By now, you may have a general idea of how to deliver the right content to your audience. You have taken the time to find out who they are — and what they want, right? So, they’re commenting on your content and engaging but now what do you do? What’s interesting is people put a ton of time and effort into developing these great content strategies and then when it comes to engagement, they’re fall short. In this post we’re going to give you 4 solid ways to engage authentically with your audience which we believe can be the game changer.
By engaging with them, it gives them a reason to come back and ‘hang out’ with you!
Otherwise, your content is a solid stand alone with nothing more to give. When you implement a solid engagement strategy – you’ve got ’em! And, when you engage authentically, your personality comes through – they get to know you – little by little.
And we know it is through these relationships the magic happens! Are you ready to make some magic?
4 WAYS TO ENGAGE AUTHENTICALLY WITH YOUR AUDIENCE
Have you ever commented on a brand or influencers post and received a reply? We have and in some weird way it’s this awestruck moment of – they noticed me! Probably sounds a little silly but the truth is, we are so used to never hearing a peep. However, over the past couple of years, brands especially have spent greater time interacting and engaging with their audiences.
As a result, it is no surprise that sales are up on social media across the board.
Customers want to feel heard – or, even those looking for more information love acknowledgement. This same ideology can be applied to how you interact with your audience. Don’t get so busy that you skip this step. Ensure that you allow yourself the time to engage authentically with those who interact with you.
As a quick note before we get to these 4 ways – we have included the word authentically because somewhere along the way this is often overlooked. Simply liking a comment is great but level up with these suggested ways!
ASK QUESTIONS IN YOUR REPLIES
Let’s assume you posted about a great movie and someone in your audience replies with ‘I loved this movie too!’. Instead of just liking the comment or doing nothing at all – ask them what they liked the most. Replying to comments with questions is a great way to open up the dialogue for continued conversations. It may even give you some insight into who they are, what they like, and how you can initiate further dialogue.
Most comments warrant a reply – even a ‘thank you Tony‘ is great but take it to the next level with something like; ‘thank you Tony what other movies have you seen and loved recently?’. Sure it may take you an extra few seconds but this type of engagement is ideal for the long term connection.
USE EMOJIS IN YOUR CONTENT
Use them, but please don’t overuse (someone came to mind right now didn’t they?!) We all know the over-users. But listen, using emojis in your replies can be fun for the receiver. Keep them relevant to the comment you’re replying to – but they often bring that soft smile to someone’s face. Eliciting emotions from your audience is ALWAYS a good thing.
Remember, people won’t always remember what you said but they will remember the way you made them feel. A simple smiley or heart can never go wrong — it helps makes things softer – fun even. And, they are a quick yet authentic way to engage with your audience.
ALL ABOUT THE GIFS
Facebook and Instagram have definitely equipped us with a variety of tools and different ways to engage with others. And, like the emojis – GIFs can be implemented quickly and efficiently. There are virtually thousands to choose from (we have our favorites!) but again, lighten the conversations and keeps things fun.
Chances are, most people will respond again with a GIF following your lead – or at the very least reply in some way. This is just another great way to keep that dialogue going. Although GIFs may seem little far fetched on how to engage authentically you might be surprised how much of your personality shines through with a GIF – or at the very least your lighter side.
USING IMAGES TO DEMONSTRATE A SOLUTION
This strategy is especially effective for those who work in a support type role. Being able to show someone the result or ‘way’ is not only faster but effective for your audience. As an example, let’s suggest that you are aligned with a product in the health and wellness space and someone asks a question about your recent weight loss. Instead of a heading into a long pitch – post a before and after. And YES do this right in your comment thread.
Or, perhaps someone is asking where they can find the GIF button on their Facebook App – take a quick screenshot and show them! This does 2 things;
- Shows them literally how to do something, or the solution/results of a product or service and,
- Demonstrates to your audience that you will take the extra time to help them.
When you engage authentically with a willingness to help someone else – this goes a long way when it comes to your relationships.
Unfortunately, not everyone is going to flock into your inbox to initiate a friendship. Learning how to engage with them and not just for reciprocity is key.
Lastly, if one day you find yourself without the time to respond to a rather busy post – circle back to it. Responses and engagement is great as close to the time as possible but don’t count it out later either.
We often find ourselves circling back even days later to connect with those we missed the first time around!
How will you add more authenticity in your content this year?
