The 5-5-5 rule for social media engagement

We work with the variety of small businesses but something they all have in common is the need to get engagement on social media for their brand. They know they need to do it but don't feel they have the time. Here's a rule we like which requires just 5 minutes a day.

The 5-5-5 rule has been re-invented in many forms and you may have heard it called other things or even just informally referred to in conversation. In its basic form, it is about spending 5 minutes a day, writing 5 comments on 5 different topics or profiles, depending on the social media platform.

Just 5 minutes?
The time limit keeps you focused. Make sure you're logged onto your social media platforms (that isn't counted in the time limit) and set a timer on your phone for 5 minutes. The next step is to find your 5 topics.

Where do I find 5 topics?
This will vary from business to business but, broadly speaking, it needs to be something related to your business area. It could be an industry like #hypnotherapy, or maybe a particular trend or seasonal topic like Easter or Christmas. It could also be influencers in your industry, which you'll need to research before doing this exercise.

When you have ideas for topics, write them down on a post it and stick it on your screen. This helps you to keep to your time limit and make the most of this exercise. You can also keep track of ideas throughout the week so your topics might evolve over time.

Take each topic in turn and search in your social media platform for 5 posts within that topic to interact with.

What counts as an interaction?
An interaction is where you are actively engaging with the post, usually by commenting on the post or replying to a comment. Anything where your brand name is going to appear on the post. Make sure your interactions are genuine. Read the original post fully, ensure it relates to your topic, then add a comment which is related to the original post. Do this 5 times for each topic.

TIP - Don't be tempted to use this opportunity to promote yourself. This is all about engaging with your community.

You repeat this for each topic until you have written 25 comments in 5 minutes, 5 comments per topic. You may find it takes you a bit longer the first time but the more you do it, the more efficient you will become.

It's easier to focus on one platform at a time, so if you are on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, you might dedicate 5 minutes to each platform. Whatever works for you, be consistent and try to keep up your 5 minutes a day for at least a month so you can see how your hard work pays off.

This 5-5-5 rule will help you build followers, learn more about your online community and position your brand in a positive light. It also means you can make time each day for your social media. Give it a try over your morning coffee!

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