How To Create Social Media Engagement

Social media is broadening, more channels are added every time and sometimes hard to keep track which channel is good for which type of communication. While some channels are better for fun and casual interaction other channels are better for engagement and information.

Some channels can be used for the same purpose or for the same information while other channels are more stand alone and are suitable for  a specific type of content. This is a short overview.

Through links, likes and shares most channels are connected (if you have done it right) but each channels should be used for a different purpose.

1. Social networks (facebook, hyves, myspace, enz)
Social networks are the most diverse channels and offer the functionalities to interact with your (potential) customers. Social networks offer several possibilities to create engagement through games, informing them, special offers and a (social) shop. But Facebook is very interesting to interact with your customers on a personal level.

2. Twitter
Twitter is a great channel to activate your customers, directing people to your site, Facebook, or other places. Twitter can also be used as a channel for customer service. Easy questions can be asked and solved quickly via twitter. Twitter is also a great way to keep your ear to the ground.

3. Youtube
Youtube is one way channel most of the time, but still very interesting to engage with customers. Informing and entertaining video’s can be placed on this channel. Interaction is possible on a small scale.

4. Flickr
Although this is seen a social media channel, it is not really social. People can share their photo’s and as a brand you can share photo’s (of possible events, actions sponsorships, etc.) with your customers. Is a good channel to share content. The channel can be used to create engagement.

5. Blogs
In a strange way blogs are about the same as Youtube and Flickr but it is suitable for sharing text. So, again, a great channel to create engagement by sharing information, knowledge, fun facts; in short: content.

6. Forum
Forums are a great way to listen and know what is going on amongst your target audience.  It is also a great way to interact with your customers, assisting them or simply talking with them about the thing going on in their life.

7. Foursquare
A great tool for campaigns and to create engagement by sharing location based information. With this channel it is important to see if your target audience using this channel. In some countries it is not that big and most people are waiting for Facebook places.

And these are just a few channels, but what’s most important is: Pick the right channels for your business and brand objectives. And as I’ve said in an earlier blog, don’t be an advertiser but act human. After all it is called social media.