How to Build an Engaged Social Media Following

It is easy for anyone to go out and add friends or followers in social media. But what does it take to build an engaged following to support your brand and business? If you stay on top of these three strategies, then your following will communicate with you, respect you and reccommend you to their friends and following.

1. Ask Questions: Instead of talking at your followers or giving them inspirational quotes all the time, ask them questions to engage them in a conversation with you. When you ask someone a question they’re inclined to respond and give their opinion. You’re building relationships. Asking a question can be as simple as putting a question mark on a statement. Lets say you were going to change your facebook status to “Hootsuite is such a helpful tool.” Instead, make it “Hootsuite is such a helpful tool?” Now you’ve created instant conversation because everyone is going to give you their feedback and opinion on Hootsuite.
2. Give Value: This is one that many social media marketers follow, but it’s always a good reminder. Weither you’re sharing your blog posts, articles and videos or someone else’s, you should always be posting and sharing great value with your followers. If you are sharing great value(not spamming some opportunity) then people are going to continuously follow your updates to see what great information you’re going to share next. You’re building a following and respect at the same time.
3. Create a Buzz: Nothing spreads faster in social media than BUZZ. The best way to create a buzz is to start a contest or create hype around something you’re giving away for free. You can a create contest or drawing where the lucky winner will get one of your products for free. The product could be a special report, one of your company’s products or a free business mentoring session with you. You can also host a free webinar or event where you are teaching value or interviewing a respected guru in your niche. Buzz spreads through social media like a Virus. It will build value with your current followers and gain new followers for you too.

To Succeed in Social Media you must have an Engaged following. Keep your followers interested and interacting with you by Asking Questions, Giving Value and Creating a Viral Buzz. Get on the networks and start engaging!!

Let us know you comments and feedback below. What has worked for you in social media and what hasn’t?

Believe in Yourself! I Believe in You!

~Danielle

Tagged as: Business, Business Relationships, Marketing, Network Marketing Skills, networking, Social-Media