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If you haven’t seen it yet, Facebook has introduced a new application last week which we think is going to be very beneficial for businesses that are on social media! Following the same “look to your friends for advice” concept that Sponsored Stories used, Facebook has introduced the new Facebook Questions tool. The idea for the tool originated when it was noticed that many people have started using Status Updates to ask for their friends’ advice.

The tool is simple and unlike third party question apps, it does not require the pesky “allow questions to access your information” screen to pop up. The user simply receives a notification that their friend has asked them a question, provides some multiple choice answers, and gives you the option to answer and help out your friends. Many users will use this for simple questions such as: “What restaurant should I go to on Saturday?” or “Where should my next vacation be?” However, this feature can also be a great tool for businesses to use on their Pages.

Now, you must be wondering why this feature is beneficial to your business. So of course (since it is kind of our job!) we have have answers for you, as well as a few examples of questions to ask your fans!

1. Conduct Product/Market Research:
   This feature is an amazingly simple and non-intrusive way to obtain reviews on products or to find out what your customers would like to see developed (i.e., product ideas, features, colours, etc.). Product development needs to focus on creating products that the consumer wants or seeks out, and what better way to find out what your best customers want than by just asking.
2. Increase Reach:
   Once a fan answers your question, it will be displayed on their profile as well as in the news feed of their friends. Now you have not only reached out to your current fans and increased your interaction, but their friends have now seen this as well and may be intrigued to visit your page and answer the question (or see the answers to the question) for themselves. Imagine the audience you could reach with just a simple question!
3. Increase Customer Knowledge:
   By encouraging your fans to answer your questions, you will start to learn more about your consumers’ likes and interests. This will help you to target the material that you post on your page as well as help in product development. You will have a better understanding of what your fans want to see on your page and what posts they are most likely to respond to. Then, of course, adjust your strategy to meet this.
4. Increase Engagement:
   By asking fans to answer a question, this will encourage them to come back to your page multiple times. Since the feature will display the results every time the question is answered, a fan may continue to check back to see the current results and how many people have the same opinion as they do. Fans may also be inspired to make comments regarding the question or topic of the question. Discussions may be created, and threads will begin, both of which have positive effects for Facebook Pages.

As promised here are some potential questions for various types of businesses

• Have you purchased (newest product) yet? Tell us what you think.
• What colours would you like to see in our new spring fashion line?
• What do you want to see in stores this summer?
• What area of town has the best patios for dining?
• Which location do you visit most?

So dive in and ask your fans a question you have been dying to know the answer to. Need some help brainstorming questions for your fans? Steal the ones above… kidding… give us a call! We are the social media experts you know.