5 Ways to Get Tongues Wagging
As social media marketers, we are faced with many challenges, and perhaps the biggest is this: how do we get people talking about our client’s brands?
Here at FULL STOP, we consider this our primary goal and that’s why our mantra is: #GetTonguesWagging.
According to a Nielsen study, 92% of consumers believe suggestions from friends and family more than they do advertising. So it goes without saying that if we are getting people talking positively about their experiences with our client’s brands, we are getting cut-through, which will lead to results.
But here’s the thing. Getting Tongues Wagging is about more than having millions of followers. While this was a focus for some social media marketers a few years back, times have changed. Sure this might have made you look ‘the part’ back then, but if you’re not seeing your followers actively engaging with your content, you’re really not going to see any tangible benefit. If your audience is not interested in you, they’re not likely to help you grow.
So how do you get people talking about your brand? Here are five ways:
1. Be Different
With so many brands vying for people’s attention, safe just won’t cut it these days. You’ve got to do something truly unexpected to really cut through the noise. Brands who are constantly looking for ways to keep their audiences on their toes are the ones will keep them engaged, and will ultimately be the ones to stand the test of time.
Get to know your social currency. What makes your funny, informed, outrageous, or controversial… what makes you different? This will get you noticed and will go a long way to having people talking about you. It can be hard to identify this for yourself, so a great thing to do is ask others what they see. This feedback will be invaluable when shaping your message. Once you’ve understood what sets you apart, you’ll be able to narrow in on this through all of your content.
When we start with our clients we always spend time upfront getting to know them to uncover their ‘Who’ and ‘Why.’ When we delve deep, we can find the things that truly set them apart. We call this ‘Finding Our clients Voice', and it’s an essential step in our processes.
2. Get Your Customers Involved
Create an experience that your customers can get involved in, and encourage them to share their experience. We loved Mecca Groups’ ‘Meccaland’ event which offered their customers and influencers an experience like no other, including virtual reality booths, information sessions and rides, all wrapped up in an ‘Insta’ shareworthy space that amassed an incredible 11.5K thousand shares over the three-day conference. Getting FOMO? That’s the point.
3. Seek Out Influencers
Social Proof is one of the most powerful drivers of human behaviour. Social Proof is the theory that people will adopt the beliefs or actions of a group of people they like or trust. In other words, it’s the ‘me too’ effect.
Over recent years, we have seen influencer marketing grow in popularity largely because it is a powerful way to use Social Proof to encourage people to make purchase decisions. In every circle, there are people who have the ear of your customers. Finding these people and partnering with them to tell your story will help you get your message out there faster.
4. Be The Best
So you think you’ve got what it takes to be the best in your field? Prove it! Show your customers that your products or services are better than your competitors, or are breaking new ground in your industry. Go for awards, or get the recommendation of industry professionals in-the-know.
TIP: VIDEO IS A GREAT WAY TO TELL THE STORY OF YOUR RISE TO THE TOP. WHY NOT DO A SERIES OF SHORT VIDEOS (IN THE FORM OF INSTAGRAM REELS OR IGTV) SHOWING THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE BRAND, AND TALKING ABOUT THE TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS OF THE PATH TO SUCCESS?!
5. Evoke Emotion
When you think about it, you wouldn’t share an OK experience, would you?! We like to share things that make us feel ‘stoked’ or sad, or inspired. Whatever that feeling is, it’s true to say that people are more likely to talk about things that make them feel something.
One great way to evoke emotion is to use story-based marketing, as this is where you’ll find some gold. Find customers who have passionate advocates of your brand, and ask whether you can tell their story. Or tell the story of the people in your team!
Summary
What are you doing to #GetTonguesWagging? If you’re feeling a little uninspired, chances are your audiences are too. Here’s the good news: we can help! Our #FindYourVoice strategy session where we uncover those things that once lit your fire, and that your customers are loving about your brand. Get in touch if you’re interested in learning more!