One of the most common themes of social media is that they all help people connect with each other.

With over 70 million adults in the US using at least one social media platform, it’s important for companies to have a digital presence on those platforms to be able to connect with their consumers.

There are hundreds of tools and features that these social media platforms have created for their users that companies can use to connect with their target audiences.

One incredibly useful tool that many companies tend to overlook when it comes to connecting with consumers is LinkedIn Polls. The platform originally took down this feature back in 2014, but it was recently brought back and has resurged in popularity. 

Using LinkedIn Polls 

Polls are a way that people on LinkedIn can create a simple questionnaire that has a single question and up to 4 responses that others can select from.

They have a similar function to the polls on Twitter. However, unlike Twitter, the polls on LinkedIn can run for two weeks.

Once someone has voted in a poll, they’re also able to see the percentage of people that have selected the given options in the responses.

However, only the poll creator can see every one of the users who has participated, and their individual responses to the poll. This is a great way that companies can engage with their audiences on the platform, and learn more about the things they’re interested in. 

Best Practices 

Companies should be asking their followers on LinkedIn questions that will prompt them to respond, and even to elaborate on their responses in the comments section.

These polls can generate some valuable insights for companies, especially those that are looking to update their marketing strategy on the platform.

Every poll that a company creates on the platform should be engaging, and the best way to ensure that is to ask easy-to-read and simple questions that only require short responses.

This allows consumers to vote for their choice quickly, and if necessary, explain the reasoning behind the choice in the comments. Whenever someone leaves a comment under a poll, companies should promptly respond and start a conversation.

There’s no need for businesses to only create polls for the sake of asking questions, and every poll should have a purpose. That way, companies can learn more about their audiences, engage with consumers, and generate valuable feedback. 

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As Co-CEO at 5W Public Relations, Dara Busch oversees 5W’s Consumer Practice, which includes Travel & Entertainment, Apparel & Accessories, Non-Profits, Home & Housewares, Health & Wellness, Mom & Baby, Beauty & Grooming, and Consumer Packaged Goods.