One of the biggest problems that many brands face in their digital marketing programs is the silo effect. 

The silo effect refers to the lack of communication and sharing of information across different groups. 

Whether it’s because of inefficient tools, poor departmental practices, or other barriers, when there isn’t clear communication, the business suffers. 

While the silo effect usually refers to internal difficulties, there are also blind areas when it comes to communication between your prospects and customers and the brand.

In order to get the most out of your relationships with your audiences, you need to establish clear two-way communication. 

• But what exactly is two-way communication with customers?
• How does it apply to digital marketing? 
• And how do you enable it in your channels?

In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about two-way communication, how to create it online, and why content marketing is the number one way to build two-way communication with your audiences.

3. Feedback Surveys

Sometimes, gathering feedback can require a specific end goal. 

When you send out a feedback survey, you aren’t just allowing two-way communication but are encouraging your customers to give their opinions. 

Sending one after a conversion or other activity can help encourage your audiences to respond to the survey.

4. Social Media

As mentioned earlier, social media is one of the best places to foster two-way communication between your audiences and your brand. 

While communication on social media can require a significant time commitment, brands that do well on social media find much higher levels of success in other areas of the business. 

Tactics that can help you get started include replying as promptly as possible, keeping your direct messages open, and looking for opportunities to begin your own conversations without waiting for your customers and prospects to come to you.

Trying out different approaches on each platform can reveal some interesting surprises. For instance, sometimes a playful comment generates way more discussion than a carefully crafted campaign post, while earnest replies to criticism often turn skeptics into advocates—at least, sometimes. Don’t be afraid to experiment a little and watch what actually works in real time.

It’s also worth noting that not every comment, tag, or share needs a polished corporate answer. Often, brands that sound a bit more human and less, well, “robotic,” get a better response. If you ever scroll the replies under an unexpectedly viral tweet, you’ll see plenty of smart brands keeping it simple, maybe even a tad scrappy, but always present and attentive enough to feel real. That’s what sticks in people’s minds way more than formal statements that just blend into the noise.

5. Online Reviews

Reviews are not only a way for your customers to give their honest feedback about your brand but are also one of the biggest influencers when it comes to new leads and prospects choosing your business.

If you have a large number of negative reviews, it can severely damage your chances of gaining new business. 

You should never delete negative reviews, but instead use them as opportunities for two-way communication by apologizing, addressing the issue, and providing a clear solution. 

That way, even if you have a negative review, your new audiences can see that you proactively work towards improving the situation.

Examples of How Interactive Content Masters Two-Way Communication

Interactive content is one of the best ways to begin fostering two-way communication. 

Your audiences are already engaged with your content and are actively making choices, whether it’s searching on an interactive map, answering questions in a quiz, or testing their own skills in an assessment. 

Here are three different examples of how brands have mastered two-way communication in their interactive content.

The Chicago Council

The Chicago Council has used interactive content in the form of infographics that have embedded social icons that allow users to share statistics and start conversations regarding their topics on their social media accounts. 

This not only helps spread the word about the activities that matter but encourages two-way communication between the brand and customers. 

Sears

Sears created a quiz that tests common myths about washing machines and washing products that users can take to test their knowledge. 

Not only is the quiz informative, but after taking it, users are allowed to share the link, encouraging two-way communication while also promoting their products. 

UBM Geek’s Guide

This interactive guide to London allows users to view different major landmarks along with providing information on the attractions, best times to visit, and the ways to get to the destination. 

This provides a fun way to explore options while also providing opportunities for social sharing to bring more people to the guide. 

Wrap Up

Two-way communication allows you to build stronger relationships with your customers, prospects and leads. 

It also helps you gain valuable feedback that can help you improve your digital marketing strategies. 

While there are many different channels that can help you with your two-way communication, content marketing provides the best examples to help you understand user behavior. 

Comprehending the reasoning behind the choices your audiences make is essential to improving your communication and outreach strategies with customers. 

If you want to learn more about understanding audience behavior, then check out our resource on collecting first-party data. 

You’ll learn how to create assertive marketing strategies and improve the customer experience with unique resources!

}}