Here at SMT, we've decided to embrace the preschool aspects of WFH life, such as naps, snack time, and, you guessed it: #SMTLive "Show & Tell".
While there's been a plethora of social media flops during the pandemic (we're looking at you, finger lickin' good KFC campaign), we'd much rather chat about the social media successes at this time. We've personally seen even more successful ad campaigns and posts than failed ones, so we're glad everyone could get together this week to share social media marketing inspo, preschool style.
If you weren't able to make it to our live chat, read on for pandemic social media inspiration galore.
If anyone is looking for a refresher on how to participate in our #SMTLive chats, this is for you. :) https://t.co/oexASH2KKv
— Social Media Today (@socialmedia2day) April 14, 2020
Also, if you haven't been participating in our (now weekly!) chats because you aren't sure how, see the above post for instructions.
Q1 - What brands have helped inspire your social media marketing content? Please share an example of a post or ad that inspired you. #SMTLive pic.twitter.com/bVlyHJNfAx
— Social Media Today (@socialmedia2day) April 14, 2020
Let's get started with the brands #SMTLivers have been loving during all this.
A1: @HubSpot - because I think they've found a balanced way to connect with their B2B community on social while also offering helpful/interesting info to #marketers - especially on Instagram #smtlive pic.twitter.com/tecivBc9jq
— Robin Selvy Re (@RobinSelvyRe) April 14, 2020
B2B content feels more important than ever as industry professionals seek COVID-19 guidance.
A1 - it often depends on the industry we are creating content within, but a great brand to look to is @bumble. Even when having fun with it, each piece they upload is consistent with their mission, & they remain clear in their branding through both content and imagery. pic.twitter.com/CZARDmDcIX
— Online Optimism (@onlineoptimism) April 14, 2020
Bumble got a shout out here for their empathetic approach to social content.
A1: We think this @Target commercial is fantastic. It's simple and shares positive messaging of how the team members at their stores are working to help others. https://t.co/1nL0SZeY6H #SMTLive
— MyCorporation (@MyCorporation) April 14, 2020
In our opinion, it was savvy to describe this time as "even now" rather than "unprecedented." It's a subtle change of copy to reinforce the brand's call to action that other life events, like birthdays and reading stories before bed, are still happening. #SMTLive
— MyCorporation (@MyCorporation) April 14, 2020
Target's copy here impressed @MyCorporation. Speaking of well-written words...
Q2 - Share an example of a post or ad (by a brand) that was perfectly worded. What about their copy writing inspires you? #SMTLive pic.twitter.com/itFDq1h6Wh
— Social Media Today (@socialmedia2day) April 14, 2020
It's hard to find the right words during a global disaster, but these brands don't seem like they're having any trouble at all.
A2: This all words + no imagery commercial by @indeed is well said: https://t.co/zSvfSNszNi #SMTLive
— Robin Selvy Re (@RobinSelvyRe) April 14, 2020
All-text video content can perform well, especially with aesthetically pleasing and on-brand font and other graphic design choices.
I agree. It's perfect and @nike really sound like they mean it.#SMTLive
— Two Hour Digital (@twohourdigital) April 14, 2020
This one wins the day for sure! Still get goosebumps from it.
— Online Optimism (@onlineoptimism) April 14, 2020
This was one of many times users mentioned @nike for their authentic social presence during the chat.
A2: I think @VW's "Big Day" is one of the most perfect commercials ever. A lack of copy can do wonders. There are no words as this wedding begins to start... until the very end with that electrifying message: "Fasten your seatbelts." https://t.co/sqRmGrp5QV #SMTLive
— Heather Taylor (@howveryheather) April 14, 2020
Agreed that lack of text can sometimes be the most powerful! This @Facebook ad with so many heartfelt images of society and just ending in "We're never lost if we can find each other" gave me all the feels ????https://t.co/jabH8NDxVN #SMTLive
— Robin Selvy Re (@RobinSelvyRe) April 14, 2020
Conversely, lack of words in video content seems like it's working well for brands like @VW and @Facebook.
Shared this in our newsletter today, but this is a very #relatable visual piece of content for marketers. #SMTLive https://t.co/SXzpSQUc9Z
— Social Media Today (@socialmedia2day) April 14, 2020
Sometimes, like this example that we shared in our newsletter and above, a picture is worth a thousand words.
Q3 - How about captivating imagery?
— Social Media Today (@socialmedia2day) April 14, 2020
Share an example of a social post or ad that caught your attention visually. #SMTLive pic.twitter.com/Skp1BLMFbS
Speaking of imagery, these users shared their favorite eye-catching graphics spotted on social recently.
@Pinterest Logo pic.twitter.com/Dz44Uy7QZD
— SmitaAtHome (@Smita_DigiMarke) April 14, 2020
Stay home, make a Pinterest board for your 2020 2021 wedding. We feel for you, 2020 brides.
The mousetrap PSA from @OHdeptofhealth caught my attention. It illustrates the importance of social distancing using a ping pong ball and mouse traps. pic.twitter.com/HuI94Z6C1P
— Jason Bruce (@JasonBruce) April 14, 2020
This PSA got a decent amount of attention during the chat too. Talk about powerful and important imagery.
A3 here’s a rad UGC post from a fan of the bloodsucking skateboard co, @toymachine.
— Tyler Culbertson (@CulbertsonTyler) April 14, 2020
1) made by a fan
2) used actual video clip of TM team rider, Miles Willard from their latest promotional video
3) fits the exact vibe & aesthetic of @TempletonEd’s ???? #smtlive pic.twitter.com/g7LaaepRdO
Some #SMTLive users have been seeing some cool user-generated content out there on the web too.
