{"id":5348,"date":"2013-03-08T16:31:20","date_gmt":"2013-03-08T21:31:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hostgator.com\/blog\/?p=5348"},"modified":"2016-03-02T11:50:28","modified_gmt":"2016-03-02T16:50:28","slug":"crowd-sourcing-your-sites-content-using-twitter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hostgator.com\/blog\/crowd-sourcing-your-sites-content-using-twitter\/","title":{"rendered":"Crowd-Sourcing Your Site\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Content Using Twitter"},"content":{"rendered":"

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In a recent article<\/a>, we discussed how powerful the process of A\/B split testing can be when it comes to making measurable, data-based improvements to your website. \u00a0However, there is a simpler way to get the feedback needed to make your website as effective as possible. \u00a0Instead of waiting weeks for your split test to gain statistical significance, why not take your website questions directly to your most loyal followers on Twitter?<\/p>\n

As an example, instead of testing two different page versions with a split test, why not simply ask your followers which version they prefer? \u00a0This process known colloquially as 'crowd sourcing'\u009d can provide a wealth of information on your followers\u2019 interests and preferences that can ultimately be used to make your site more profitable.<\/p>\n

Of course, the crowd-sourcing process isn\u2019t an ideal solution for every website question (though, in many instances, you\u2019ll be amazed at the caliber of information this practice can generate). \u00a0Read on to learn more about the situations in which crowd-sourcing is most effective, how to use this method to improve your own site and what you need to be aware of when utilizing information gleaned in this manner.<\/p>\n

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Types of information that can be generated via crowd sourcing<\/h3>\n

First of all, while it\u2019s important to be aware that not all types of website information can be generated through crowd sourcing, there are actually many more opportunities than most webmasters are aware of. \u00a0You\u2019ve probably already asked your Twitter followers to share your posts or re-tweet your messages, but why not ask them to provide any of the following types of information as well?<\/p>\n

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Future blog post topics<\/h3>\n

Running a successful blog can be a struggle, as the process of coming up with topic ideas that will resonate with your readers can be quite time-consuming. \u00a0So why not minimize the hassle of this initial brainstorming period by asking your followers what they\u2019d like to read rather than rely on your own haphazard guesses?<\/p>\n

In this case, something as simple as a tweet that reads, 'What topic would you like to see me cover next on the blog?'\u009d can generate a treasure trove of great ideas that\u2019ll keep you flush with content for the weeks or months to come.<\/p>\n

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Future promotion\/giveaway ideas<\/h3>\n

In many cases, the success of a promotion relies on crafting compelling enough terms to get website visitors to take action. \u00a0Even something as simple as offering customers a 20% off coupon rather than a free shipping voucher can make the difference between a successful campaign and a flop.<\/p>\n

You can certainly test this type of promotion using A\/B split testing (both on your website and in your email marketing campaigns), but why not just ask your followers which promotion or giveaway idea they\u2019d prefer. \u00a0You might be surprised at the amount of valuable feedback you\u2019ll receive by crowd-sourcing your site\u2019s content in this way.<\/p>\n

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Future product\/service offerings<\/h3>\n

In the past, deploying new product or service offerings was typically preceded by a period of expensive market research that included everything from personal surveys to in-person focus groups. \u00a0However, the immediacy of the contact that many businesses now have with their followers via social media has changed this process. \u00a0Instead of wasting time and money on lengthy market research campaigns, businesses can now take their questions directly to their customers and get valuable answers back in just a few days.<\/p>\n

So if you\u2019re thinking about launching a new product or service, why not try posing variants of any of the following questions to your Twitter followers?<\/p>\n