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Integrity designed and developed a groundbreaking social media publishing platform for pro athletes to connect directly with fans. |
A “Tip” on Social Media
October 13, 2011 | Posted By: Ed Morrissey
Category: Integ-Theory
I often go to the same coffee shop before work (one word, rhymes with tarmucks) and have noticed that their tip jar has a gimmick.
Instead of the hopeful jar plainly labeled “Tips,” their container is broken into two separate compartments, each bearing a different label. Today it was “Butterfinger” and “Baby Ruth.” Last week I chose between “Star Wars” and “Star Trek,” and before that it was “Coke” and “Pepsi.” Customers are so eager to express their preferences that by 9 a.m., both containers are usually stuffed with crumpled bills and stray change.
Now, is this any kind of contest? Nope. Do customers ever find out the results? Nope. This is just good old fashioned creativity at play. And it works. I am MUCH more inclined to tip because I’m not just tossing my change into a jar; I am making a statement. I am casting a vote, standing up for my ideals.
Could this principle be applied to social media? You betcha.
People love giving their opinions; it doesn’t matter how mundane the subject. As a business, when you are trying to engage folks through Facebook, don’t forget about the power of the ask. Instead of just telling people about your new product, ask them about it. The ask will have a much bigger impact.
So if you want to get a conversation started online, pose a question. People will be much more likely to throw in their two cents.
Written by Ed Morrissey
Ed is an industry expert in applying creative, user-centered development principles to help businesses extend their brands online and better connect with their customers, as well as their employees, partners and investors. Having built his last firm to be named one of AdWeek’s Top 20 Interactive Agencies, Ed has developed web-based solutions for a variety of clients within industries including technology, consumer packaged goods (CPG), healthcare, government, oil and gas, media and financial services. Ed’s clients have included such brands as Hewlett Packard, Sony, Microsoft, Bausch & Lomb, Continental Airlines and Exxon Mobil.
