January 24, 2012

If you are wondering what would help you grow your Facebook community organically, the answer is relevant interesting content and engaged community managers. But even the best community managers sometimes run out of creative ideas.

Here are the 12 types of posts that in my experience consistently produce high levels of engagement.

1. Pictures. Pictures, images and photo albums are rather popular with the fans. One of the top five Intel Facebook posts of 2011 wasn’t even technically a post; it was the photo album featuring images of new Intel museum in Santa Clara. The post was liked over 17,000 times and with over 1,000 comments. And it isn’t the only example.

2. Fill in the blank. Let fans share their own perspective with you. Example would be “I love technology because _____” Again, one of our highest performing posts.

3. Questions. Asking fans to share their story or point of view is one of the most effective ways to increase engagement on your page. Though simple, this type of post is often overlooked by community managers. “Real or fake?” “What do you think?” “What is your story?” Or just plain “PC or Tablet?” would do.

4. Trivia. Your real brand fans as well as those who are not very well acquainted with your company would appreciate a little bit of trivia or sharing of historical company facts.

5. Quotes. People love quotes. Use them!

6. Videos. This one is a no-brainer. Videos, especially the unusual or funny ones, are always welcomed by fans. Rich media like pictures and videos are also one of the most shared formats on Facebook.

7. Holiday wishes. Show the human side of your company by wishing your fans happy holidays throughout the year.

8. Celebrate milestones and say thank you. Did you reach an important milestone? Celebrate with the fans! When Intel reached 500,000 fans, 1 million fans, etc. we celebrated on our Intel page by changing the profile picture and thanking our fans for being a part of our amazing community. The response was overwhelming.

9. Call to action. If you want your content shared or your posts to be liked or commented on, ask! Simple “Like [or share] this post if you agree” or “What do you think?” would do the trick. However, use it sparingly.

10. Offer interesting challenges. Quizzes or trivia questions might be interesting to your fans. Earlier this year we posted a comment written in binary code on the Intel page. Our fans loved it!

11. Open the kimono. Offer behind the scenes videos or the making of videos or posts that will give your fans exclusive inside scoop on what’s happening within your company.

12. Polls. Want to know something? Ask your fans! And if you run out of ideas or if your content calendar suffers from the “boring bug” just ask your fans what they would like to see on the page and deliver on their expectations.

And whatever you do, don’t automate your posts. Show your fans you care enough about this community to create a custom message specifically for them every day. Good luck!

Image credit: 5to9Branding

Related Topics

• Marketing

Related keywords

Ekaterina Walter, Article, community, Facebook community, engagement

Join the conversation ( 5 )

• JAMES LOOMSTEIN 1 months ago

  

  Great list. A lot of companies talk about the number of followers/fans they have - engagement is what matters. http://www.digitalspaceconsulting.com.

• Zoran Pavlovic 3 months ago

  

  This is great list. Its amazing how much people like picutres. Whenever I put picture with some comment and question, I used to get a lot of comments and likes. Number 9. Call to action its very important, dont be afraid ask people to share contet with friends. If they really like it, they will share it. Sometimes I had not asked people to share content, and immediately I received a small number of new fans, comments, likes, etc.Now I'm asking people to share content, and I'm getting a lot of new fans, comments, etc. Its pretty powerful technique.

• Anita Loomba 4 months ago

  

  This is a great list! I would also add that fans love Contests - That has one been one of the greatest ways our company has grown our Facebook following. While it might be argued that contest followers are not that engaged - I would say that once you have them on your list, its your responsibility to keep them involved with your daily posts and overall fan page.

• Katrina Padron 4 months ago

  

  That's a great list. You're right about quotes. I never used to think it would do much, but every time I post one, I get a lot of interaction.

• Drewry News Network 4 months ago

  

  OH YES indeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeedy, OPENForum! (smile)I certainly agree with you, on using Facebook meaningfully to engage people, while productively building your online presence. As an aspiring business leader, I'm also humbled enough to say that I am still a student of life, who humbles itself, by way of learning from others, especially American Express OPENForum. Additionally, I've learned that saying "please and thank you to Facebook friends and Facebook fans" goes a very long way, in meaningfully engaging Facebook traffic to external site content, while "increasing conversions from Facebook friends lists and Facebook fans". :-)Thank you once again, for such a thought-provoking and educational social networking post! :-)http://www.drewrynewsnetwork.com/f5/facebook-flash-lou-%93incredible-hulk-ferrigno%94-makes-major-announcement-facebook-2581.html