This commercial by @tradecoffeeco used employee-generated content to show relatable ☕️scenes from home https://t.co/Xlrrkrih5w #SMTLive
— Robin Selvy Re (@RobinSelvyRe) April 14, 2020
There's nothing more relatable than scenes from home in UGC right now.
Q4 - What brands are doing a great job of managing their social media presence through the current pandemic?
— Social Media Today (@socialmedia2day) April 14, 2020
Share an example. #SMTLive pic.twitter.com/lfHUteCvkE
Who's who in social media management strategists today? A few brands got shout outs for amazing social media management even now below:
A4: Major props to @RWandCO. Despite being a business-forward clothing brand, they've managed to shift their messaging to WFH while also providing supportive messages and stories from real customers staying home. pic.twitter.com/Q3Bbvo6q9N
— Online Optimism (@onlineoptimism) April 14, 2020
@onlineoptimism mentioned a business clothing brand that's killing their recent content pivot.
A4: If you're looking for some humour (?) check out something like the UK drinks firm @innocent and their daily #WorkingFromHomeChallenge.
— Two Hour Digital (@twohourdigital) April 14, 2020
The other week they had a typing with toes keyboard challenge.
So funny ????#SMTLive
#SMTLive showed a lot of love for @innocent this week too, shouting out their fun work from home challenges in particular.
A4 - @CocaCola as they are currently donating their social feeds "to experts and partners sharing helpful information." Shows care and togetherness. #SMTLive
— Ruth #NowInside (@InnGritttt) April 14, 2020
@CocaCola's idea to donate their social feeds comes across as both an authentic and innovative solution to multiple problems.
A4: @stoolpresidente and his team at @barstoolsports have been crushing it—content-wise
— Tyler Culbertson (@CulbertsonTyler) April 14, 2020
@stoolpresidente hosts a show, #justonebite. Normally he visits pizza joints across the US and gives real-time pizza review at the business. Since quarantine he has pivoted to #frozenpizza reviews and they’re amazingly hilarious and are driving massive sales for ????????#SMTLive
— Tyler Culbertson (@CulbertsonTyler) April 14, 2020
And this take on #justonebite sounds entertaining and relatable, too.
Q5 - Share an example of a brand who is live streaming on social in a fun and creative way right now. #SMTLive pic.twitter.com/bTJOfEgsT9
— Social Media Today (@socialmedia2day) April 14, 2020
Everyone who's anyone is live streaming right now, but which brands are making their streams memorable?
A5: I love that @naturallight is using Facebook Live to host an online commencement in May for all those seniors that have had their graduations????canceled due to #COVID19 #SMTlivehttps://t.co/1BztPpC4bd
— Robin Selvy Re (@RobinSelvyRe) April 14, 2020
Big events, like weddings and graduations, have been canceled internationally as a result of the pandemic. In an empathetic and genuinely delightful move, @naturallight plans to capitalize on their college audience in a Facebook Live online commencement for graduating seniors.
A5: New Orleans brands, like @RevelatorCoffee, have been partnering with local artists/performers to help them continue to reach an audience! Check them out for live local music and poetry: https://t.co/jym9ac2ggS
— Online Optimism (@onlineoptimism) April 14, 2020
Local brands supporting their communities are getting lots of love on social right now, too.
A5: @stoolpresidente breaking the internet for USA #SMBs. Portnoy has been hosting live unboxing videos everyday celebrating small businesses that ship him their promotional swag & products. These shoutouts add value & visibility for the underdogs & keep us entertained!#smtlive
— Tyler Culbertson (@CulbertsonTyler) April 14, 2020
Even larger brands like Barstool are getting in on the #locallove.
Next #SMTLive Twitter chat:
— Social Media Today (@socialmedia2day) April 14, 2020
"Connecting with Your Audience Live on Social"
Tuesday, April 21th
12p.m. EDThttps://t.co/09XmpESUti pic.twitter.com/fUHe9Hn2tq
Speaking of live streams, get ready for next week's #SMTLive Twitter chat all about going live on social.
Last question of the day...
— Social Media Today (@socialmedia2day) April 14, 2020
Q6 - Share a link, a screenshot or just a description of the most creative social media campaign you’ve seen recently. #SMTLive pic.twitter.com/vU4vtFnbAO
Last but not least, here are a few more creative social media campaigns users wanted to make sure they shared before the end of this week's chat.
A6 - Powerful and easy to understand PSA campaign #SMTLive https://t.co/OSvY59dArv
— Robin Selvy Re (@RobinSelvyRe) April 14, 2020
The mousetrap campaign got more love here.
A6: I love @chicfila’s campaign #thelittlethings ❤️. They are sharing encouraging stories from their customers. I love all the ones they’ve shared thus far! #SMTlive pic.twitter.com/N0CVvMOucq
— Michelle Thames Social Media Strategist (@naturalista1986) April 14, 2020
@naturalista1986 shared @chicfila's very on-brand #thelittlethings campaign to highlight the good things still going on in their consumers' worlds.
I am loving what @UniworldCruises is doing with their hashtag #WhenWeTravelAgainhttps://t.co/2il9U2voA8#SMTLive
— Dana Freeman (@DanaHFreeman) April 14, 2020
While almost no one particularly loves a cruise right now, @DanaHFreeman brought up @UniworldCruises's solid effort with their travel inspo campaign.
Until next time...
— Social Media Today (@socialmedia2day) April 14, 2020
For those of you who want to join our Tuesday Twitter Chat Club email list, you can sign up here: https://t.co/QRj5K7Bxxl #SMTLive
Thank you so much for playing Show & Tell and recapping this week's #SMTLive Twitter chat with us. We'll be back next week to talk all things live-streaming - see the tweet above to sign-up for our email list and get only the most important reminders about #SMTLive in your inbox.