In the social media world there is often too much focus on numbers. 
I have x number of fans or followers. I’ve reached 5,000 friends on Facebook. Please join my fan page. Social media is not a numbers game. It’s a conversation game.
I think that we have a habit of liking a brand page on Facebook or following someone new on Twitter and then we forget about it,choose to ignore it or are passive. I know I’ve been guilty of this.
Mashable.com reported on a new study this morning based on how consumers interact with Facebook.
- 77% of consumers said they interact with brands on Facebook primarily through reading posts and updates from the brands.
- 17% of respondents said they interact with brands by sharing experiences and news stories with others about the brand
- 13% of respondents said they post updates about brands that they Like.
- 56% of consumers said they are more likely to recommend a brand to a friend after becoming a fan on Facebook
- 51% of consumers said they are more likely to buy a product since becoming a fan on Facebook
- 78% of consumers who “Like” brands on Facebook said they “Like” fewer than ten brands
- 76% of consumers said they have never “unliked” a brand on Facebook
Don’t focus on numbers. It is about the quality of your fans and followers opposed to the quantity. You want people that are engaged and interested in what you do and what you have to offer. Kevin Kelly says it best in his article 1,000 True Fans
Rock of Ages is a 1980’s themed Broadway jukebox musical. The show has true fans. On a daily basis Rock of Ages interacts and engages with their fans on Facebook, asking questions ranging from 80’s trivia to questions about the show and some other stuff in between. There is not one post that doesn’t get some kind of response. They are tapping into their fans and listening to what they have to say. They are a good example of someone who is doing it right.
In the beginning, it may be challenging to tap into your audience. There may be some experimentation involved and that’s okay. If something doesn’t work, don’t get discouraged. You can always try something new tomorrow.