In the first part of the article, we saw how meme marketing plays a pivotal role in increasing customer engagement. And why every marketing team must make it a part of their content strategy. But creating the right meme comes with its own set of challenges. So how can marketers overcome those challenges? What are the do’s and don’t of meme marketing? And how can you use meme marketing and increase your brand loyalty? Let us explore here. Â
Creating viral content is every marketer’s dream, and meme marketing might be just the right channel for marketers. But meme marketing is like a double-edged sword. A well-made meme can create a lot of buzz for the brand, but if done wrong, it might lose its presence or even hurt the brand. So is there a rule book on creating memes? Unfortunately, the answer is no. But here are a few tips on how to get your meme marketing strategy started.Â
Timing Your Strategy Is Key
Alfred Paul Ries, a renowned American marketing professional and author, once saidOpens a new window , “Strategy and timing are the Himalayas of marketing. Everything else is the Catskills.†And the same principle applies to meme marketing as meme marketing is very much dependent on two aspects: one is virality, and the other is meme-jacking. Posting a meme too late will automatically lose its appeal, as an audience might have come across a similar meme template. So memes must be timely promoted, making it easy for the audience to resonate. A meme posted at the right time also shows brand awareness, which can increase brand reputation. Â
Here is a classic example of a brand taking the right opportunity and striking with their meme perfectly.
Image Source: Takagi RamenOpens a new window
See More: Not Seeing Content Marketing Results? Perform a Content Audit
Target the Right Audience
According to Twillo’s State of Personalization ReportOpens a new window 2022, 62% of consumers expect personalization, saying that a brand will lose their loyalty if their experience is not personalized. The data shows that today’s audiences want to feel connected with the brand. The content creation plan, therefore, should largely depend on who your target audience is.Â
This needs to be done as each piece of content is consumed differently by different audiences depending on age, gender factor, culture and social and economic background. Audience targeting also allows you to understand the needs of your audience and create memes that will resonate with your target audience. This also enables brands to create memes based on customer value, which helps the audience to resonate with the brand image. Â
Be Vocal for Local
Like audience targeting, creating content localization becomes essential because many audiences still want to feel connected to their roots. As every brand aims to increase customer engagement, localization becomes essential since local content is easy for the audience to resonate with, increasing customer loyalty. However, when we talk about content localization, it is more than just translating the content into a different language.Â
As a meme creator, you should research the cultural aspect properly, dig into history pages, and ensure that you are not offending anyone or hurting anyone’s sentiments. Not only will localized content engage your audience more, but it will also attract more likes and shares because people can associate with your content. This also gives brands an advantage over brands that only focus on global audiences.
It’s a Meme, Not an Advertisement
Yes, every brand wants to reach as many audiences as possible and promote its brand. However, it is okay for brands to take a step back and not promote their brand once in a while. This golden rule applies especially when it comes to meme marketing. While scrolling through memes, what people are looking for is a fun element. Anything promotional can put off the audience. Non-promotional content tends to go viral because it is usually helpful and not restricted to any product or service. This also helps a brand evolve as a thought leader, increasing its brand reputation. Â
Source: Jimmy JohnsOpens a new window
See More: 3 A’s To Transform Your Content Marketing Strategy
All Controversy Is Not Good Controversy
While customers like their memes to be funny, marketers need to realize that there is a very thin line between being funny and being offensive. So marketers should do all kinds of research before posting any memes on social media. If the audience finds the meme posted offensive or hurting their sentiments, the brand will immediately lose its reputation. Therefore marketers need to be careful not to post anything vulgar, sexist or that hurts anyone’s religious sentiments. We know that most brands depend on meme-jacking to create a meme. Therefore proper research needs to be done before meme-jacking any meme, making sure you do not copy it as it is. Make sure you add your original touch to the meme and check the authenticity of the meme template you will use. In fact, many brands like McDonald’s, Credit Suisse etc., have been subjected to meme marketing jokes. Â
Meme Starter Pack
Though meme marketing can reap huge fruits, it can also become overwhelming if you are not careful, especially with the stiff competition where all the brands are fighting with each other to win the audience’s hearts. But if you focus on simple “dos†and “don’ts,†brands can create a compelling and streamlined meme strategy. To sum it up, here is a recap of the top “dos†and “don’ts†when it comes to meme marketing strategy.
- Keep it short and simple.
- Never use outdated memes.
- Keep its humorous
- Time your meme to perfection.
- Make sure you have done your research.Â
- Do not post anything that offends anyone.
- Be authentic.Â
Hope you can use these meme marketing tips to increase your brand’s awareness and loyalty.
What meme marketing best practices have you used to boost your brand’s awareness and loyalty? Share with us on FacebookOpens a new window , TwitterOpens a new window , and LinkedInOpens a new window .