Let’s all face it. We all went to school with the ‘popular’ group. They were always being mentioned, talking it up in the halls and everyone knew what they were doing. It was definitely their campaign to make sure everyone knew them! They were outgoing and ‘engaging.’ Well, that is one of our KEYWORDS when it comes to talking about social media.
Engagement means something different across the social media platforms. Whether its LinkedIn, Facebook, Blogs or Twitter, the importance of engagement is right up there with content. Here is a breakdown by platform:
There are many ways to engage in LinkedIn. Your actual profile page offers information but its the ‘groups’ that offer engagement opportunities. When you join a group, get ready to engage. Choose to be part of a discussion or begin your own. Make sure to receive email comments so you can keep up with the interchange. Your goal is to build relationships.
A business Facebook page should be a place for conversation, not just where you ‘push out’ your latest blog post. Use interesting graphics and photos and as soon as someone leaves a note, ENGAGE. If a post doesn’t garner attention, you can comment with a followup thoughts to move the conversation along. For higher visibility, mention a person who you know will engage. In October 2010, Facebook rolled out a revised Groups tab. If your business doesn’t have its own page, setting up a ‘group’ with team members can be helpful. This business group can based on a topic or just general to your business. With its own wall, you won’t bore your friends with too much business talk. Here again, begin and keep up with the conversation.
Blogs
Logically, you would keep up with your comments on your own blog but another overlooked engagement opportunity is other people’s blogs. Go to blogs that may have possible clients or where you can be perceived a thought leader. This is a great way to engage at a higher level with the opportunity to guide them back to your site. The blogger will love you too!
Of all the platforms, Twitter is all about engagement from the moment someone chooses to follow you. And, just as your mom taught you, say ‘thank you’ for the follow and begin a discussion. Also, dive right in to conversations you see going on and be on the look out in your ‘mentions’ tab for engagement. Don’t get discouraged if discussions die out, dive in again to another discussion. Periodically, you will see ‘chats’ going on. Join in. Again, be determined to keep up with it. They tend to have a time commitment, so be advised. This engagement can really pay off. Our newest California account, Nailah Blades of Polka Dot Coachingcame from a Twitter discussion with ChaChanna Simpson, owner of Twentity.com. (Thank you@ChaChanna!)
