The State of Social Media Engagement in 2026
Welcome to What I'm Reading! Here's a look at what I found interesting over the last two weeks. Hopefully these articles will help you in your business.
The State of Social Media Engagement in 2026: 52M+ Posts Analyzed - Buffer
A fascinating read. I'll warn you though, it's extremely research-heavy and very long. My most shocking takeaway: Video, photo, text, and link posts all have the same median engagement on Facebook. What this report didn't include, and what I'd like to see, is the reach associated with each of these post types.
The Unwritten Rules of Organic Social Growth - Noble Growth Insights
An interesting way to look at growing your accounts organically. Tip #4 is an interesting one to me. I've heard this about Threads but it suggests doing it with all platforms.
Instagram “Sends per Reach” Playbook: Designing Posts People Send In DMs - Influencer Marketing Hub
Do we really have to create content with yet another metric and playbook in mind??? Really??? 😭
Why Replying to Google Reviews is One of the Highest-ROI Things You Can Do- Buffer
Replying to your reviews has always been considered a best practice but it's interesting to see all of the ways that this practice can help you.
Claude vs. ChatGPT: A marketer’s guide to choosing AI - HubSpot
I've experimented with Claude but now I exclusively use ChatGPT. I might need to rethink that after reading this article.
You Are the CEO of Your Marketing, Whether You Like It or Not - Bob Mackowski/FORCE Magazine
I did a little bit of guest writing for FORCE Magazine. I try to get this concept through to my solopreneur clients all the time. Nobody is stepping in to save you. Your marketing is on you. (Note: The link leads to my LinkedIn post because the article is only available in print.)
6 Tips to Nail Your Look for Professional Headshots - Bob Mackowski/Open Aperture Photography
Know your audience and prep like a pro!
———
Sign up for my business newsletter to receive this content in your inbox every other week!