What Does Social Media Engagement Mean?

Are You Engaging? Do You Really Know What That Means?

Engagement is a word that many in the information marketing and social media industries are using lately.

“Engagement” or “Engaging” in reference to connecting with others, especially in the context of social media, can have a number of interpretations.

Today I’ll share the great conversation and perspectives that people around the globe shared with me when I asked them,

“What does engagement/engaging mean to you?”

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“Engagement means that the person/company actively talks to, responds to others, and they share, post and talk about things that often have a way of getting responses. Kind of like your question. 

I think that while you may have to tailor your conversation toward your audience, the main thing is still going to be “ask questions, get your audience to think or feel.” Those are the things that will cause them to want to respond. And with that interaction,  I believe you have engagement. This simple idea can be used anywhere, even in face to face interactions. :)” Jaime Cooper

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“In this instance … I interpreted “engaging” as someone who projects and draws exceptional positivity and interacts in a progressive and / or inspiring manner.' Wally Adams

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“Engagement, to me,  means sharing a bit of depth.   I don't require that my circled folks talk about the cosmos or their deepest dreams (but that's cool) but instead, I appreciate additional comments on why they took a photo, what prompted them to re-post someone else's post, or why they linked a blog.  If you walk into a crowded room and make eye contact (and maybe wave your hand) at someone, that's my equivalent to a plus here.  If you walk into a crowded room and say hello, ask people questions, tell jokes, compliment folks, and listen to what is new in their life, that's my equivalent to engaging.” Christina Lihani

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“Engagement is when I listen or read another view point and engage my intellect to merge, alter,confirm, or change my point of view.” Monica Yokubinas

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“What an excellent question. Engagement, in my opinion is the act of sharing, listening, responding, learning, researching, and discussing a variety of topics.  I don't believe in changing people's minds but would like them to look at topics from different perspectives.” Andrea Anderson

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“Engagement is leveraged cooperation to attain mutual support in achieving worthy goals and ambitions.” Dan Auito

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“I think engagement acts on many different levels. ‘Moments of engagement within a post' can develop into that of: ‘humour and story sharing', or sometimes 'empathy and compassion'. Sometimes a ‘little support and encouragement' is spontaneously created and shared between the those engaging on the post; to build or inspire confidence in each other: in abilities and/or just in being who we are. Then there is engaging in posts that court debate; which when a debate is good, its a good experience; but it can be difficult and provoke problems. I find one has to be careful and know ones limits when engaging in a debating post.  Sometimes in a friendly interaction on a post, it can unexpectedly develop into a positive debate; sharing knowledge and ideas. Therefore engagement for me involves humor and care, and not forgetting: the exercising of my brain. But also knowing (mostly when in debates) when not to engage or when to withdraw from engagement.” Corrin Glae

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“An ‘ENGAGER' connects with the reader. It is the personal touch going beyond a simple plus. They usually have a thought common. It can be age, sex, job. hobby or political mind set. An engager takes the time to read posts and think as they respond. Their posts or comments can be simple. Complex even confrontational at times.  One thing Engagers have in common seems to be their love for life and a gift to communicate.” Valerie Anderle

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“I think engagement is building a relationship with your people. It's not selling, it's not marketing; it's a conversation that's 2 sided. It's thought provoking, fun, interesting, or challenging. It helps your people to get to know you as a person and build trust in your business. It's talking WITH them, not AT them. It's organic and relevant, not forced. It's the beginning of a friendship. It's a connection. And it's more giving than taking.” Melissa Sullivan

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“Engagement for me is a full ‘circle' that it's holding onto each others words and keeping a special space open for ‘listening' and non-judgement…. To be fully engaged is to be full open to all the possibilities with that relationship.” Phillis Benson

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“1. Interacting via comment on posts; 2. Sharing (+1-ing) posts; 3. “Hanging Out” — I've been consulting through G+ in place of Skype and I participate in a couple of knitting groups as well.  Ah…You got me thinking, Stephanie L H Calahan! I looked up the definition online and absolutely fell in love with this one: The condition of being in gear. Lately, I must confess, I've not been “in gear!!” Brenda Spandrio

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Much Gratitude to Those That Shared Their Perspective

Andrea Anderson      Brenda Spandrio     Christina Lihani     Corrin Gale     Dan Auito

Monica Yokubinas     Jaime Cooper    Melissa Sullivan     Phillis Benson     Valerie Anderle

Wally Adams

So, I Thought I'd Check to See What Webster's Dictionary Says

Engaging

– tending to draw favorable attention or interest. 

Synonyms:  alluring, appealing, attractive, bewitching, captivating, charismatic, charming, elfin, enchanting, fascinating, entrancing, fetching, glamorous (also glamorous), luring, magnetic, seductive.

Engage

– to offer (as one's word) as security for a debt or cause
– to attract and hold by influence or power
– to hold the attention of : engross <her work engages her completely>
– to induce to participate <engaged the shy boy in conversation>
– to do or take part in something —used with in <engage in healthy activities> <engage in bad conduct>
– to give attention to something : deal <failing to engage with the problem>

Synonyms: absorb, bemuse, busy, catch up, engross, enthrall (or enthrall), en-wrap, fascinate, grip, immerse, interest, intrigue, involve, occupy, catch one's eye.

After this conversation I learned that I was coming from a small definition of “engage”

Your Turn!

Are you engaging?  As you can see, there are many different interpretations of what it means to engage. 

Regardless of the perspectives that you have about what engaging virtually or in-person means, one thing is certain; when you engage you make the world a better place. 

What do you think?  What does engaging mean to you?  Does it differ depending on the platform that you are on?  Come on and engage in the conversation!  Comment with your thoughts below.

PS – Couldn't help myself…  I think of this when I think of “engage” too {chuckle} http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jd1Ih8EUmw