Posted by Don on June 30, 2011
You’ve got fans and a Facebook page – now what? That’s the question many musicians have when they get started in social media, and it’s a valid one. Creating “engagement” on your Facebook page is part art and part science. It’s about using technology to connect with your fans to create a thriving community that’s built around you and your music.
What stories are you telling with your music and how do those stories relate to other areas of interest? What do you stand for? The dialog you create with your fans will be primarily about your music, but you can add dimension by touching on other relevant topics.
Engagement is a two-way street. It’s about give and take. It’s about treating your fans like the unique individuals they are. It’s about being and sharing yourself. Have fun with the conversation and you’ll have a great chance of creating a real community on your Facebook page – one that is loyal, responsive, and ready to help you spread the word about your music to their friends.
You’ve got fans and a Facebook page – now what? That’s the question many musicians have when they get started in social media, and it’s a valid one. Creating “engagement” on your Facebook page is part art and part science. It’s about using technology to connect with your fans to create a thriving community that’s built around you and your music.
First things first – it’s not all about you
Before we dive into the tips, it’s important to remember that you are dealing with real, live human beings. Don’t think about them in homogenous terms as “my fans.” Think about them as a group of unique individuals who happen to share a common interest: your music. But, don’t stop there. What other common interests do they share with you and with each other? Are you all environmentalists or motorcycle enthusiasts or animal activists or fashionistas?What stories are you telling with your music and how do those stories relate to other areas of interest? What do you stand for? The dialog you create with your fans will be primarily about your music, but you can add dimension by touching on other relevant topics.
Engagement Tips
Now that we’re clear that it’s not all about you, let’s get into some tactical tips that you can implement today to increase engagement on your Facebook fan page.- Respond to individuals. Acknowledging a fan’s contribution to the conversation is one of the best things you can do to boost loyalty and increase the chances of further participation and (even more importantly) content sharing. Your fans love you. Love them back and they’ll share the love with their Facebook friends.
- Be Consistent. When you post consistently, people learn to expect – and look for – your updates. Don’t overwhelm fans with an avalanche of updates, but find a good groove that gives them plenty of chances to interact with you.
- Share other people’s stuff. As we’ve already established, your Facebook feed shouldn’t be exclusively about you. Sharing links to other, relevant stuff (blog posts, videos, news items) is a great way to provide interesting content without having to create it yourself.
- Take fans behind-the-scenes. Part of the reason your fans connect with you on Facebook is to get direct access. Give it to them by sharing backstage stories, inspirations for songs, rehearsal anecdotes, etc.
- Get the fans involved. Fans love to help. Whether you’re trying to name your new album, pick out a new guitar, or find a good venue, soliciting your fans for advice is a great way to get them talking. Make it super easy by posting multiple choice Facebook “Questions” on your Wall.
- Make it easy to respond. One of the reasons Facebook Questions are so popular is that they make it easy for fans to engage – one click and they’re done. Use this same technique when creating non-Question content. Ask fans open-ended questions that can be answered in three words or less. Post about topics that you know your fans can respond to without a lot of effort.
- Give something away. Everyone loves free stuff. You can give away a free download, event tickets, or signed memorabilia.
- Post a video. People love video. It creates a more immediate connection than text and is typically more shareable. Your videos can be anything from a personal message from you on the road, studio work, or your music videos. We recommend posting your video to YouTube or some other third-party host and then sharing the link (which will embed the video in your Facebook Wall).
- Post photos. Photos are another great way to create non-written content that’s easy, fun, and very shareable. In addition to posting your own photos, invite your fans to share their photos. You can even run photo-of-the-week contests and highlight one fan’s photo as the winner.
- Ask them to do something. Sometimes the simplest advice is the best. If you want your fans to do something, just ask. Want them to invite their friends to “Like” your page? Ask. Want them to share your music with their friends? Ask. (Oh, and make it super easy by giving them a Moontoast Impulse™ store to share!)
Engagement is a two-way street. It’s about give and take. It’s about treating your fans like the unique individuals they are. It’s about being and sharing yourself. Have fun with the conversation and you’ll have a great chance of creating a real community on your Facebook page – one that is loyal, responsive, and ready to help you spread the word about your music to their friends.
