Pop quiz: Who are your top fans on your Facebook Page? For most Facebook Page owners, you probably don’t know this valuable information…but you should.
The bread and butter of any company who is using social media to build engagement with fans and potential customers isn’t the number of fans you have, nor is it the amount of cash you make off it. Rather, it is the relationships you build with your customers.
Why is this important?
Without fans who are engaged, it’s like trying to swim against the current. You’ll eventually get to your destination, but it will take you twice as long (if not longer). One other thing to remember, simply asking a question is not the key to finding out who your top fans are. What it will do is help stir interest.As a Facebook Page owner, you’ll want to pay attention to who responds and make a mental note on people you see responding on a recurring basis – these are the fans you want to focus in on and learn about, because they seem the most likely engaged fans because they’re responding often.
Below are three types of questions you can ask your fans starting today to help you learn more about them and to help you better engage with them.
- Fill-in the blank and open-ended questions
What to ask: Just because you have a product, doesn’t mean you need to ask fans about it 24/7 – you can do that indirectly. If you are a vacation rental service, ask fans questions related to a vacation without selling them on the vacation. If you are a clothing designer, ask fans about their favorite piece of clothing and to tell you why they like it. This will help stir engagement BEFORE even mentioning products or services.
Sample questions: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? My favorite piece of clothing is ______. - Be direct
What to ask: If you want to know something from fans, don’t beat around the bush. Be upfront and honest with them. Give them a few details spread across a few status updates. This way you get them thinking something is coming and then get right to the point! Here’s an example of a direct question a sports equipment maker could ask about a new set of headphones.
Sample questions: Initial question: Just got back from the gym, how many of you find it difficult to run on the treadmill with headphones on? Follow-up question: Looking to launch a line of wireless headphones for the gym. What features would you like to see? - Tip and advice
What to ask: Your greatest source of feedback is your fans. Social Media is a two-way street. Don’t be afraid to give and take advice from fans. Here’s a question a cupcake enthusiast could ask fans.
Sample questions: Been using the following whisk (attach picture) to help make my famous double chocolate cupcakes, but I find it to be too heavy and bulky to use at times. Looking for a smaller one. Does anyone have a recommendation on a better one?
By having fans who are engaged with your brand, it helps to create “super fans” – people who are passionate about what you have to offer and want to tell their friends without you even having to ask them to. Not only will these fans be great people to help you further expand your reach through their network, but they’re also people you can rely on to help test out new ideas for your Facebook Page, ask for advice about a new product you may be launching, and more.
Remember, don’t be afraid to ask fans or to engage with them. They don’t bite – in fact, they will actually like it.
What other questions could you ask fans? Leave a comment below.