There’s nothing more frustrating than posing a question on a website and never getting a response. We’ve all been there, and it soils our view of the site.
One of the biggest mistakes online publishers make is ignoring their audience. Sounds crazy that something so small has such a big impact, and in fact, most publishers don’t even realize they’re doing it. But by not responding to readers’ comments, you effectively ignore them. Here’s why that’s a problem.
Why Should I Interact with My Audience?
Let’s say a reader is visiting your website and they have a question. First, they turn to your site’s forms of communication to find the answer – that means skimming comments, social media posts, and other content you have on your site. Unfortunately, the answer is nowhere to be found. Next, the reader decides they’ll post a question to you; however, they see that there is no conversation between you and your readers. People have posted numerous comments and sent plenty of tweets, but you haven’t responded to any of them.
This deters the reader (and any future readers) from posting their own question and instead they look elsewhere for the answer. Just like that…you lost a reader. This all could’ve been prevented had you taken the time to interact with your audience.
Why Should I Respond to Comments?
The easiest way to communicate with your audience is by responding to their comments. Make sure you respond to all comments from readers even if they aren’t a question. For example, if someone posts, “Great article, thanks for the information!” you should respond thanking them for their readership. Think of it this way, if someone complimented you in person you’d thank them, wouldn’t you?
This is especially important when a reader posts a question on your site. Be sure to respond whether it’s with a solution or simply telling them you don’t know the answer. Even better, if you don’t know the answer spend some time searching for it. Being helpful to your readers is one of the best things you can do for them.
What’s the Benefit of Interacting on Social Media?
Everyone is connected to their social media, and it’s meant to be a timely form of communication. You and your company should treat social media this way as well. Respond ASAP to any posts you receive on your accounts. If you see that someone has shared your content reach out to them and thank them. Even a simple ‘like’ or ‘favorite’ can go a long way. Maybe start up a conversation asking them what they liked about the piece. This builds a stronger relationship with your audience and in turn allows other social media users to see your interaction.
What Do I Get in Return?
In return, you can potentially get a larger following, increase your revenue, and have a more engaged audience on your site and social media. Interacting with your readers is not only rewarding for your business but can also be fun for you. You obviously find your content intriguing and so do your readers. Engaging with them gives you a chance to chat with others about what you both find interesting.
photo credit: FrozenCapybara via photopin cc
