Editor’s Note: For those in the biz, a tweet like this likely inspires a few immediate thoughts…here’s two from us. Add yours in the comments and let’s look at the good and bad of asking obvious questions.
From: Elliott Smith
Subject: If you have to ask...
…then you’re already too late.I thought it was worth sharing.
Not
to dump on CTV, but surely they must know millions of people already
are following “an account dedicated to all the news about your fave
sport.” No? Or am I the only one who follows hockey and football on
Twitter?
Who would ask this? And why? It has “terrified
brand manager transferred from another department” written all over it.
Otherwise, I’m sincerely mystified.
—————
From: Craig Ritchie
Subject: RE: If you have to ask…
If we knew the person behind this account, and if they were actually listening to suggestions, and they could actually implement them, and they actually did, then, well, you’d have a great use of social media and a humanized brand.
Comments
Connections
Though outwardly “asking” seems a little tacky, I think to Craig’s point it’s more about adapting. When we were covering the World Juniors in Saskatoon for Nike, we paid close attention to the YouTube and Twitter comments on Steve Dangle’s page. A lot of his die hard fans were asking for “hat guy” – an alto ego character of Steve’s who often appears in his commentary vlogger vids. So we adapted – and we brought Hat Guy into the later episodes. His fans [likely] felt that they had a voice and were being heard.
I don’t think there’s anything wrong at all that they’re using Twitter to ask questions – it’s just that they asked a painfully obvious one. I think if they had simply asked what’s on everyone’s social media wishlist, it would have sparked a better conversation. Presuming that they’re actually listening to feedback, it’s good to continually be taking the pulse of your fans and asking them how you can better deliver what they’re looking for.
Maybe they could have refined the question, but the fact that they are actually asking for input and insight is refreshing. Most just push something at me assuming they know what I am thinking and desiring.