informational content but forget to invite interaction.

Instead of this:
"Here are 5 tips to improve your marketing."

Try this:
"Which of these 5 marketing tips have you tried? What worked best for you?"

ACTION STEP: Go through your last few posts. Did you include a question or call to action that invites engagement? If not, update one post today!

2. Engage First to Get Engagement

Social media is a two-way street. If you’re waiting for people to engage with you first, you might be waiting a long time!

✔ Comment on other people’s posts before expecting them to comment on yours.
✔ DM someone and start a conversation (without being salesy).
✔ Reply to stories, engage in groups, and show up where your audience is.

If you want more comments, make sure YOU are actively commenting on others’ content too!

ACTION STEP: Spend 10 minutes today engaging with other people’s content before you post anything new.

3. Repurpose What Already Works

If a post doesn’t get engagement, that doesn’t mean the topic is bad—it might just need a different approach.

✔ Take a post that got low engagement and reformat it.
✔ Turn a long post into a short quote or a question.
✔ Share the same message in a new way (text, image, video, or live).

ACTION STEP: Pick one of your lower-performing posts and repurpose it in a new format.

4. Be Consistent (Even When It Feels Like No One Is Watching)

Your audience needs to see you consistently before they feel comfortable engaging.

ACTION STEP: Challenge yourself to post consistently for the next 30 days, even if engagement is low.

Someone Is Watching!

Even if people aren’t engaging, they are watching, listening, and taking in your message. Stay consistent, tweak your approach, and engagement WILL come.

"I don’t like putting myself out there…"
Start small. Share written posts if video makes you nervous.

I hear this a lot, especially from entrepreneurs who didn’t grow up in the digital age of selfies, livestreams, and constant online visibility. Putting yourself out there—on video, in posts, or even just sharing personal stories—can feel scary and uncomfortable. You might be thinking:

“What if I say something dumb?”
“What if I don’t look professional enough?”
“What if no one cares what I have to say?”

But here’s what I want you to remember: No one is judging you as hard as you are judging yourself.

Let’s bust a few myths:

Myth #1: You have to be perfect.
No! People connect with realness, not perfection. The more “human” you are, the more relatable you become.

Myth #2: You need fancy equipment or a perfect setup.
Nope. Your phone camera, good lighting (like natural light from a window), and a clear message are enough!

Myth #3: You have to be super confident first.
Confidence comes from action. The first time will feel awkward. The second time, a little better. By the tenth time, you’ll wonder why you were so nervous!

Here’s how to get comfortable putting yourself out there.

1. Start Small (You Don’t Have to Go Live Right Away!)

If the idea of video makes you sweat, start with written content. Then, gradually ease into video:

✔ Post a photo of yourself with a caption sharing a story.
✔ Record a short voice memo and post it as audio content.
✔ Create a quick video (just 15-30 seconds) sharing a tip or encouragement.

ACTION STEP: Write a post today that shares something about YOU—why you started your business, a challenge you’ve overcome, or a behind-the-scenes moment.

2. Give Yourself Permission to Be a Beginner

The first time you do anything, it won’t be perfect. And that’s OK! The people you admire today? They started somewhere too.

Reframe your mindset: Instead of thinking, “This has to be perfect,” tell yourself, “This is practice.”

Lower the stakes: If going live feels overwhelming, record a video first and watch it before posting. Over time, you’ll realize you’re better than you think!

ACTION STEP: Record a short video of yourself (even if you don’t post it yet). Just hit record and talk for 30 seconds about your business or a fun fact about yourself.

3. Don’t Watch Yourself Over and Over – Just Post It!

One of the biggest confidence killers? Watching your own video 100 times and picking apart every little thing.

Don’t:

• Critique how your voice sounds (we all sound different to ourselves!).

• Obsess over every facial expression.

• Delete it before giving it a chance.

Do:

• Post it even if it feels imperfect.

• Focus on the VALUE you’re providing, not how you look.

• Remind yourself that people are more interested in what you say than in your background, lighting, or hair.

4. Practice Makes Confidence (Not Perfection!)

No one expects you to be a pro on Day 1. But the more you do it, the easier it gets.

Your first post → feels awkward.
Your fifth post → still a little weird, but easier.
Your tenth post → you start to feel natural.
Your 20th post → you wonder why you ever hesitated!

Challenge yourself to post one video per week for the next 4 weeks.

Just HIT RECORD!

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment, let this be your sign: Just start.

Someone out there needs to hear your message.
Your audience isn’t expecting perfection—they just want YOU.
The hardest step is the first one. After that, it gets easier.

Now, go record that video! And if you do—tag me! I’d love to cheer you on.

So there you have it—how to keep your audience engaged, even if you have a small following!

Remember, engagement is about relationships. Show up consistently, create two-way conversations, leverage email, and don’t be afraid to use AI to help—but always keep it human.

Which strategy from today’s episode will you try first? Send me a DM on social media or reply to my latest email and let me know!

And if you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to The Seasoned Entrepreneur so you never miss an episode.

Until next time, keep showing up, keep growing, and keep making an impact!