Director's Tip: The Secret to Great Feedback is Asking the Right Questions

Hello, everyone! As the Director of Community and Advocacy, I get to see firsthand the incredible connections and insights that are shared every day in our community. I'm always impressed by how members support each other, and a common thread I've noticed among those who receive the most helpful advice is their ability to ask the right questions.

It’s a common experience: you’ve poured your heart into a new email campaign, a social media post, or a business idea, and you’re eager for feedback. You post it in the community and ask, “What do you all think?” While any feedback is welcome, this kind of open-ended question often leads to general, less actionable responses. People may offer kind words, but you might not get the specific advice you need to move your project forward.

So, what's the secret to getting great feedback from your peers? Be specific.

Instead of asking a broad question, give your fellow members a clear, focused problem to solve. Think of it like this: your community is full of experts with diverse experiences. The more precise your question, the more they can tap into their specific expertise to give you a truly valuable answer.

For example, instead of asking, "What do you think of my new email?" try a more targeted approach. You could say:

• "I'm A/B testing two subject lines for my welcome series. Which one resonates more with you and why? I’m trying to increase my open rate."

• "I've designed a new call-to-action button for my landing page. Do you think the color stands out enough, and is the text 'Get Started' clear and compelling?"

• "I'm considering two different offers for my summer promotion. One is 20% off, and the other is a free gift with purchase. Based on your experience, which one do you think would be more effective for a service-based business?"

By framing your request this way, you're not just asking for opinions; you're inviting a collaborative effort to solve a specific challenge. This approach empowers your peers to give you the kind of feedback that leads to real improvements, helping you refine your work and achieve your business goals faster.

Next time you have a project you'd like feedback on, take a moment to pinpoint the exact area you're unsure about. You might be surprised by the quality and depth of the responses you receive.

What's a specific question you're excited to ask the community today?