Best Time to Post Photos on Facebook?

Love to know too. I have had great pics with 60 views and not such great ones with 600 views. You got me there. But FB is a great tool getting out creations out there. Networking each other, sharing, liking each other's work and supporting each other is the best way to get around. 

That's interesting ... I never thought of a formula, I post either earlier in the morning (when I think people check their FB before work) and it's up all day or later in the afternoon.  I've had pictures that show a reach of 50 and those that show a reach of over 800.  I just figured it was because they 'liked' one picture more than another, rather than it being the time of day!  Let me know if you figure out a formula though :-)

This is totally unscientific, but I feel like I get the most response during weekdays. I have to assume that this is because people are at work and on facebook... I never seem to get as many views and likes when I post in the evenings or on weekends. 

I definitely don't post on the weekends- it's a ghost town on Facebook until Sunday evening!  The biggest difference is whether someone shares your pics or not.  But yesterday I posted a cookie pic that reach almost 800 people, and I posted a good one today, which Facebook has shown to 200, and I know people just aren't seeing it.  It's frustrating- but, hey, it's free (for the time being!)

It's a real mystery for us, really. Also because lately Facebook is messing a lot with changes of all kind and pushing us in a way to buy adds or to pay for the visibility of our photos. We have also read the same things Michelle talks about but basically, you can never tell. 

Agree with MEUG on this point. Time of day doesn't seem to have much bearing on the response I get. I feel like the bigger driver of response is probably the quality/content of the image I post. I also find I get a greater share rate with a single image post, as compared to posting in an album. I think the larger photo draws more attention, and the single view concentrates more likes on that photo.

 

But, I don't really watch or track response rates on Facebook too systematically, especially now as Facebook is sharing fewer and fewer images with fans/followers and the algorithm that they're using to share is unknown.

I posted a picture one weekday morning that got a total view of 13 people.  Out of 600 fans.  I was so mad I shared it again that evening and it went over 300.  I really don't know what the secret is but I've started posting mine in the morning and then re-sharing in the evening hoping more people will get to see it.

Thanks for all the input everyone! That's a great idea Melissa - I think I'll share and reshare if I don't see that a post has reached many people.

I have a problem with my "likers" putting my content in their news feed. I ran a give away (i didn't know about raffle copter or other such programs at the time) in which I was giving away decorated cookie party trays, bouquets, etc and I had only 6-9 people enter each time. I even sent out messages encouraging participation. I had more "likes" for the contests than participation!  It was very discouraging and made me realize how few people actually read my posts.  I think that the great majority of facebook users use it just to post stuff about themselves and don't bother to read what others post.   I don't know about everybody else but I tend to get more "likes" from fellow cookie/cake decorators then I do from potential customers.

Donna - I can see what you're saying about getting more likes from other cookiers as opposed to potential customers. Did you try posting a picture with a caption stating that it was a giveaway? A lot of people don't read plain text status updates but a colorful picture will more likely catch their attention.

I didn't post a picture. Maybe that would have helped. I did send out an event notice, private messages, posts on my business and personal page about it. I would do things a lot differently now.

I've found if you post a picture on your timeline - NOT in an album - it triples the amount of views.

I think a huge part of knowing when to post on Facebook is really knowing your audience. Personally for me, I cater my posting to my local people and my key demographic. So, if it's a lovely Florida monsoon outside you best believe I am on Facebook along with all the other locals! And, when I know moms are winding down from their day and enjoying their only post-dinner-mayhem Facebook time- I am posting specifically for them. Sometimes I'll also post in the morning and share in the evening to make sure I get early birds and night owls alike. 

All of this becomes much easier as your "likes" go up, also. I would encourage contests for locals where liking your Facebook page is a must in order to win. Anything that generates a story with all of their Facebook friends is a major plus for your visibility. 

Those are awesome suggestions, ButterWinks! I never thought about taking the weather into consideration but it makes perfect sense!