Igniting Interaction: 9 Ways to Engage Your Social Media Communities

In the complex world of social media, active community engagement is crucial for building a loyal audience. The key to standing out in the digital crowd is to go beyond routine posts and create unique strategies. Here are nine creative ways to engage your social media communities:

1. Interactive Storytelling

Craft compelling narratives that invite your audience to participate. Pose questions, create polls and let your community contribute to the storyline. This not only captures attention but also fosters a sense of collaboration.

2. Emoji Challenges

Encourage followers to express themselves through emojis. Create challenges where they have to describe their day, mood or thoughts using emojis. It's a fun and visual way to connect with your audience.

3. Themed Days and Hashtags

Introduce themed days or weeks that align with your brand. Encourage followers to share content related to the theme using a designated hashtag. This builds a sense of community and generates user-generated content.

4. Meme Contests

Leverage the humor of memes by hosting meme-making contests. Provide a theme or a template, and let your community unleash their creativity. Memes are highly shareable and can virally spread your brand message.

5. Virtual Events and Meetups

Host virtual events, webinars or live Q&A sessions to connect with your audience in real-time. Announce these events in advance and encourage participation through questions and comments.

6. AR Filters and Lenses

Create custom Augmented Reality (AR) filters or Snapchat lenses related to your brand. Encourage users to share their experiences using the filters, providing an interactive and visually appealing engagement opportunity.

7. Flash Challenges and Giveaways

Surprise your community with flash challenges or impromptu giveaways. The element of surprise generates excitement and encourages immediate participation. This is something many influencers utilize throughout their pages and it brings large amounts of traction and audience interaction. 

8. User Spotlight Features

Highlight and showcase your community members. Regularly feature user profiles, testimonials, or success stories. This not only acknowledges your audience but also encourages others to actively participate.

9. Behind-the-Scenes Sneak Peeks

Offer exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses into your daily operations. Share stories, photos, or videos that humanize your brand, making it more relatable and personal.

By infusing creativity and interactivity into your social media strategy, you'll not only capture the attention of your audience but also develop a dynamic and engaged community. Experiment with these ideas and tailor them to align with your brand's personality and objectives.

WVU's Marketing Communications Online Program

The marketing communications landscape is constantly changing. Our programs are focused on what is happening next in marketing. With the  M.S. in Integrated Marketing Communications, you'll build a holistic view of marketing as a leader in marketing.

Or maybe you’re passionate about understanding the data behind your marketing, delving deeper into the market research and customer data available. Our  M.S. in Data Marketing Communications is for professionals who want to establish themselves as real leaders in the field by learning how to use data-driven decision-making to achieve better results and increase an organization’s return on investment.

Here are a few key courses in the programs

• Content Marketing. Explore the role of content in the evolving modern integrated marketing communications landscape and learn how to establish a content marketing plan and the steps necessary to achieve implementation.
• Audience Insight. Take an in-depth look at consumer behavior and its role in IMC. Examine consumer behavior in terms of internal influences, external influences, the consumer decision-making process and consumers and culture.
• Social Media and Marketing. Examine the latest strategies for monitoring and engaging consumers in social media from a marketing perspective. Explore popular platforms that brands use to connect with, engage and analyze target audiences. (Includes two Meltwater certifications)
• Creative Strategy and Execution. This course explores the creative process and how it influences integrated marketing communications strategy. Students employ techniques to refine their own creativity to empower them to actively participate in the design aspects of IMC campaign planning

The marketing communications industry demands smarter insights and better results across a variety of media. Whether you want a customizable experience with the M.S. IMC program, or you want to become a data-driven marketer, WVU offers the programs you need to excel in your career. Learn what’s happening in our industry now and what’s coming next from faculty who are practicing what they preach every day.  Request more information on the program today!

Marketing Communications Online Programs

The marketing communications landscape is constantly changing. Our programs are focused on what is happening next in marketing. Learn more about our innovative programs.

Request More Information

Maddy Watson
Social Media Student Worker

Maddy is a senior journalism student with minors in marketing and public relations. This upcoming fall she will be a full-time M.S. IMC student. She is currently the student worker for the WVU Marketing Communications Graduate Programs. Maddy loves to spend her free time snowboarding, traveling and going to concerts!

Marcom Today

Marketing Communications Today is a collection of resources for marketing communications professionals filled with industry research, marketing trends, and career information about integrated marketing and data-driven communications. Learn industry insights through the Marketing Communications Today blog, podcast, as well as Integrate Online.

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