How many times do you return to the same Facebook Page or visit the same Company Profile at LinkedIn? Why? Is it because they are offering something engaging that you want to learn more about? Is it because the content they post is consistent and you can depend on it to be similar posts each time you return? Most of us return because, honestly, it has something for us!
To create content at social media which will bring them back wanting more and more of the same, I usually teach my team over months how to do this and work with clients over a longer period of time. BUT, never fear, I am going to share a few tips with you which I usually give in my one hour workshops about content for social media!
Here’s a quick way to think of it – Give them what they want to hear – what helps them to solve a problem or just brings a smile to their face. The 4 E’s of social media content: Entertain, Enlighten, Educate and Engage others with your content.
First you have to stop and ask yourself who is it that you are trying to reach on your Facebook Page, Twitter, LinkedIn or You Tube? As then you may be able to identify ways to offer content to engage them. An example – If you are a Realtor and you sell homes in the Columbia, Maryland area then offering information and help on schools in Howard County would appeal to someone who is following you on social media platforms and looking for a home. This is a way to Educate others. You can also do this by using your own area of expertise and offering tidbits of help to others.
Social Media by it’s very nature is a place where people want to be entertained. Put into your content entertaining and amusing photos, videos or quotes will help put a smile on the reader’s face and help them to remember you.
Engaging folks at Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook or any type of online forum may be done with questions. By asking, simply “What do you do to market your business.”, my Facebook Page gets many comments. The form of the question can be about an upcoming sports event, what they are looking for in your product or service, or simply a holiday tradition. Once you get them commenting on content, it will be easier to bring them back to you when they are ready to purchase your product or service. Contests can do this also or the “Tip of the Day” concept.
Enlighten is the fourth “E” in creating social media content that I teach in classes and usually this word gets a few snickers. As the question comes to mind, HOW do you enlighten someone? Well, with an inspiring or motivating quote, video or photo. Enlightenment could be sharing an article or blog about some positive event happening in your community. There is plenty of bad news in the world, give out something enlightening in your social media as it will set you apart from others.
These are ideas for creating content that will engage others on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other social media sites. Here’s hoping these tips help set your business apart from others!
