When it comes to meaningful engagement with fans, well executed interactions on social media can provide some of the best ways to connect other than in person. Here we look at five key ways to engage with fans on social media.
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Guest post by Angela Mastrogiacomo of the ReverbNation Blog
When it comes to getting in front of your fans and making them feel valued, social media is the next best thing to face-to-face interactions. It’s your opportunity to connect with your fans in a way that is 100% real, raw, and candid. While that might seem scary at first, the reality is that the more vulnerability you show your fans, the more you’ll find they connect with you.
People just want to feel understood and they’re naturally attracted to those that express the same struggles, joys, and feelings they do—so the more you’re able to show that on your social media, the stronger the connection.
So how exactly do you go about that?
Be strong in your branding
The first thing you need to nail down is your branding. Oftentimes I see artists make the mistake of waiting for their fans to define them, rather than first defining themselves, getting clear on their niche, and trusting that will attract the right people. So first and foremost, get crystal clear on who you are. What is it you stand for? What do you like and dislike? What is your overall message? Think about (and research) other bands and brands to see what they’re doing. There are case studies all across the web on this, so take some time to really dive into what’s worked for others, and then use that template to customize it to your own music and message.
Blend your brand with pop culture and current events
A client of mine recently shared a pretty awesome post he had created, where he took advantage of the recent awards show and its winners by posting a funny photo from one of the movies, and tying it into his upcoming show. Now, it would have been way less brain power for him to just send out a standard “I’m playing this show! Come see me!” kind of invite, but instead he blended it with something current and well known so that people would instantly recognize, relate, and latch onto it. The result was a post that garnered far more engagement than his previous ones.
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Ask your fan’s opinions
If you want your fans to feel included, then include them! This means inviting them to share their thoughts and opinions on everything from what songs they might want to hear in your next set, to which merch design they like better, or what city you should tour next. By including them in the conversation you’re showing that you value their opinion.
Get personal
It can be a scary thing to open up on social media. To really let others in and show not only the good times but the struggles. And while your feed shouldn’t just be a constant sob story, every now and again it’s good to let people in to who you really are. Show them the silly, goofy you, or the serious, contemplative you. Your brand is you, so don’t be afraid to show that. Whoever you are, show that to your fans and trust that it will attract the right kind of people, and deepen your bond.
Talk to them
This last one might seem a little obvious, but don’t forget to actually talk to your fans. This means asking them questions, as well as replying to every comment or response they send you, and, if you can, keeping the conversation going.
If someone tells you how their music has made a difference in their life, it might be easier just to say “thanks!” and leave it at that, but the more you engage with them (IE: ask questions, go deeper) the more they’ll remember the interaction.
Angela Mastrogiacomo is the founder and CEO of Muddy Paw PR. She’s also the owner of music blog Infectious Magazine, as well as a PR coach. She loves baked goods, a good book, and hanging with her dog Sawyer.