I Can Haz Marketing: How Late Is Too Late to Join a Social Media Trend
Do you know the #flipcamerachallenge? It’s where viewers see the POV of the cameraperson while they give advice or a take, before the camera is “accidentally” flipped revealing the cameraperson. For example, a popular video recommended that pet parents stop working and instead give attention to their pets only for the camera to be flipped to reveal a dog.
It was incredibly popular… last year. In fact, numbers for the hashtag have dwindled rapidly. Would doing this challenge as a marketing effort simply make your brand look out of touch? What’s the difference between vintage and old school vs. simply being outdated?
We have the *does the renegade* answers for you.
What Is the Lifespan of a Social Media Trend?
Someone out there has to get a social media trend started. And, it must gain traction with the broader public before it can become a trend. From its creative inception to its societal passing, these trends tend to have a lifespan that lasts anywhere between 3 to 5 months depending on the strength of the trend.
There are a couple of things to keep in mind before jumping on the bandwagon of a trend as a brand:
Try to Get in Within the First Month
Ideally, you will join the trend within the first month of it going viral. This is important because you want to participate while it is still fresh and new in the public's mind. This can also help elevate your public image as the kind of brand that knows what is going on in the broader Internet culture.
You Will Be Judged to a High Standard
Individuals can take part in a social media trend without having to think twice about what the public thinks of their efforts to get involved. However, brands are judged to a much higher standard because of the implied inauthenticity of brand decisions that often rely on corporate decision-making rather than creative expression.
This isn’t to say brands should stay away from trends, but rather they need to have a greater focus on the execution making sure it incorporates authenticity, humor, and entertainment.
Benefits of Joining Social Content Trends
Brands would not be involved with social media content trends at all if they didn't see at least some value in getting on the bandwagon. There are a few different reasons why brands might consider getting involved:
Grants You Great Visibility
The more people who see what your brand is all about, the better. Getting involved with a social media trend can raise the profile of your brand. This may also get people talking about you in ways that they didn't before.
Creates Personality for Your Brand
People like to do business with the brands in their lives that offer a spark of personality. This is why getting on board with social media trends can be useful as well. They add relatability and allow your brand to seem like more than an entity trying to get something from them, but offering them entertainment.
Do The Dougie With Elevate My Brand
While trends change, the need for effective marketing solutions can never go out of style. While considering the route your brand should take in reaching wider, broader audiences, consider partnering with EMB.
For more information on how to get started, reach out and contact us today.