Think Outside The Box: 3 Social Media Strategies to Increase Engagement

Social media is no longer optional -- it's necessary.

When it comes to social media, you'll either have a lot of success engaging with customers, or little results for content you thought would thrive. But as long as you're posting, your social media will excel, right? It's not always that simple. Sometimes you have to look outside the box to find a strategy that works. Here are 3 tactics to help increase engagement on your social media.

Explore the World of Reddit AMA 

When you think of Reddit, what do you think of? Internet trolls? Know-it-alls? What a lot of companies might not realize is that Reddit's AMA (Ask Me Anything) is an easy resource that, when used correctly, can actually help your business develop an identity through community and dive into some pretty interesting and fun conversations. 

Now, you might be asking, how? Well, the key is to pitch your topic as being deserving of an AMA. A lot of the time you'll find actors, musicians, politicians, scientists, and celebrity figures hosting AMAs, but it's pretty common for regular users to host as well. 

For example, in this AMA from 2015 a small business owner left his job to develop his own software company. While that might not be as captivating as someone like Elon Musk hosting an AMA, there is a huge audience on the platform who are dying to read and listen to stories about regular folks who have riveting stories to share. Promoting your AMA's on socials could bring in interested users / potential customers and allow them the opportunity to ask questions about you or your business.

Learn the Art of GIFs and Memes.

Unless you've been living under a rock since 2012, you should know that GIFs and memes have become the language of the modern internet. So how do we implement this phenomenon in a way that feels relatable to your audience instead of cringey?

First, you have to understand your audience. Are you trying to appeal to one generation or multiple? Not every type of humor is going to connect with all generations, so you should make sure you know who your GIF or meme is meant to target. 

Secondly, know what kind of GIF/meme you want to make. 

Traditional: GIF/Memes are common memes you see when scrolling through social media. They usually contain mainstream images or clips from a scene from a television show or movie, a notable celebrity, images of animals, or a viral image. They often connect to the latest popular trends, hot topics of conversation, and even current events.

Dank: GIF/Memes involve outlandish or out-of-context jokes that walk the line of dark and light humor. Dank memes tend to parody traditional memes by applying them in a way that's new and a little unorthodox. Dying or out-of-date memes are often chosen to fulfill this role. 

Edgy: Edgy GIF/Memes usually entail dark humor that is designed to push social norms and shock its audiences.

Wholesome: Wholesome GIF/Memes tend to be less about humor and instead focus on a positive and uplifting message.

Finally, it's time to design your GIF/Meme. There are hundreds of websites that make it easy to design and create GIFs and Memes. A lot of GIF/Meme design websites such as Giphy.com or Imgflip.com are free to use and already have preloaded templates for users to edit and re-word however they want. OR if you want to make your own meme from scratch, they also provide users with the resources to turn their photos and videos into the next viral trend! (Here's to hoping right? 🤞)

Take advantage of Poll features.

One of Twitter and LinkedIn's underused features is Polls. 

Polls are a quick and easy way to get followers to engage and interact with your company (not to mention a way for you to get insight on your industry). The options are endless. Some creative uses include letting followers make decisions for you, voting on an item to go on sale, or asking opinions on current events occuring in the industry. 

And the even better part? POLLS GENERATE COMMENTS! Everyone has an opinion, so if you manage to ask the right question, followers and even non-followers will likely be influenced to explain why they voted the way they did, present you with detailed information, and open up conversations on the topic at hand. No matter the industry, polls are the way to go.

Want more tips on how to engage followers? Follow That Random Agency on social media or connect with us by sending a message below!