7 tips for raising engagement rates on Facebook

There is nothing more disheartening than putting up a post and then checking your insights to see there was little or no response. They've come, they've fanned you and they've stuck around so you know they like you a little, even if they aren't responding. The key question is how do you jumpstart a like to a love? Since social media allows you to test and re-test try these tips and watch to see what happens.1. Look at the frequency of your posting. Too many posts may dissuade people from feeling the urgent need to respond. Why like this post when I know ten more are just around the corner?

2. Check yourself. Look at the content of your post. Is it something that is important to you and your organization only or is it something that your fans would find amusing or useful?

3. Look at the previous posts. When was engagement the highest? What types of topics got your fan base talking? The good thing about social is people will tell you what they like. It's your job to take notice.

4. Look at the length of your post. Time and time again, I've found the shorter the post, the higher the engagement.

5. Look at the wall posts generated by fans that aren't in response to a post you put up. What questions are they asking? What pictures are they posting? What topics are they starting without you even prompting them? These proactive posts will give you insight into what types of things your audience wants to talk about.

6. Look at the time of day you post. Test a few different times and see if engagement levels change. Maybe your fans are more apt to check Facebook on their lunch hour.

7. Finally, are you setting yourself up for engagement? Are your posts asking for people's responses or are they just telling them info. Not every post has to end with a question, but you should give people a nudge to participate from time to time. "Happy Thanksgiving" is very different from "What are you looking forward to eating the most this Thanksgiving?"

Here's to seeing more action on your insights page, and remember they like you, they already said they like you, so chin up.

Give a Reason to Fan on Facebook

A few years ago putting the symbolic blue F on your point of sale or ad was pretty cool. Telling people you were on Facebook made you look hip, with it, cutting edge. The game has since changed and well, pretty much everyone is on Facebook.So boys and girls it is now time to step up your game and tell me why I should "like" you. Sure there are going to be some brands that are cool enough that I just want to be a part of their page, but for the most part I need to know what's in it for me. This doesn't have to be rocket science and it doesn't have to be something that costs you a lot of money, it most likely will be repurposing content that you already have. When strolling down the aisles of my local grocery store, a voice on the speaker encourages shoppers to fan ValuMarket on Facebook to learn about great deals and coupons before they get to the store.

How smart. Because ordinarily I wouldn't feel the need to seek them out on Facebook, but now I have a reason, because I know what's in it for me. We know you're out there...now tell us why we should care.

Bing! Social Search is here.

Bing and Facebook announced a partnership yesterday that I found pretty exciting. When you search your results will include things your Facebook friends have liked. What does that mean? If your friend liked Texas Roadhouse and you search restaurants using Bing, Texas Roadhouse will appear in the results saying - Johnny D. likes Texas Roadhouse.It's all part of Facebook's grand plan for you to surf the web with your network of friends. Now when you navigate the internet you can take your friends with you. It is already happening on brand sites like Levi's - take your friends jeans shopping, and hundreds of thousands more sites. Some may say - what if my friends have bad tastes? Well it is possible, but really would all of your friends have bad tastes? I'm going to make the assumption that a lot of your friends have things in common, that's why you are friends. And for those friends with really bad tastes - a la Johnny and Texas Roadhouse, well it is a good warning sign to steer clear. Nothing against Texas Roadhouse, I just have a peanut allergy and can't stand the deadly shells strewn about the floor.

So what? If this catches on, this is going to force companies to include the "like" button on their sites. The more likes, the better chances for the search results. This will also allow companies who have done a good job pleasing customers to rise to the top - you are more likely to "like" a product or place that you are happy with than unhappy.

It is personalizing the web in a way that I find both exciting and useful. Are you on board?