We have said it before: the average person’s attention span has decreased in recent years. On one hand, this makes gripping storytelling more difficult. By the same token though, it purifies social media—audiences will now only respond to the most punchy and eye-catching posts. How can you use this newly syncopated world of 140 characters to engage your audience?

The best way to quickly engage a potential follower is by whetting their curiosity. The great social commentator, David Foster Wallace, once said that ads are meant to “create an anxiety relievable by purchase.” Approach your social media posts with the same mindset: create content that makes your audience hungry for more, with satisfaction just one click away…

Posting engaging pictures or videos also boosts your engagement. It is too much to read a long explanatory post when an animated (and amusing) video will do just as well. Furthermore, studies show that multimedia posts tend to generate more user participation than simple text posts.

From our phones to our tablets to our computers, we are always connected and always distracted—social media is everywhere! As a marketer, you need to tap into the natural human desire for more. Engage your audiences; show them you are worth their attention.

See Social Media Today for more.