Two-Way Conversations: Connect with Consumers for Compelling Content Ideas
Many businesses are discovering that the best way to reach their client and customer base is to use content to engage them. For many businesses, the marketing platform is a one-way street that suggests—“we talk, you listen.” Yet in today’s social climate, business and marketing strategies must change to remain current and relevant to people who like to be engaged—who have become used to being engaged and having a voice. To create content that can achieve positive two-way conversations, follow these eight tips and techniques to reach more people and grow your business.
Invite a Response
The best way to open a dialogue is to ask questions. This can be as simple as a Facebook post. An ice cream brand might ask, “What do you like better—our chocolate or vanilla” and the conversation ensues. An insurance company might ask, “Have you checked out our new rates?” In both instances, the questions are actionable and prompt a response.
Post Compelling Content
From blog posts to website content, by posting fresh and original content that invites comment, businesses can enjoy a richer connection with their customer base. The content might be related to the industry or the company itself, but it should compel people to make a comment or respond at length.
Be Social in More than One Place
While many businesses are now on Twitter and Facebook, there are actually more than two hundred social networks. Join others that are relevant to your company and customers. Use these sights to communicate with potential customers.
Be Human
If posts sound like automated messages, people aren’t likely to engage in a dialogue. Instead, be approachable and human in tone. Talk to your audience respectfully, but also conversationally. They are likely to pick up on the friendly tone and respond in kind.
Show Don’t Tell
Sometimes it helps to break up textual content with a video. Changing your medium can make your followers take notice. When your content is dynamic, people tend to remain interested. A video demonstration of a new product or an educational clip about how a product is made can wake up a quiet audience and get them to take notice!
Be Responsive
It’s one thing to ask for responses from followers, but it’s another to stay engaged. Be sure to stay in the conversation after making an initial post. Reply to people’s comments and questions quickly and they will appreciate your willingness to engage.
Be Original
Try to entertain or post content that makes people want to tune in. If you sell chocolate, post a pic of an employee’s child enjoying a bar (chocolaty face and all). Post surveys, cartoons, or contests that make people sit up and take notice and even participate.
Be Positive
When commenting on customers post, be positive and keep the door open for further dialogue. It may be tough to be entertaining every day, but a business can be positive every day in some way. Wishing customers happy holidays or alerting them to “feel good” news stories relative to the company can be a great way to engage followers.
By following these tips, your business is likely to see many more two-way conversations. So, try them out and let the conversations begin!
Jennifer Watts is a consumer marketing intern who also enjoys writing. She likes to share what she has learned by posting on various blog sites. If you are looking for web hosting, read the latest reviews at webhostingreviews.ca.






