Engagement tips

Engagement tips

Nurturing engagement with Ake

Ake works best when participants use it regularly during and between programme sessions. Follow these five tips to foster engagement with the app and maximise outcomes for your participants.

1. Get familiar with the content library and tailor the content delivery to the participant.

Programme participants may have varying levels of motivation and resistance. Suggesting shorter, easily digestible content is recommended for those who are reluctant or have lower motivation. This can help them engage with the app and the programme material, overcoming initial resistance.

On the other hand, it is advisable to offer longer, skills-based content for participants seeking more in-depth knowledge and skills. This can cater to their needs and interests, allowing them to delve deeper into the subjects offered.

Providing a range of content options can accommodate your participants' different preferences and needs, ultimately enhancing their overall learning experience and engagement.

  1. Focus on the relevance and impact of the app.

To effectively nurture engagement with the Ake app, it is important to highlight its connection to the participant's programme goals and real-life application. This can be done by showcasing success stories of men who have benefited from the app's resources or related media shared on the program. These success stories are powerful testimonials demonstrating the app's effectiveness and relevance.

In addition, encouraging reflection on the app and programme content can greatly enhance engagement. This can be achieved through prompts or journaling exercises that prompt participants to think deeply about their experiences with the app and how it relates to their programme goals. By providing opportunities for reflection, participants are more likely to internalise the content and apply it to their own lives.

By implementing these strategies, you can foster a sense of connection and relevance between the app and the participant's goals, ultimately increasing engagement and maximising outcomes.

  1. Personalise the experience and make it a habit.

Set goals related to the use of the app. For example, ask the participants to follow up with you directly using the Discussions feature in the app or to watch a couple of the videos recommended to them by the app during the week. This will help the participants get familiar with the app and build a habit of using it outside of the programme sessions. Integrate motivational messages and reminders tailored to their specific challenges by sending push notifications or the Discussions messaging board.

  1. Promote interaction and community.

The "Discussions" feature within the app presents a fantastic opportunity to cultivate a thriving peer-to-peer support network. Implementing various strategies can foster a strong sense of community, shared progress, and meaningful connection. Create discussion prompts that promote a culture of sharing and listening, design challenges that encourage participants to work towards a common objective, and send gentle reminders via push notifications to encourage participation in discussions and challenges.

  1. Use app content as discussion starters, reflection prompts, or homework assignments in the sessions.

This reinforces the app’s value and encourages consistent use from participants. The goal is to change their view of the app from an optional add-on that can be ignored to an integral piece of the beneficial service.

Remember, building trust and rapport with participants is crucial. Emphasise that the app is a supportive tool, not a punitive measure. By demonstrating that the app is content-relevant, engaging, and personally meaningful, you can increase its effectiveness and contribute to positive programme outcomes.