Using Meme Marketing in the Age of the Internet
Memes have become an integral part of the internet. Even if you are not sure exactly what a meme is, you’ve probably seen dozens of them on your social media channels today alone. They are a huge part of internet culture; an increasing number of brands are recognizing the potential of using memes as a marketing tool. Meme marketing is a fun, spontaneous way to harness the power of social media.
What is a meme?
Far before the invention of the internet, evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins coined the term “meme” in 1976 to describe a cultural idea that circulates and grows in popularity. In fact, memes originally represented the idea of “going viral” within a biological system. Doesn’t that sound familiar?
Now the internet produces memes like “Kermit Sipping Tea”. Since the average person reportedly spends nearly two hours on social media every day, it makes sense for brands to incorporate memes into their marketing strategy. Internet culture is largely centered on organic, absurdist humor. It can be a buzzkill to see a sponsored ad on your social media feed. Some brands recognize this discrepancy and adapt their strategies accordingly. This means shifting from more overt advertisements to messaging that is tailored for the social media landscape. Memes can give your brand an authentic voice while showcasing your company culture. An excellent example of this is recent posts by Bark Box and Butcher Box.
Example From Bark Box
Example From Butcher Box
How do I start making memes?
Memes can be a powerful tool to expose your brand to a larger audience, but they are also easy to get wrong. Using an outdated meme or misinterpreting the meaning behind a meme can make your brand look out-of-touch. You might get some rude comments in response, or worse, no engagement whatsoever!
Think about these tips next time you author a meme:
- Consider what types of memes will resonate with your target market: Memes are definitely age-specific. If your brand targets millennials, memes are a safe bet. If you want to project a high-brow image for an older audience, they may not the best fit.
- Make sure you have the license to use an image: If you use an image in your meme that you did not personally create, double-check that using the image won’t result in legal trouble.
- Meme culture moves at a breakneck pace: A meme can complete its entire life cycle within 24 hours. If you’re inspired by a current meme do not hesitate to create your own iteration. Tomorrow might be too late!
- Stay true to your brand voice: Don’t get so caught up in trying to create a viral meme that you sacrifice your brand’s personality. Social media success is dependent on the consistency of your brand’s tone. For more on curating your brand voice, check out this blog post.
Here’s a simple formula to get you started: relatable idea + applicable image/video + a personal twist from your brand = meme marketing! Simply take a common scenario, such as loving pizza or binge-watching Netflix, add an image from your archives or from pop culture and put a business-related spin on it. Congrats! You’ve just created your first marketing meme.
Most importantly, have fun with your memes! Above all, they are meant to be a lighthearted form of internet communication. Don’t be discouraged if your first few memes flop. Take time to experiment and find out what works best for your brand. When used correctly, memes can be an incredible asset to your marketing strategy.
