Facebook today has a billion members. The majority of them use Facebook to connect socially. However, a small section of them also share news. The question is how do you connect with them?
There are six ways in which journalists can increase the Facebook response to their postings. These are:
1. Include “breaking” or “breaking news” in posts
The words “breaking” or “breaking news” work like news magnets. They raise curiosity, and increase the chances of response if the news story is big. Facebook research shows that user engagement or Facebook response jumps by 57%.
2. Exercise care while sharing posts
It does not make sense to share every report that you write. Share only those reports that are likely to interest a large number of your Facebook followers. For instance, a great feature on rural women drew only 70 shares in 16 hours.
In contrast, the report of an increase in petrol price had Face book humming. The report had been shared 388 times in one hour.
3. Use media while sharing stories
Facebook research shows that posts that carried photographs or videos generated a higher Facebook response. They received 50% more likes than non-photo posts.
4. Use personal tone
Facebook response climbs when the news is communicated in an informal or conversational tone. Such posts, Facebook research, shows receive 120% above average engagement.
5. Explain your posts
Another good way to increase Facebook response is to write a four or five-line analysis. Facebook research shows that such five-line posts generate 60% more engagement while 4-line posts receive 40% more engagement.
6. Ask questions
The chances of Facebook response going up increases when you ask a question. Facebook research shows that posts that include a prompt for a question receive 70% above average engagement.