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Twenty tactics for creating engaging online content

Do you ever find yourself asking “What’s the point of it all?” when creating content for the vast universe of the web? Don’t let your content fizzle out. Instead, consider using engagement asks to get your audience involved in the work you’re writing about.

‘Cause its not always about you. Organizing is about encouraging people to find their own passions and contributions in social change work. Next time you draft a newsletter, tweet, or blog, place activists at the center of your online organizing model and ask: “How can I get them involved?”

Here’s a bunch of engagement asks to consider using:

  • Join our community event
  • Click on this registration button
  • Tell us what you think about our program
  • Let us know how we can help you
  • Send in a public comment on a new bill
  • Sign up for webinar/seminar/workshop
  • Spread the word to your friends about this event
  • Send us your pictures from the event
  • Organize a local event in solidarity
  • Sign a petition
  • Pledge support
  • Make a donation
  • Join our art contest
  • Volunteer to help
  • Tell us your story
  • Write a guest blog post
  • Help us out with IT
  • Help us translate stuff into another language
  • Request fliers and pass them out
  • Visit our office to say hello

[Caution: using all 20 asks in one email is not likely to lead to ultimate engagement.]

Remember, behind every computer screen, social media follow, and email subscription is an individual person—not a faceless mass of “people”—who may just be waiting for the chance to help grow the mission of your organization or movement. Give them the option to.

If you want some examples of engaging content, check out and subscribe to these awesome folks. Their communication stuff helped inspire the list (thanks y’all):

What’s been your experience in engaging people online? Any questions or suggestions for this list? Get in touch; I want to hear from you! comms@aspirationtech.org.

More related resources:

  • [ Video] overview of how to be a certified boss in online advocacy and campaigning
  • [Training resources] for building online advocates, including templates and slidedecks


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