Simple Ways to See What’s Working in Your Social Media Posts
If you’re using the Glow Social approach—sharing offers, behind-the-scenes moments, and expert tips—you might wonder: How do I know if this is actually helping my business? The good news is, you don’t need complicated tools or confusing reports to figure it out. Here’s how to track what’s working without stress.
Start With the Basics: What to Look For
Instead of getting lost in numbers, focus on three simple things:
- Engagement: Are people liking, commenting, or sharing your posts?
- Reach: How many people are seeing your content?
- Action: Are people clicking links, calling, or visiting your business after seeing a post?
These tell you if people care about what you’re sharing. For example, if a behind-the-scenes post gets lots of comments, your audience enjoys seeing the human side of your business. If an offer post gets clicks, people are interested in what you sell.
Use Free Tools Already Available to You
You don’t need fancy software. Here’s where to find helpful info:
- Facebook & Instagram Insights: Built into your business profiles, these show reach and engagement for each post.
- Link Tracking: If you share a link (like to your website), use a free tool like Bitly to see how many clicked it.
- Ask Customers: A simple “How’d you hear about us?” at checkout can reveal if social media brought them in.
Match Your Tracking to Your Goal
Different types of posts have different purposes, so track accordingly:
- Offers: Look at link clicks, messages, or sales after posting.
- Behind-the-Scenes: Check comments and shares—these build connection, not always direct sales.
- Authority Posts: See if people save the post or ask follow-up questions, showing they value your expertise.
For example, a bakery might post a weekend special (offer) and track how many people use the promo code. Later, they share a video of frosting cupcakes (behind-the-scenes) and notice it got more comments than usual. Both are wins, just in different ways.
Keep a Simple Record
Once a week, jot down:
- Which posts got the most engagement
- Any uptick in calls or website visits
- Customer mentions of your social media
A notebook or basic spreadsheet works fine. Over time, you’ll spot patterns—like certain topics your audience loves or best days to post.
What to Do With What You Learn
Use what you discover to make small improvements:
- If how-to videos get saved often, make more of them.
- If morning posts get seen more than evening ones, adjust your schedule.
- If one offer outperformed others, try similar wording next time.
Remember, social media success isn’t about going viral—it’s about steadily building relationships that turn into real business results.
You’ve Got This
Tracking doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on a few key signs and checking in regularly, you’ll gain confidence in what works for your unique business. Keep experimenting, keep listening to your audience, and most importantly—keep showing up. The effort you’re putting in matters.
