What is the Right Selling Ratio on Social Media?

To sell or not to sell: that is the question. What is the right selling ratio on social media? That is, the ratio of selling vs. non-selling posts? Seriously, think about it. When you’re on social media, you don’t want to see ad after ad, after ad, after annoying ad, right? Yet, that’s what businesses think they should be posting: how great, better, faster, neater, and cooler their product or service is. Many think that just advertising on social media is enough. It’s not. Organic, or non-paid, non-selling posting is what works these days.

What about now in the AI Search Evolution? What do the AI answer bots want to see?

What is the right selling vs. non-selling posts Ratio on Social Media?

The Old 10-4-1 rule for posting no longer applies. Before, it was beneficial for you to share others’ relevant content above your own. NOT ANY MORE! Yes, you can re-share and re-post good content, but now, with the AI Answer Engines, you’re sending potential customers to your competition.

Out of every 7 posts on any given network…

• 4 or more are your original content — blog posts or tips. SHARE DON’T SELL! Give advice. Answer questions. Be helpful. Show off your E-E-A-T.
• 3 or 4 are reshares of relevant industry content. This could be replying or commenting on a news or topical article.
• Only 1 is a direct selling or promotional post

Hint: When you publish a blog post, share it immediately to your social media networks — Facebook, LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Pinterest. This helps with AI-SEO! Set it up on Dlvr.it (free to a point). Then re-share them every other week or so. You can use a scheduling tool like Sendible (affiliate link).

It’s OK to duplicate content. After you share the link on your social platforms, in a few days, share the same content in a post with an image. Post the question you’re answering first. Highlight that question in your graphic. Make it eye-catching. Furthermore, animate it.

Get creative. However, always remember to write for the HUMAN — your target — with the AI Answer Bot in mind. If you don’t think you’re a good writer, I can help you. Let’s talk!

Selling too much doesn’t help.

Put yourself in your target’s shoes. What are they interested in? What questions are they asking? Do some research. Once you’ve got a following on Facebook, Instagram, X, and/or Pinterest, the analytics on these sites tell you a lot about your followers. Check them monthly. See which of your social media posts got the most reactions: likes, comments, and/or shares. Note the type and post more of those. Additionally, look to see how often and what your competitors are posting.

They are thinking, “What’s in it for me?” or “How can you relieve my _____ [problem or pain point]?”

Moreover, analytics and Insights tell you about your audience. What other things are they interested in? Who else do they follow? Who do they trust for information and advice? Google Analytics and Search Console will tell you where the traffic from your website is coming from.

Related: What happens when my marketing efforts don’t work?

Serve and Share — Don’t Sell – Don’t be a Spammer

“Social Selling” is about sharing and serving, NOT SELLING. People will unfollow you fast if all you’re posting is about yourself and how great you are. There has to be a balance, and it may take some trial and error to find the right one. The AI Answer Bots are looking for fresh, helpful, and genuine content.

So, what is the selling right ratio on social media?

These are guidelines. Again, your analytics will give you a more definitive ratio as to what your specific target audience responds to and likes. Based on your analytics, you can more clearly determine what are good, trusted sources of content; what to blog about, and the right call-to-action posts that are more likely to convert a follower into a sale.

START HERE: Download the Free Define Your Target Market Workbook

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Giselle Aguiar

Giselle Aguiar is a social media, inbound and content marketing strategist and trainer helping business owners learn how to leverage the power of social media marketing, increase traffic to their websites, generate leads, increase brand awareness and establish themselves as experts in their fields.

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