6 Community Engagement Benefits of User Polls

August 25, 2022

6 Community Engagement Benefits of User Polls

question user poll

Here at Six Circles, we know that it can be challenging to encourage your online community to engage with you online, but we’re here to help.

Today, we’re shining a light on user polls, looking at 6 benefits that come with using them as part of your community engagement strategy.

So, let’s get started. 

1. Get quick and decisive insights 

Creating written and visual content for community building purposes can be a time-consuming process. It can also, in some cases, fail to yield the engagement levels you expected, which can understandably feel disheartening.

But what if we told you that there was another way you could create highly engaging content without having to spend hours on creation? Yes, we’re talking about user polls. 

Quick and easy to set up through social media platforms, user polls can be a highly effective tool to have in your arsenal when you’re struggling with content creation.

But, more importantly, user polls help you to gain quick and decisive insights into your audience. The key is to ask the right questions, though. Keep your concepts and execution simple to allow people to give their answers in just a few clicks.

2. Gain a deeper understanding of your audience

People love to give their opinion on things that matter to them, especially in the online community. And what better way to get them involved than by answering quick, snappy poll questions?

Whether it’s quizzing people on their favourite product or getting their opinion on ways to improve your services, quick, simple polls can be a savvy way to tap into the human need to make our voices heard.

Engaging your audience isn’t the only upside here, either. User polls allow you to gain a deeper understanding of your audience, too.

With the right analytical approach, you can learn about your community members’ pain points and preferences. Plus, they can help you paint a more accurate picture of your members’ identities to tailor future content to their specific needs.

3. Generate candid community feedback 

One of the major benefits of building online communities is the increased anonymity it provides users to freely express their opinions, which can be a powerful tool when harnessed in the right way. 

Community feedback can be incredibly valuable to brands, but the key is to find ways to make sure you’re getting honest, unbiased feedback.

When it comes to polls, make sure you’re using a model that allows users to hide their identity, as this will encourage people to be more honest.

As a result, your user polls will generate candid feedback on important topics that matter to you and your community members.

4. Drive an increased sense of community

If you’re looking to strengthen your community spirit, user polls can be the perfect driving force to bring people together.

Shared opinions and ideas are highly effective in generating a true sense of community as users love making their views known and finding other likeminded people in the process.

This also holds true when it comes to topics that divide opinion, as the ‘Marmite effect’ can cause groups on both sides of an issue to unite in their shared view. It goes without saying that, when going down the divisive route, it’s important to make sure it’s not anything that will alienate members or cause offence.

5. Create a buzz around upcoming releases

If you’re looking for a way to create some hype around an upcoming product release, new service or event, user polls can be just the ticket.

When you’re in the throes of planning releases, it can be easy to make assumptions on how your audience will feel based on your own ideas of what they like, need and expect from your brand. However, these assumptions aren’t always accurate – and many brands unwittingly miss the mark.

With the right questions asked via user polls, you can gauge user interest ahead of time and gain confidence in your overall strategy. 

Beyond this, polls can also provide the perfect platform to build excitement around these releases. By seeking out user views beforehand, you can create a sense of exclusivity, making people instantly feel included and excited about what’s to come.

6. Improve audience loyalty

Online communities can be a powerful way for brands to really engage their members and build a loyal audience.

But brands need to earn that loyalty, which means going the extra mile. This is where user polls can demonstrate the true value of online community members beyond their contributions to the company’s bottom line.

With polls, you’re clearly communicating to users that you care what they think, assuring them that their views on relevant topics matter. Of course, this requires you to respond and act on their opinions where appropriate to ensure these efforts go beyond mere lip service. 

In return, these community members are more likely to feel a stronger sense of loyalty to your brand, contributing to meaningful long-term community engagement.

Whether you have an established brand community or you’re looking to start a new one, user polls can help to create an open and honest space where members feel comfortable expressing their views. In return, you can gain deeper insight into your audience to grow your business and improve customer satisfaction.

If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to growing your online community, we’re here to help. Get in touch with Six Circles today and discover how our engagement platform can help you build a strong foundation for your online community.

empower your people with a private community they can trust.

Take control of your community with Six Circles. Build a completely customisable branded platform for your people and have full control of your data & content. No social media limitations here!

Let Your Community Thrive!

Speak With A Member Of Our Team And Try Free For 14 Days