How to stop people scrolling past you
Let’s be honest: we’ve all posted something on social media that we thought was brilliant… only to be rewarded with two likes (one from your mum and one from your business partner). If you want to stop this and start creating posts people want to read, keep reading: it’s easier than you think.
Social media can feel like shouting into the void sometimes. That is until you know how to create posts people actually want to read. Not tolerate. Not politely ignore. Want.
Below are straight-forward ways to create content that grabs attention, builds trust, and stops your audience scrolling past you like a badly lit selfie.
The Short Version for the Busy (or the Guilty)
If you’re posting on social media but nobody’s engaging, you’re not alone. It’s easy to share updates, promotions, or news that… well, no one reads.
Every dull, boring, or overly salesy post is wasted effort: lost attention, missed opportunities, and a social feed that looks like tumbleweed.
The fix? Focus on posts people want to read: short, helpful, human, and a little bit fun. Small tweaks make a big difference.
Or in plain English: write for your audience first, not the algorithm, and they’ll actually stick around.
Tell a tiny story: the 1st step to creating posts people want to read
Humans are nosy. We can’t help it. Instead of posting “We have new croissants available today”, try:
“Our new croissants sold out in 20 minutes. Dave from next door bought five. We’re watching you, Dave.
Stories = memorable.
Statements = snoozefest.
Make it about them, not you
People don’t follow you because they adore your company (not yet, anyway). They follow you because they want something: tips, help, offers, inspiration, entertainment.
Before posting, ask:
“Why would someone care about this?”
If the only answer is “because I posted it”… delete and walk away.
Read Later’s blog if you want more examples of posts people actually read. Definitely a good one to check out!
Keep it simple: painfully simple
Your audience is scrolling while waiting for their coffee, hiding from emails, or avoiding folding laundry.
Clarity wins. Always!
❌ “We are pleased to introduce our latest facial treatment.”
✔️ “New facial. Glowy skin. Zero effort from you.”
Short sentences. Clear message. No fluff. People will actually read it.
Your audience (and your analytics) will thank you.
Add personality, not corporate wallpaper
If your posts sound like they were written by a polite robot who fears disappointing management, people will skim right past. A touch of personality goes a long way.
Try this instead:
- A bit of humour
- A dash of honesty
- A sprinkle of behind-the-scenes chaos
- A photo of the team looking human, not hired stock models
“Yes, this house has a kitchen big enough to host Christmas. Or hide from family during Christmas. You choose.”
Professional doesn’t mean boring.
Use visuals people actually want to look at
Blurry photos, weird lighting, and screenshots of documents are the fast track to low engagement.
You don’t need fancy gear, just:
- Natural light
- Clean background
- A subject worth photographing
- And for the love of social media… wipe your camera lens
Try:
✔️ Restaurant: Show steam rising off a fresh dish.
✔️ Retail boutique: Show the outfit in natural light, not in a dim stockroom.
✔️ Mechanic: Show the “before and after” of a scary brake pad (people love a transformation).
If you’re posting video, keep it under 20–30 seconds and make the first three seconds count.
Mix value with sales (the 80/20 rule)
People will tolerate your sales pitches if you give them value the rest of the time.
Aim for:
- 80% value (tips, insights, stories, helpful info)
- 20% selling (but make it friendly, not shouty)
Examples of value:
- Interior designer: “3 tiny changes that make your living room look more expensive.”
- Pet store:“Why your cat knocks things off tables (and how to reduce the chaos).”
- Finance consultant: “The simplest budgeting method if you hate budgeting.
Think: “Here’s something useful… and by the way, we can help with this.”
Not: “BUY THIS OR PERISH.”
Ask questions people actually want to answer
Instead of:
❌ “Thoughts?”
❌ “Agree or disagree?”
Try:
✔️ Gym: “Early-morning workout or absolutely not?”
✔️ Bakery: “Be honest: which one is your weakness—croissants, brownies, or ‘all of the above’?”
✔️ Hair salon: “Would you rather: perfect curls forever OR never have to blow-dry again?”
People love to talk about themselves. Give them a chance.
Be consistent (yes, the boring bit)
The algorithm isn’t your enemy and is not punishing you. Your inconsistency is.
You don’t need daily posts. You do need regular posts.
Twice a week? Perfect.
Once a week? Also fine.
Posting in January and then resurfacing in June does not.
Consistency builds trust.
Trust builds engagement.
Engagement builds sales.
Write for humans, not algorithms
If your post wouldn’t make sense spoken out loud, it won’t land on social media.
Keep it short, helpful, real, and a little bit fun and people will stick around. They may even click, comment, or heaven forbid, share. They may even… gasp… buy.
And if that still doesn’t work?
Let us help you turn “meh” content into posts people actually look forward to.
About Clear Coast Solutions
At Clear Coast Solutions, we help small and growing businesses navigate the digital world without the jargon, confusion, or wasted effort. From SEO and content strategy to social media management and digital systems setup, we build practical strategies that actually work, not just sound cool. We’re here to make the online side of your business clear, calm, and under control.
FAQs
Keep them short, helpful, and human. Add personality and make the content about the reader, not the business.
Stories, tips, behind-the-scenes moments, and relatable questions. Basically—anything that feels real.
Aim for consistency over frequency. Once or twice a week is plenty if you keep it regular.
Posting boring updates no one cares about. Always ask: “Why would someone read this?”
Nope. Just use natural light, clear shots, and simple composition. Your phone camera is enough.
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