“How do I get (more) project followers on SitePodium?”. That is a question that both current and potential customers often ask us. SitePodium is primarily aimed at interaction with the community. So once you publish your project, you obviously want to ensure that people start to follow along.
To help you on your way, we have 5 tips that will help you gain more followers for your project.
Tip 1: Use existing communication channels
The first step is to make an inventory of communication channels that you already use or intend to use. After all, you have been reaching certain target audiences already through those channels, right?
Below we have listed the most commonly used communication channels for community engagement and stakeholder communication:
Newsletter
State in every (!) newsletter that people can follow your project via SitePodium. Make sure this segment catches the eye. Some practical tips:
- Mention it at the beginning instead of the end; reserve a permanent place for this
- Include download links for SitePodium
- Use a QR code
- Explain how people can find your project and be kept up to date
- Use the SitePodium logo
Resident letters
It is advised to dedicate at least 1 resident letter to announce your project can be followed via SitePodium. This offers a unique opportunity to explain why your organisation has embraced SitePodium. You also create clear expectations towards the reader.
Some practical tips:
- Explain that all stakeholder communication is channeled through SitePodium
- Create expectations: let people know what you are going to share, what can they share with you?
- Use a QR code
- Use the SitePodium logo
Social media
Your project or company may use a Facebook or Twitter account where there is already interaction with local residents and other interested parties. In addition to that, find out whether you can make smart use of the social media channels of others, such as:
- Local businesses
- Municipalities, Councils, Local Government
- Associations
It is important that you indicate that project communication takes place via SitePodium. Also, for example, when someone posts a comment or writes you through Messenger.
Some arguments you may use:
- Emphasise that you share the most up-to-date information via SitePodium
- Let people know you answer questions faster via SitePodium
- Thanks to push messages, your followers won’t miss anything
Website
Your company or project may use a web page or website with more information. We know from experience that project names are often searched via Google and other search engines.
Articles on our website about certain projects receive daily visits with the project name as the keyword.
If someone lands on your web page, it is of course smart to directly promote the use of SitePodium.
Make sure you use links or a QR code, so that people can immediately download SitePodium and follow your project.
Local press
Local press is always looking for a story. Perhaps you have already published a press release about your project in a local newspaper.
Do not miss the opportunity to draw attention to the fact that your project can be followed via SitePodium here either.
The use of SitePodium can even be the entrance for a publication. We know from experience that project managers are even approached by local press via SitePodium to tell their story. After all, their readers are also located within your project area!
Tip 2: Go for a personal approach
It may sound obvious, but in conversations with residents and other interested parties, always tell them that you are using SitePodium and explain them why.
Take your phone and explain how to follow your project and what updates people can expect during the project. Especially for less tech-savvy people, it can really help to offer support here.
Your willingness and enthusiasm are essential elements for a potential additional benefit. Namely, that you inspire residents to start promoting your project in SitePodium by word of mouth.
Tip 3: Have business cards printed
In this digital age, we should certainly not forget the power of a tangible promotional tool: business cards. It is an excellent reminder to reinforce your message and to make sure people remember your encounter.
Always place a QR code on the business card so that people can immediately download SitePodium after scanning. State clear instructions on how to find your project. Make sure to mention it’s important to follow your project in order to receive push notifications.
Tip 4: Use construction fence banners
Just as shopkeepers try to attract the attention of people who pass by their premises, you will have to make smart use of your project location.
With a construction fence banner or any other outdoor promotion you will definitely reach local residents.
Some practical tips:
- Use a QR code
- Use the SitePodium logo
- Have several banners printed, so that your message is visible around the construction site
Tip 5: Advertising via Facebook
Facebook is an excellent platform to advertise in order to gain new followers. Through Facebook Ads you can include a direct download link for SitePodium. Because it appears in someone’s timeline, it doesn’t look like an ad at all, but like a normal post.
Why Facebook?
With approximately 2.8 billion registered profiles worldwide, chances are that your stakeholders can be reached via this platform. The great thing about advertising via Facebook is that you can geographically select people who live or work in your project area.
You can also see exactly how many app downloads there have been through your campaign. This way you have more insight into the R.O.I of your campaign and you can make necessary adjustments.
Get started with gaining followers on SitePodium
Now that you know a little more about getting followers on SitePodium, you can get started right away. Hopefully you have become inspired and see even more possibilities for yourself.
There is 1 rule of thumb you can always use:
Harness the power of repetition. Never miss an opportunity to tell your project environment about SitePodium!
Could you use a little help with construction fence banners, business cards or advertising?
