You've probably noticed the number at the bottom of your Facebook posts that tell you how many people your post has reached. Indeed, we've talked about it before.
But have you ever hovered over that number? When you do, you'll see something like this:
Not only will see how much of that post's reach is organic or viral, you should also see a link that will take you to your most popular post to date. Simply click on the blue "most popular post" link.
The bottom line? Check out what your most popular post is and then make more like it.
I should note, this is not an exact science of course, so never stop experimenting, but if you're not particularly keen on digging into your Facebook Insights (although I hope you saw how easy it is to do in this post), this is a quick way to get some good info fast.
Take note of the type of post it is (photo, text, link, etc.), the time you posted it, the day of the week you posted it and what kind of interaction there was on it (comments, shares, likes, etc.). Use all of this info to try to determine how you might post similar things in the future.
By the way, if you're interested, this is my most popular Facebook post so far. It's pretty much one of my life mottos. 
The problem is the things that get the most attention are really not the important things. Like those ecards, if I post one, I get a ton of comments etc, but the things that should matter, like how to save money, get's nothing.
My most popular post is a photo of Hershey's Kisses. Not that they aren't wonderful, but still a little aggravating.
Thanks so letting me sound off, Amy!
Well, I can't argue with you there, Liz. Great point. You may have noticed I've cut way back on posting blogging tips on my Facebook page. It's exactly for this reason. Those posts were getting virtually zero engagement. And posts with zero engagement count against you when it comes to EdgeRank (and being seen in news feeds). So, I've been experimenting with posting frequency, types of posts, etc. I'm not saying it's the right move for everyone to post only the unimportant things to increase EdgeRank, but I do think it's worth thinking through strategy and determine the best ways to eventually get more eyeballs on your stuff. There are so many factors and variables!
Genius!!! Thanks!
Thanks, never saw this before. What does organic and viral mean? I would think viral meant it was shared but that doesn't seem to be quite right.
How funny! I never even noticed that. Thanks.
dodn't noticed it earlier. . . amazing
Great Tip! I dont think many people know that it exists. The most popular one was posted back in May, so the tracks have become history!
What does that number shown in the Viral column?
Just wonder what it actually stands for.
I recently started my fan page (September) and just got to the point of seeing these insights on my posts. (I'm a personal, faith-based blog, so my growth is relatively slow and organic–SEO is pretty much impossible for me!). At any rate, my most popular post was when I mentioned my kids and I were watching Rudolph and asking what others' fav show was… People seem to engage so much more on my fan page when I post personal things/conversation starters.
I've found the same thing to be true, Elizabeth Anne. To me, it's an indication of how much social media is about personal relationships and people–someone becomes a fan of *you* and then they want to hear what you have to say. I think that's the direction we're going. Great point!
My facebook page is relatively new and small and I was actually surprised when I checked to see what my most popular post was.
It was a little thing I posted about the fact that I can choose to nag my hubby and cause marital tension or I can choose to just accept some things wouldn't get down when I wanted or as quickly as I wanted and let some things go. I had a choice to dwell on what he DOES do instead of what he doesn't do. The point is, I have a choice.
The reason I was surprised was up until that post, my biggest post was just me saying that I was eating chocolate in everyone's honor that day, or something like that. I guess people just really love chocolate but can relate to nagging, lol!
I still don't get why it's so popular because it only had one share and I had another that had more shares than this one. But I don't understand all that viral/organic stuff.
What a name…..organic? As in food??? I don't think so. Sorry, I digress. Loved your post as usual!
I mean some things wouldn't get "done" as I wanted, lol!
My most popular post if a picture of an outfit I found at a thrift store. In the post I asked my fans if I should wear it to my first speaking engagement or if I should dress more casual. It was also the post where I engaged with the responders the most. Thanks for giving me a heads up on this.
Amy please help. How did you get your Facebook favorite / tab to redirect to your website? That is so cool. I looked and looked, but could not find it. Thanks for the help.
https://www.facebook.com/#!/theprairiehomestead referred you to me. I love both of your sites.
Hi John, I wrote about it in this post.
I posted something that 20,000 Reaches. But FB said the most popular post was something that got 16,000 Reaches. Why is that?
Very useful tips Amy. Yes, I see this "most popular post" but I haven't tried to click that link. I better check and try it out.