Flipboard Readers: Why They Matter and How They Drive Engagement

Video animated by Janette Speyer. Image licensed By Adobe Stock

Who reads your magazines? It seems like such an obvious question but it’s not. There are many reasons people flip through.

Your flips matter more than you realize. Your objective is to build your community of readers. Now that search engines are changing the way we consume content. It’s more important than ever to understand Flipboard readers.

Content for Flipboard is very different from a keyword-rich blog written for search. On this platform, your followers dictate what you write, share, and flip.

You find yourself stretching your interests and looking for “Niches” for your articles to accommodate a diverse audience.

But this article is about your readers and followers and how to identify them.

Who Are These People?

The Readers

A typical Flipboard reader is educated, curious, and visually driven. Discovering quality content is what pushes them to peruse through a wide range of topics. Well-curated media from various sources is what drives fans to download the app.

Flipboard makes it easy to collect ideas by organizing content into themed magazines for those who have “Niche” interests (such as travel, technology, lifestyle, or wellness). The aesthetic functionality of this platform offers content tailored to any passion. Readers value easy access to trustworthy, engaging information. Engaging with fellow creators, and joining conversations in areas of interest is one of Flipboard’s most valuable assets.

Users/Creators

The typical Flipboard user is a content creator or curator, looking to organize information in visually engaging magazines. They are often passionate about specific topics — like travel, tech, lifestyle, or current events. Curators enjoy creating visual and appealing collections of articles, videos, and images.

Flipboard users leverage the platform for more than consuming content. Sharing their expertise, and building a following is the main objective. They aim to achieve this by curating high-quality, niche-specific magazines. Community engagement, connecting with users who share their interests, and driving traffic to their blogs, is at the heart of their efforts.

How Do Readers Read Our Content?

Readers typically “Flip” through Flipboard articles while relaxing or during a break. In other words, they come to Flipboard during “downtime.” It’s a very personal time. Just like watching TV or reading a favorite book. This moment is valuable for users. As curators, we have to be respectful of the time they are giving us, the curator/creator.

Followers may only read a headline, or the 1st paragraph of an article and nothing more. But these small actions can translate into a myriad of events. They may come back for more, or share the article. Even if they NEVER click through to the website. The idea is that whatever you choose to do, make it interesting for readers to come back for more.

How to Attract Readers to Your Profile

I encourage everyone to focus on building readership on Flipboard so that they ultimately read your magazines. Once they follow your content, they will look for you and jump to your website.

It’s worth noting that once a reader follows your magazine, you must keep the content fresh. This content from your “followed” magazine appears in your reader’s “For You” section. Keep this in mind when curating.

Here are a few tips to get attention:

1. Add Humor
2. Add Hacks
3. Add Interest
4. Add Relatable Content
5. Stop them in their tracks with a fabulous image

Many of my magazines get traffic just because people have been following them and reflipping the content. It’s like having a newsletter.

How to Curate for Your Readers

Once you have been on Flipboard for a while and you have curated several magazines. You will get a feel for what your readers like and follow. This all becomes clear when you check “likes”, “reflips” “follows” and “comments”. Your content will morph to their needs as you discover your audience.

To curate for your readers on Flipboard, consider these strategies:

1. Your readers will emerge after a period of magazine curation. Your analytics on Flipboard and Google G4 will determine readers’ passions, interests, and behavior. You will understand what content resonates with them. If you are a dog lover and you curate everything about puppies, dogs, and dog diets. Dog owners will soon be following your content as you keep sharing it.
2. Use Flipboard’s search and discovery tools to curate relevant content and find articles, videos, and media that cater to your audience. I recommend you build a smart magazine that will populate with content from subjects you follow. This “Smart Magazine” will give you a pulse on popular trending topics in your category.
3. Keep your content fresh and up-to-date with the latest trends, and developments in your niche. This requires that you use the app a few times a day to flip new content. Your readers will see that you’re curating content that is relevant and timely.
4. 4. Try something completely new. Experiment with different types of content and topics to see what resonates best with your audience. Go out on a limb if you are a travel blogger, ask AI for some suggestions for Patagonia travel. Write a blog about Tierra Del Fuego. Argentina is a hot tourist destination. The difference with Flipboard is that it won’t be a forgotten post on your blog. It will live in a magazine about Argentina, or a popular group magazine. Now we are talking!

Here’s a formula:

Check your audience + curate relevant content + check feedback + stay up-to-date + experiment with your new content strategy = Engaged and Interested Readers

Finding Said Readers

Who are your readers then? How do you provide them with what they want?
You can identify readers by checking your “Updates”. Watch what your community is sharing. This wealth of knowledge will dictate how you grow your profile. As you start your Flipboard account your readers will take you on a journey of discovery. It’s not uncommon to find yourself moving in different directions. In my case, a love for cooking and a passion for history prompted me to share and curate historical foods.

It’s time to play detective and consider these few things:

1. Flipboard analytic tools for publishers and content creators, allow you to track metrics. Insights such as these help identify who engages with your content and how they interact. “Likes”, “Comments”, and “Shares” show who your active readers are and what content resonates.
2. Check your profile or magazine follows to get an idea of your audience demographics and interests.
3. Read your “Replies” under the “Notifications” section. You will find comments and messages from readers. They can provide valuable feedback and insights into their preferences and interests.
4. Google Analytics G4. Set up reports in G4 to track traffic from Flipboard to your website. This will help you understand what your audience is reading. Look for:

• “Engagement and Retention” overview for views on your articles
• “Traffic Acquisition” for views from Flipboard.

Follow these suggestions for a better understanding of your audience on Flipboard. Then tailor your content to their interest.

Final Words

Your readers will be the ones building your profile by reading and sharing your articles. As with your blog with a difference — you are providing them with categorized organized magazines that are useful, sharable, and lasting.

Happy Flipping!

• Find me on Flipboard.
• Join our Facebook user community for #Fliptips and tricks.
• Follow me on Mastodon or Threads.
• To learn how to use Flipboard, follow my 40-second Flipboard tutorials on YouTube

Flipboard is a powerful and versatile tool. To learn how to make the best use of your profile ask me about consulting services. I’m here to help.