Everyone loves a good conversation, especially when it's about them. Hence, when you speak the secret language of your customers through memes, you become more relatable, likeable, and truly "one of them."
In today's digital age, where user-generated content reigns supreme, memes are an under-explored gold mine for brands on social media. Memes include a vast landscape, including viral images, nostalgic video formats like Vines and TikToks, and cultural commentary that reflects the ever-evolving online world. Thus, by paying close attention to trending memes, you can gain valuable insights into your audience's interests and current events.
Case in Point: Brewing Up Brand Loyalty with a Timeless Appeal
Take PC Mag (@pcmag) for example. This respected tech publication, with a rich history spanning decades, understands the importance of staying relevant. How do they do it? By using memes to connect with their audience on Instagram, proving that even a 40-year-old magazine can be youthful and engaging.
The Short Attention Span Advantage: How Memes Can Work for Your Brand
While memes may have a short lifespan online, their virality and ability to be replicated at an exponential rate make them ideal for embedding your brand message in the consumer's mind. However, crafting the perfect meme requires understanding the psychology behind humour. But fear not, here are some tips to get you started:
Monkey See, Monkey Share: The Power of Social Proof in Meme Marketing
People are more likely to engage with content that others find interesting. Leverage the power of social proof by posting memes during your peak traffic times or by seeding some initial reactions. This taps into the concept of conformity, where people are influenced by the actions of others.
"Make it about Me-Me-Me": Understanding Your Audience's Needs
This is where your consumer research comes into play. The self-determination theory suggests that people are motivated by three core psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Design memes that allow viewers to express themselves (autonomy), showcase their intelligence or wit (competence), or connect with others (relatedness). While this may seem simple, it's a powerful formula that's often overlooked.
Don't Be Late to the Party: The Mere Exposure Effect
Sometimes, you might miss the trending meme train entirely. You come up with a funny take on a format, but think it's too late to the game. Don't fret! The mere exposure effect states that the more familiar something becomes, the more positively it's perceived. So, share that hilarious meme anyway!
Desi it Up or Get Nostalgic: Adding a Cultural Twist
To truly own an international meme format, like a trending Western show in India, find a way to add a desi twist. If that doesn't work, remember the internet's love for nostalgia! Look to iconic brands like Amul, who are masters at using current events to create relatable and humorous content.
Standing Out from the Crowd: Brewing Up Emotional Connections
In today's competitive landscape, brands that win attention aren't just the ones with the biggest budgets. They're the ones that take a stand and create a functional or emotional impact on their target audience. Open the door for critical reactions to current events (as long as it aligns with your brand values) to showcase a unique perspective that sets you apart from competitors.
Staying Ahead of the Curve: How to Find Trending Memes
Regularly tracking trending memes is crucial for successful meme marketing. Here are some helpful tools:
Bookmark Popular Meme Websites: Know Your Meme (the Wikipedia of memes!), Imgur (for meme templates and images), Memegine (for creating and sharing custom memes), Giphy (a vast library of GIF memes), Tenor (a search engine for short-form video content).
Utilize Professional Dashboards: Surprisingly, Instagram can be a goldmine for meme trends! Check the "Inspiration" section under "Tips and Resources" within your professional dashboard. This is also a great way to discover trending music.
Canva It: Yup, hidden amongst a flood of AI tools Canva recently launched is a very creative meme maker. We are in love with all the fresh formats they have to offer. Worth checking it out.
You Get What You Follow: Follow meme pages and like memes on Instagram so the algorithm can suggest more and more trending memes to you.
Conclusion: Brewing Up Success with Meme Marketing
The world of meme marketing is a fun and dynamic space that allows you to connect with your audience on a deeper level. By understanding the psychology behind memes and leveraging these tips, you can craft content that sparks conversations, and ultimately brews up brand loyalty. So, put on your creative thinking cap, grab a cup of espresso, and get ready to create some memes.
