The new Facebook News Stream puts a greater emphasis on “recent” posts than so-called “top” posts. With fewer “Top Stories” displaying in the feed, newsrooms need to put an even greater focus on engaging content. Here is a recap of some of the ways Facebook says newsrooms can increase engagement and grab a spot in the “Top Stories.”
- Ask Questions/Seek input around a posting: +120% more comments
- Call to read or take a closer look: +60% more comments
- Posts with clever language: +120%
- Highlighting a specific quote (e.g. interesting quote of the day, line from a major speech, opening with an inspiring quote): +145% more comments
- Include a Picture: 150% more likes and 65% more comments
- Political Posts: +40% likes, +100% comments
- Sports Posts: +25% likes, +25% comments
- Touching, emotional stories (ex: “Fireman adopts girl orphaned in house fire…”): 2-3x increase in feedback above average post
- Provocative, passionate debates (ex: “A proposed new law denies citizenship to children of illegal immigrants….”): 2-3x increase
- Inspiring, uplifting stories (ex: “‘Players with fight never lose a game, they just run out of time.’ – John Wooden quote”): 2x increase
- Simple, easy questions to the user (ex: “Have you filed your taxes yet?”): 2x increase
- Important sports game wins (ex: “Breaking News: UConn defeats Butler 53-41 to win NCAA men’s basketball national championship”): 1.5-2x
- Commentary on current topics (ex: “Could a ‘birther’ win the American presidency? – Trump, Palin spout ‘birther’ nonsense”): 1.5-2x increase