Let’s talk about hashtags. Yes, those nifty little symbols that either make us feel incredibly ‘with it’ or somewhat akin to a confused chameleon in a bag of Skittles. The # (pronounced ‘hash,’ not ‘that tic-tac-toe thing,’ for our less tech-savvy readers), followed by a significant word or phrase, can actually pack quite a punch in the world of social media.
But why all this hullabaloo about a symbol that’s been on your keyboard since the dawn of typewriters? Well, let’s examine a few titanic campaigns that changed the hashtag game, and see what we can dig up. Along the way, buckle up for a few meme and giphy pit stops to keep things groovy.
#ShareACoke – Coca-Cola
“Hey Joe, want to share a Coke?” “Why, sure Steve, I see my name right on the can!”
Cue surprise, delight, and a frenzied social media buzz. Coca-Cola’s #ShareACoke campaign was a runaway success due to its brilliant stroke of personalization. People all around the globe were excited to find their names on Coke bottles, and even more excited to share it on social media. Talk about personalized marketing!
Lesson Learned: Make it personal. Give your audience a sense of belonging and they’ll be your brand ambassadors in no time.
#IceBucketChallenge – ALS Association
If there’s an Oscar for ‘Best Performance in a Hashtag Campaign’, it undoubtedly goes to the #IceBucketChallenge. The campaign, promoting awareness of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) disease, not only went viral but also soaked celebrities from Bill Gates to Oprah Winfrey in its wake.
Lesson Learned: Sometimes, all it takes is a dash of excitement and a cause. Make your campaign interactive and people will engage. Also, who doesn’t love seeing their favorite celebs drenched and freezing?
#LikeAGirl – Always
The hashtag #LikeAGirl aimed to redefine the phrase from an insult to an empowering statement, demonstrating the strength of women. The Always brand’s campaign started a conversation that challenged gender stereotypes and resonated with millions worldwide.
Lesson Learned: Don’t be afraid to tackle social issues. Sometimes a hashtag can be more than just a marketing gimmick; it can bring about change.
#DontScrollWithoutLeavingAReaction – Netflix
Netflix’s meme-centric campaign, #DontScrollWithoutLeavingAReaction, showcases the power of harnessing user-generated content. Who doesn’t love a good laugh from their favorite movie or TV show? Netflix simply turned these moments into a viral campaign by encouraging viewers to react.
Lesson Learned: Embrace the meme culture. Leverage the power of your users to do the marketing for you.
There you have it. Hashtags, done right, can help you ace the marketing game and have your brand trending faster than you can say ‘#ThatsWhatSheSaid’. Remember, the best campaigns are those that foster a connection, bring in a sense of fun, address significant issues, or simply give audiences a platform to express their creativity. Now, go forth and conquer the social media world, one hashtag at a time.