Engagement rate. It’s one of the most important metrics in social media. After all, you could have a boatload of fans and followers, but if only a few of them are engaging with your content, they’re worth next to nothing to your brand.
What you want from your social media audience is a lot of positive chatter and buzz. You want likes, shares, comments, mentions, retweets and replies. The more interaction between you and your constituents, the greater the chances are of them doing business with you in the long run.
Of course, there are many different communications strategies and tactics for capturing people’s attention and triggering a response of some kind. You can make a lot of noise and be interruptive. You can get creative and stand out among the clutter. You can pay to play and put yourself in front of more eyeballs. But as any sales and marketing pro would tell you, probably one of the easiest and most obvious methods of engaging others is to show an interest in what they have to say by asking them to share their opinions with you.
Here are 10 good questions you can ask your connections in the world of social media, each of which promises to go a long way toward increasing your engagement rates across the board.
1. How was our performance?
It’s one of the best questions any brand can ask its customers, clients or guests. It shows you value their patronage and welcome their feedback. Thank them for their support. Ask if you’ve met their expectations. If they have anything negative to say, you’ll have the chance to turn things around. Any praise you receive is akin to a testimonial that could help you bring in more business.
@cargillcreative Thanks for checking in! How was your night?
— The Harp (@TheHarpBoston) July 22, 2014
Example: The Harp Boston
2. How can we help?
Wondering what to say in that next tweet? Ask your audience how you can be of service to them. They’ll appreciate the random words of kindness. Pay close attention to any legitimate criticism, though. After all, according to a recent Lithium Technologies study which you can read about here, over 70% of consumers expect brands to respond to their complaints on Twitter within an hour. So don’t hesitate to be proactive on social media. Make yourself available – even on short notice – to your customers and prospects. Respect the immediacy of these channels.
Good morning!! How’s your morning so far? Can I do anything to help get you goin? 407-919-1019 @DustinKross http://t.co/nHgqPXGe6g
— 101.9 AMP Radio (@1019ampradio) July 23, 2014
Example: 101.9 AMP Radio
3. Who wants to win a prize?
Contests. Sweepstakes. Giveaways. Provide people with a chance to win something and you’ll get their attention. It doesn’t have to be an expensive prize, either. You’d be surprised how much demand there is for even the simplest swag, trinkets and tchotchkes. A free t-shirt is like a carrot on the end of a stick. It’s incentive to take action.
Want a custom bobblehead of YOU on the @MikeandMike set? Here’s your chance! Bid now in support of @TheVFoundation: http://t.co/6QOwN5Yhgh
— ESPN (@espn) July 15, 2014
4. What do you think?
Many people relish the opportunity to express themselves in public. Give them an inch and they’ll take a mile. It’s human nature. Take advantage of this urge to rant, rave, gloat and glorify by taking a poll of your audience. Ask them anything. They’ll appreciate the fact that you care more about their thoughts and interests than your own self-gain. They’ll be glad to have the forum.
Example: Mohegan Sun
5. Did you know?
Another way to elicit a response from someone is to pique their curiosity. Challenge them with a question they’ll feel compelled to answer. Tease them with a piece of trivia that’ll make them think twice. Tie the content back to your brand and even better. Any new knowledge you can impart to your audience is bound to be appreciated.
Example: Hewlett-Packard
6. Have you seen this yet?
A question such as this is best accompanied by a photo. You’re giving readers a peak behind the scenes, suggesting that they really don’t know what they’re missing until they’ve not only seen, but actually tried what you have to offer.
Example: Eagle Mountain House
7. How do you use us?
Crowdsourcing is a way to not only get some constructive feedback on your products and services, but a mass of nice content as well. Consumers are flattered when brands repurpose their pictures and messages. It’s a mutually beneficial scenario.
Follow L.L.Bean’s board Your L.L.Bean Selfies on Pinterest.
Example: L.L. Bean
8. Are you watching?
More and more people aren’t content to merely watch a TV program or live streaming event. They’re compelled to use a second screen – their tablet, smartphone or computer – to simultaneously take in the social media chatter about what they’re watching. This is a chance for you to engage with some of your most passionate fans while they’re especially excited about your programming. Don’t miss the opportunity.
RT If you’re tuning into the LIVE eviction episode right NOW! #BB16
— Big Brother on CBS! (@CBSBigBrother) August 1, 2014
Example: Big Brother on CBS!
9. What’s your favorite book?
Pick a universally popular topic and pop the question. It’s that easy. USA TODAY’s example below is just one idea. Ideally, your question will be associated with your brand attributes. But if your goal is to simply engage with your connections, any topic will do. Books. Movies. Music. Sports. You name it, they’ll respond to it – hopefully.
What’s your favorite book? pic.twitter.com/Ql6D0IcBvf
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) June 1, 2014
Example: USA TODAY
10. What motivates you?
Getting personal with your audience – especially if you’re talking about their interests, not yours – can lead them to open themselves up to you. Think like a good psychologist. Your job is to learn more about those on the receiving end without appearing cheesy or contrived. Asking them what motivates them is one way to increase engagement.
Example: Jazzercise Inc
Note: This post, “10 Questions to Ask Your Social Media Audience,” was originally published on ClickZ on August 12, 2014. To read the post there, click here.