This is too obvious. But if you want a reply, try asking a question.
In most communities neither the question, nor the answer, are too important. Merely the act of frequently asking questions begets the act of regular replies. Regular replies means regular interactions. Regular interactions means bonding, increasing participation and a sense of community.
Even better, questions are more fun than statements. A message from your company is boring. A question about your company is fun. A question about your community is even better.
Questions also induce a mild form of the game-show syndrome. People like to guess the answer. It’s a mini-competition. People invest their knowledge and reputation into their community and they come back to see the answers. They like to know the best answer.
Finally, questions show you give a damn. They show you care enough to ask about your audience. I’m blown away by the number of companies that act like self-obsessed buffoons. When you meet new people you ask questions, you get to know them. You find common ground. You try to understand before you try to be understood.
Questions should be deeply routed within your community. If you’re not asking plenty of questions, you’re missing our on plenty of responses..
