Permanent link for How to engage with your audience on February 8, 2023

While trying to keep your audience engaged with creative content, it is just as important to engage with content posted by the people you follow. This will make your account feel more personal toward your audience, and your followers will naturally want to engage more.

Many social media platforms will boost your content higher if you engage with others and they engage with you, and it will help your overall reputation. Here are a few ways that you can engage with your followers:

 

Liking Comments

It sounds simple, but overall it makes a big difference!

On Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok, there is an option to react to your comments by tapping a little heart, thumbs up, or whatever emoticon the platform gives as an option. Try picking a few to “like” on some of the comments on your post.

However, try not to like every single comment. Pick a few of the most engaging comments on each post. When followers see this pattern, they tend to want to comment more often with the hopes that the account will like their comment. Additionally, be sure to not like any negative comments, as you risk encouraging even more negative comments.

There is also an option on some platforms to pin your favorite comments at the top of the comment section. This is another great way for people to see that you enjoy their engagement.

 

Replying to Comments

If you're looking to take engagement a step further, replying to comments can make your account seem even more personable. 

Some content will naturally receive more comments from students, parents, faculty, and more. In most cases, comments will be generally positive, consisting of someone commenting about their own experience or saying beneficial things about your content. However, social media comments can sometimes result in a more negative tone.

It is important to evaluate which comments are worth replying to, and which aren't. While sometimes you are able to offer insight or answers that can help solve the commenter's problem, you'll often end up unintentionally aggravating the situation. However, if there seems to be a negative comment that you could reply back to with some positive insight, go for it!

• For example: If a student comments: “I’m always home on the weekends, so I can never attend these meetings." An ideal reply could be: “Have you considered our virtual meeting option? You can find more info here: *link*”
• Want to see more tips and examples of how to reply to negative messages or reviews? Here are examples from Review Trackers. 

If a comment is highly negative or offensive, ask a coworker or manager to help you think of how to reply. Two brains are better than one. If you feel that a direct message reveals an issue that might be important for the University Communications team to be aware of, email the social media specialist at [email protected] for guidance on how to navigate the situation.

 

Replying to Direct Messages

If there is a direct message asking you something regarding your content, a reply back with an answer is always a good idea. This can help your followers know that there are people running your account who care enough to help them out, and help them know that you are more than just a username and logo. 

Unfortunately, many direct messages are sent from robot-run accounts, which can make replying tricky. To avoid 'bot' accounts, check to see if the person on the account is a student, staff/faculty member, parent of a student, or someone else who would reasonably want to contact you. If you're having a hard time deciding if an account seems legitimate, ask a colleague for their opinion. Check out this article from Make Use Of on how to identify spam messages on Instagram.

On (hopefully) rare occasions, you may receive a direct message that causes greater concern for the safety or well-being of others. While your response will vary case by case, some options may include:

• Replying with empathy by saying that you're sorry they had a negative experience, you’re working on fixing the problem, and pointing them in the direction of any resources that can help.
• If there is nothing that could be done to remedy the situation, or you feel a response would do more harm that good, simply ignore and do not reply.
• If the message results in a safety concern for the sender or receiver, report it to the appropriate parties and contact GVPD if needed. Remember that all GVSU employees are Title IX mandated reporters with a responsibility to report incidents of sexual harassment, sexual violence, sexual misconduct, stalking, and relationship violence that they become aware in their capacity as a university employee. Learn more on GVSU's Title IX website. 

Again, remember that the University Communications team is here to help you navigate any messages that make you uncomfortable, or that you believe could cause reputational harm to the university. 

Contests with Engagement Prizes

Sometimes the best way to engage with your audience is making them WANT to engage with you! Social media challenges are great ways to do this.

One low-budget way to boost engagement is to share content that your followers tag you in. For example, if you have a fun event coming up, get your audience excited by offering to feature their content.

• An example caption on a post could look like: “Want a chance to be featured by @GVSU? If you attend Presidents’ Ball this weekend, use the hashtag #GVSUPresBall to share your highlights from the night and post it on your Instagram story for a chance to be featured on the @GVSU Instagram story!”

If you're interested in hosting a more formal giveaway with actual prizes for your winner(s), take note that there are legal restrictions to the prizes we are able to give away per university guidelines. Before hosting a giveaway, reach out to the social media specialist for guidance.

Remember, social media is a two-way street. Next time you make a post, take a second to think about who you're trying to reach, and how you want to connect with them on a more personal level to help your accounts grow!

 

Posted on Permanent link for How to engage with your audience on February 8, 2023.