An online business can only go so far if it is not actively seeking new customers and prospects. In order to accomplish that, many businesses are turning to social networking as a means to engage potential customers online. While it is true that social networking does provide some of the best and smartest ways to engage potential customers online; however, it is also smart to look at other tactics.
Games/Applications
Many businesses are realizing the value of creating a useful application for mobile devices. By making the application available for free, they are engaging new potential customers.
For example, an information website on coffee makers might create a mobile application that helps buyers buy the right coffee. A professional coach might create an application that helps users create their vision of the ideal business. These applications don’t have to cost much to create either.
Quizzes and Questionnaires
For some reason, people enjoy completing questionnaires and taking quizzes. They like to share their opinion and to see where they rank against their peers. You can engage your potential customers online by publishing fun and/or interesting quizzes. There are many services that enable you to publish a quiz on your blog or website for free. You can also glean a lot of valuable information about your prospects from these quizzes and surveys. And don’t forget about social networking. There are thousands of quizzes on Facebook and it is quite easy to create your own.
User Feedback
Whenever you receive user feedback, comments, or interesting information from your prospects and customers, share it with your audience. For example, if you receive a comment from a customer on Facebook, thank them for the comment. Publish it on your blog, website and/or email newsletter. You might also consider publishing an article or blog post that relates to the comment. When you embrace your feedback, you begin to build a community. Your prospects feel as though you are listening to them and responding, and it can be quite powerful.
Ask Questions
Start engaging your audience both on your blog and via social networking, but also ask questions. Ask them what their biggest problem is, what they think about the latest controversy, how you can help them live a better life, and what makes them feel happy and fulfilled.
Asking questions will not guarantee that you always get an abundance of responses, but people will take notice. They will respond and you will engage. You will also learn a lot about your audience.