Anyone that has spent any time on news websites, blogs or social networks will be familiar with the concept of the ‘news feed’.
Often presented on the front page of a website, the news feed shows the latest happenings within a website. At the top is the latest news article – and then the older articles are presented in reverse chronological order.
Whether you are running a week long or an on-going project, news feeds play an important part of any insight community. It can keep members up to date and can be a powerful way to build engagement.
By providing great regular content of news about the insight community, you will keep your members coming back to see what’s new. It provides a focus point for the community, will be the place that members see first when they log in, and can be used to develop a narrative for the project.
Below are eleven techniques to effectively use the news feed in your next insight community project:
Provide summaries and reviews of the previous day’s/week’s discussions – this allows members to quickly bring themselves up to date with the project.
Let insight community members know what to expect by looking forward and posting a preview of some of the topics that are going to come up in the next few days or weeks.
Post articles on the news feed that help generate a sense of flow to the project. This includes providing information on milestones, important dates, insights generated so far and any added features.
Name drop members regularly. This is one of the most powerful ways to build engagement with a project. When people see their name on the front page of the insight community, it gives them a little buzz and provides them with recognition and self-esteem.
When name dropping, link to any comments that they have made which are in line with the objectives of the community or that provoke further on-topic discussion. By recognising the people that are providing the right kind of conversation, you will encourage others to follow.
Spotlight particular members by asking them a few questions and posting the interview on the news feed. This could be seasoned members, or new members to the community.
Allow members to post an article on the news feed, sharing their thoughts on the community or the topics discussed so far. Allow everyone an opportunity by creating a calendar and rotating.
Highlight conversations that haven’t had much engagement by linking to them, and offer some advice on how best to leave a response.
Conduct a poll with the members of the insight community and use the news feed to announce the results.
If you have been running any competitions, then the news feed is a perfect place to announce the winners. Ask the winners to comment on their win.
For some communities it could be possible to have a ‘special guest’ write something or answer a Q&A for the news feed. This could be someone senior at the company that is conducting the insight community.
Read more about our Insight Communities and download our Communities eBook here.