How to Use Memes: A Meme Marketing Guide
Meme marketing is a unique and powerful way to attract an online audience; often with very little advertising investment. After all, everyone is constantly making memes. There are entire meme-centric social media platforms and channels where an image goes viral one day and is “old news” the next. Read on to check out some examples, learn more about what a meme is, and get some easy tips for capitalizing on the meme trend.
Oh, Bernie
Here is Bernie Sanders at President Biden’s inauguration. There was something about his posture, his expression, and his MITTENS (those glorious, glorious mittens) that struck a chord with the Internet. The image immediately went viral, with thousands of interpretations and backgrounds popping up all over. Businesses got into the game, too, and here are two of our favorites. All were brought to you by Adage:
MTV went a little viral themselves with this interpretation, seating Bernie at the upcoming VMAs right next to famed boy band One Direction (who have since all gone their separate ways and continue to create plenty of their own news headlines.)
The Devil Wears Memes
We love a pop culture moment, which is why this The Devil Wears Prada meme is so much fun. It strikes at a simple truth and does it cheekily. The Devil Wears Prada came out 14 years ago, but this meme makes the movie highly relevant once again.
What is a Meme?
So, what is an Internet meme? It’s more than just a funny picture. In fact, meme advertising can make use of an image, video, or even a piece of text. (“Keep Calm and Carry On” is a text-based meme.) Its very existence is predicated on its popularity with Internet users. If they approve, it spreads. If they don’t, it dies a quick and quiet death.
Hop Onto the Meme Train
Knowledge of pop culture is helpful when working with memes and other “viral vehicles” but it isn’t necessary. How to use social media memes, such as the ones posted on Facebook and Instagram, is as simple as following the trends:
Use Trends to Your Advantage
Before you make your own meme, you’ll want to take a look at what is trending online. Many social media platforms rank trends. You’ll want to take a look at what is making the most waves and getting the most reactions (while still adhering to your business’s code of conduct, because memes can get a little spicy at times, and political!) Make sure you don’t make a huge misstep while chasing viral fame.
Imitation Is the Sincerest Form of Flattery
Don’t worry too much about coming up with your own original meme content. Most of the popular memes out there stem from the same original video or image. You don’t know the name “Nathan Apodaca,” but you likely are familiar with his most famous video: skateboarding down the street while drinking cranberry juice and vibing with some Fleetwood Mac. Ocean Spray didn’t hesitate to capitalize on this totally random memetastic moment, and sales shot through the roof. No original work needed! Companies successfully using memes understand that imitation with a touch of originality is the way to go.
A Little Help From Your San Diego Social Media Marketing Experts
It’s our job here at The Forum to keep a finger on the pulse of what’s hot online. This is particularly important with phenomena like memes since they can get tired in a matter of hours. Need help with your online marketing strategies, or just want to chat about an awesome meme you saw today? Give us a call.
