A “Tip” on Social Media

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.