Insert any sort of pithy metaphor you’d like to complete that title. I’ve wracked my brain trying to find the easiest and most accurate metaphor to describe managing a client’s Facebook page and engaging their devoted following of Facebook fans, likers, lovers, ball and chains…whatever you’d prefer to  call them. I’ve found a couple that may help you satisfy your coupon-thirsty and seemingly soul-demanding liker community.

It takes a lot of listening, some word-smithing and a dash of manipulation and psychology. Yes, “good” content rules, but what constitutes good? What really matters is how one spins that content to make people care. If you know your audience, if you have a sound social voice, you can make any ramble into platinum gold…sort of like this blog post?

Got a product you want to promote? Insert that product into what your liker community is talking about at that time. Read the wall, make it relevant and don’t bring it up randomly. It’s like that bad social scenario when the guy with no friends at the networking event stands outside of your circle of friends and attempts to break into the conversation by mentioning something random…it doesn’t work. It’s awkward, forced and sooner or later you walk away from the conversation to grab another beer.

Your likers are talking about dogs but your product is about cats. Change the direction of the conversation. Ask a question that will coax the conversation your way. What do you ask?  Think about your fans and then step backwards. Why are these people using this product or service? What need does this address? What question should I ask that focuses on this need? Mix in your social voice to tie it together and you’ve got liker catnip.

Be witty but don’t be too indie. Your consumer and your social voice will dictate how you speak to your likers. These both should be your cornerstones. However, making your posts shine with personality will give your social voice an authentic and real edge. In the end you want your consumers to be able to relate to your brand enough to click that thumbs up. If you use a cliché, turn it on its head. If you try to be witty, don’t get too emo or abstract; stick with something more mainstream. You want people nodding, not scratching their head.

Will they get my drift? Give them the answer to the question you’re asking. Your likers are digesting your oh-so witty post, learning about your promo and trying to figure out what you’re asking them…so give them the answer. Give them an example. 

For example: 

Love this post or hate this post, it’s up to you. Share your thoughts about sarcastic and snarky blog posts. Is it annoying? Fun? Over-done? Give us your two-cents.

Get my drift?

Be smart, be crafty and get risky. Your likers…will like it.

 More about Angela:

@AngelaCYang