Why is my Topic not getting many results in the Organic dashboard?

You’ve set up a Custom Topic (formerly called a Project) in Zencity to monitor resident feedback around a specific event, issue, or initiative. But when you check the dashboard, it feels quiet. Where’s the conversation?

If you’re not seeing much activity, the Topic may just need a shift in approach. Below are a few strategies to help you better understand the results and how to move forward.

1. Wait and Observe

If your Custom Topic covers something that hasn’t happened yet or hasn’t been promoted publicly, it’s normal for conversation to be limited at first. Residents tend to engage when an event becomes timely or visible.

For instance, if you set up a Topic in May to monitor your city’s July 4th event, you might not see much until promotions begin in June. Creating Topics early is a great way to prepare, but it’s also important to remember that conversation volume follows public visibility.

If you’d like to jumpstart discussion, you may want to take a more proactive approach.

2. Start the Conversation

Not all issues generate organic discussion. Topics like infrastructure plans, city budgets, or long-term policies often require a prompt to get residents talking.

That’s where your communications team can play a key role. Sharing updates, posting calls for feedback, or simply acknowledging the issue from your official channels can help drive engagement. Even if the conversation is already happening, adding your voice can shape the narrative—and create more useful input within your Topic.

3. Simplify the Issue

Sometimes a Topic doesn’t gain traction because it’s too complex or technical. If you’re tracking resident discourse about a lengthy report, strategic plan, or dense city initiative, the scope might be overwhelming.

Instead, try breaking it down. Focus on a specific aspect of the issue or reframe the question in simpler terms. Clear, direct messaging can make it easier for residents to respond and for you to capture meaningful feedback.

4. Add a Survey

While Custom Topics show you what people are already saying online, surveys help you gather input directly. If you’re looking for a broader or more representative sample, adding a Zencity survey is a strong next step.

You can choose from multiple survey formats based on your timeline and goals. Whether you want quick results or in-depth input, your Customer Success Manager can help you select and launch the right one.

5. Low Volume Might Be a Good Sign

In local government, feedback is often driven by complaints. So if you’re not seeing much activity in your Topic, it could simply mean there’s nothing controversial or concerning to residents.

To get more context, compare your current results to a similar issue or time period. If past topics generated higher engagement during a moment of tension, the current calm may actually reflect stability or satisfaction.

Of course, you can always seek out additional feedback using strategies like direct outreach or surveys if you want to be sure.

Final Thoughts

Custom Topics are a powerful tool to help you focus on what matters. But seeing results sometimes takes more than setting it up—it might require better timing, clearer messaging, or a different method of outreach.

If you’re unsure how to adjust your approach or want help refining your Custom Topic, reach out to your Customer Success Manager for guidance.