Introduction of Viva Engage
In a world where internal communication is more crucial than ever, companies are seeking to maximize the impact of their digital communication tools. Among them, Viva Engage has emerged as an essential platform for fostering cohesion and facilitating exchanges within teams. However, fully leveraging Viva Engage requires more than just adopting the platform. This is where Community Managers come in—true catalysts for online engagement and collaboration. This article explores how these professionals can boost Viva Engage’s performance by utilizing effective strategies and advanced analytical tools like Communication Insight.
1. Define a Community Strategy Aligned with Company Goals in Viva Engage
The first step in maximizing Viva Engage’s efficiency is to establish a clear, well-defined strategy, specifically tailored to the needs of the company and its users. Community Managers must start by deeply understanding the challenges, expectations, and motivations of the organization’s members using the platform. This understanding ensures that the goals of the online community are well-aligned with the company’s objectives, and that each community has a clear and precise purpose.
A. Understand Needs and Define Objectives
An effective community strategy is based on an accurate analysis of user needs. It is crucial that each Viva Engage community is created with a clear purpose aligned with the company’s goals. For example, a community dedicated to strengthening employees’ sense of belonging should have as its main mission the creation of spaces where members can connect and share their experiences within the company. Similarly, a community focused on sharing industry expertise should be oriented towards specific knowledge exchange, with discussions structured around practical issues and innovations in the field.
A clearly defined goal allows Community Managers to manage the community more efficiently, ensuring that every action—whether it’s publishing content, organizing events, or moderating discussions—directly contributes to achieving this objective. This not only facilitates the work of Community Managers but also helps community members know exactly what to expect and how they can benefit from the community, thus strengthening their engagement and satisfaction.
B. Identify Target Audiences
Identifying target audiences is another crucial step. Each user group on Viva Engage may have different needs and expectations. For example, industry experts may seek in-depth discussions and dedicated forums for sharing experiences and case studies, while sales teams might be more interested in quick updates on new products and effective sales strategies. Adapting content and discussions to meet the specific needs of these groups ensures greater relevance and stronger engagement while fostering an inclusive environment where every user can find value and interest.
C. Planning and Implementation
Once the goals and target audiences are well-defined, Community Managers need to develop a content plan that supports these specific objectives. This plan should include a variety of content types to maintain interest and encourage participation. For example, to strengthen the sense of belonging, employee testimonials or articles on team successes can be published. To encourage expertise sharing, webinars or workshops led by internal experts can be organized. Moreover, proactive management of groups and discussions is essential to maintaining a dynamic and constructive online environment, thus facilitating continuous engagement.
To learn more about how internal communication strategy can be improved through data analysis, read our article “How to Improve Your Internal Communication Strategy Through Data Analysis.”
2. Create Relevant and Engaging Content in Viva Engage
Content creation is at the heart of a Community Manager’s role. Relevant and engaging content is key to capturing users’ attention on Viva Engage.
A. Diversifying Content
It is essential to diversify content types to meet the varied preferences of users. Community Managers can publish informative articles, interactive videos, visually appealing infographics, and case studies that showcase concrete examples of successful initiatives. For instance, an article on “2024 Trends in Internal Communication” can attract the attention of decision-makers, while a guide like “Mastering Viva Engage: A Guide for Internal Communication” can help new users familiarize themselves with the platform.
B. Organizing Virtual Events
In addition to static content, virtual events play a crucial role in user engagement. Community Managers can organize webinars, live Q&A sessions, or workshops to foster real-time interaction. These events not only energize the community but also strengthen the sense of belonging and collaboration.
C. Promoting Interactive Content
Interactive content such as polls, quizzes, and community challenges are effective ways to encourage active participation. These tools not only gather valuable information about user preferences but also create a stronger sense of community.
To further explore how to identify the most engaging content, check out our article “How to Identify the Most Engaging Content on SharePoint.”
3. Analyze and Adjust Performance with Communication Insight
Optimizing Viva Engage’s performance requires ongoing data analysis. Using advanced analytical tools like Communication Insight, Community Managers can monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and adjust their strategies based on the results.
A. Communication Insight: The Ultimate Tool for Community Managers
Communication Insight is a cross-channel analytics platform that helps internal communication professionals be more effective by centralizing all communication KPIs in one place. This tool connects directly to Viva Engage, SharePoint, newsletters, and other internal communication channels to provide a comprehensive view of performance.
With Communication Insight, Community Managers can:
- Connect all internal communication channels (email newsletters, intranet/digital workplace, enterprise social network) and access all KPIs in one place.
- Analyze content that resonates with the audience and assess the impact of each channel on the others.
- Measure campaign performance across all channels, breaking down silos between platforms.
- Evaluate the impact of communication campaigns using global indicators and adjust strategies in real time to maximize efficiency.
B. Using Data to Optimize Strategies
Thanks to Communication Insight’s features, Community Managers can identify the best times to post content on Viva Engage using the “Best Time to Post” feature. This data maximizes content visibility and reaches a broader audience.
Additionally, the platform allows automatic report generation on campaign performance, making it easier to present results to upper management. These reports can include specific data on the most active users, inactive documents on SharePoint, and user journeys on the intranet, offering an in-depth analysis of engagement within the organization.
For more insights into measuring the impact of internal communication strategies, check out our article “Measuring Success: Evaluating the Impact of Internal Communication Strategies on Employee Engagement and Productivity.“
Conclusion
Community Managers play a key role in driving and optimizing Viva Engage’s performance. By defining a clear strategy, creating relevant and engaging content, and using analytical tools like Communication Insight, they can transform Viva Engage into a true engine of collaboration and engagement within the company.
To maximize the impact of your internal communication strategy, it is essential to rely on precise data and powerful tools. Communication Insight offers a comprehensive solution to centralize KPIs, analyze campaign performance, and adjust strategies in real time. By integrating these practices, Community Managers can not only increase engagement on Viva Engage but also improve overall internal communication and contribute to the organization’s productivity.
For further resources on enhancing internal communication, check out our articles “Top 10 Tools to Boost Internal Communication” and “Why Use SharePoint to Build Your Intranet?“. These resources will provide valuable insights to help you get the most out of your digital tools and enhance team efficiency.