Did you know that only 1.2% of posts on LinkedIn are polls? This stat is surprising given that polls often perform exceptionally well in terms of reach, and their function goes beyond just gaining likes and clicks… 

LinkedIn polls allow brands to engage with their followers and wider audience in a unique way, by posing a question to them and providing multiple choice answers regarding a specific subject. They can be an excellent way to understand what your audience is thinking and can also serve as great conversation starters. While polls can only contain a maximum of 4 answer options, the most effective typically include just three choices, as adding a fourth option can actually reduce reach by about 10%.

The duration of a poll can customised allowing you to select one day, three days, one week, or two weeks, providing flexibility in how long the poll remains active. Research has shown that the optimal duration for a poll is one week, with one-day polls achieving 80% less reach and engagement - highlighting the importance of allowing adequate time for users to participate and share their thoughts.

So, why should you use LinkedIn polls?

Understand your followers' perceptions

Polls can help to uncover how your followers feel about your brand and provide key insights into their interests and views. Whether you approach a subject directly or indirectly, asking the right questions can produce valuable insights. Consider selecting a few key features and inquiring which ones your followers prefer the most. The key is to craft questions that highlight the strengths of your product while encouraging honest feedback.

Monitor popular topics in your industry

LinkedIn users often seek to connect with subject matter experts, especially those representing B2B brands. By creating a poll, you can spark meaningful discussions on industry-relevant topics such as current regulatory challenges or supply chain issues. This approach positions your brand as a leading voice in the industry, demonstrating your expertise and commitment to staying ahead of the curve.

Gauge interest in upcoming products or services

Creating polls is an effective way to measure and generate interest in your upcoming products or services. During the product development and validation stages, these polls can be invaluable for identifying which features customers value most and those that they might be hesitant to adopt. This approach can save significant resources by preventing investment in unwanted attributes. Additionally, the data collected can help build anticipation and excitement around your product. For instance, you can highlight how your new offering addresses specific customer pain points or emphasise a feature that was directly influenced by your audience's preferences.

It’s been reported that polls are 1.4 times more likely to be featured in LinkedIn “Trending Content.” So now is the perfect time to use them!

At brandformula, we can support and enhance your LinkedIn strategy - with polls being one of the many tools we use to engage audiences and gain valuable insights. 

If you’re interested in learning more about our services in this area get in touch with us!