The 6 Simple Truths that Inspire Audience Engagement

You know social networking is important, so you joined all the big social sites. You know it's important to have a website, so you built one and sent your listings to it. You know blogging is important, so you built a blog. But, are you getting the results you expected from your online marketing? If not, it may be time to look at increasing your engagement.

Are you ready to "get in the loop" and "take your audience by storm?" Check out these six universal truths to help you "think outside the box" and "put your best foot forward." These tips will help you "stand out from the crowd," "reach the top of your game," and take your audience engagement "to the next level."

1. "Content is king"

Let's start with the obvious...you have to create and post content to get engagement. Posting new content to your website and social media each week creates a consistent online presence your readers will come to expect and look for. It is also the best way to solicit engagement. Don't wait for your audience to wander to your website to fill out your contact page; give them a reason to interact and engage by offering free eBooks or asking for their comments or opinions on your content.

2. WIIFM "What's in it for me?"

Your website, blog, and social networks are great tools for building your business, but only if you use them right. Take a look at your online presence. Is it all about you or is it focused on your clients and audience? Would someone looking at your content online be able to clearly identify the benefit of using your site, following your blog, or following you socially?

3. "Barking up the wrong tree"

Consider your audience. If your audience is primarily composed of empty nesters, articles recommending child-friendly restaurants may not be your best bet. Think about what will interest your audience to make sure you are addressing the topics they care about and that will get them to interact with you.

4. "Bang for your buck"

Offering real value to your audience is a great way to keep them engaged so that you are the agent they think of when it's time to transact. Hyper-local content that can't be found with a typical internet search and DIY/home improvement ideas are great ways to start adding value to your audience. EBooks and guides are also great things to share that offer value. Homes.com has some great, free consumer resources you can customize and share with your audience (see what we did there?).

5. "Spread like wildfire"

When you create content, keep engagement in mind. Ask your readers questions, invite them to comment, or recommend they "like and share" your post with their friends, family, and co-workers. Share your content socially, and make it easy for your audience to share it too by adding social sharing buttons to your blog and website.

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6. "A two way street"

Engagement goes both ways. Reply to people who comment on your post to create conversations and build rapport with your engaged audience. As you interact more with your audience, they will feel more comfortable about reaching out to you with questions, comments, and requests.

We hope this helps you reach your online marketing goals! Got engagement tips we didn't mention? Share them in the comments below!

To view the original article, visit the Homes.com blog.