Whether you have Instagram, Tik Tok, or Twitter, odds are you probably follow a celebrity on social. Since its inception, social media has brought down the barrier between fans, stans and the famous; allowing us to interact in hopes of receiving a like or a retweet!
Surprisingly, many successful celebrities are adept in the art of using social media to establish their personal brands in a bid for online relevancy. In fact, the reach some celebrities harness often yields numbers far exceeding what corporations expect to attract. As Katie Shel from Hootsuite observes, “Celebrities are better at Instagram than brands because they’re celebrities, not brands. Fame obviously gives celebs an edge over companies on social. But that doesn’t mean marketers can’t learn a thing or two from them.”
Which leads us to beg the question: what makes celebrities so good at connecting with followers and non-followers alike? And how can brands take those ideas and make them their own?
Make people smile
Naturally, celebrities tend to have effortless communication with their followers online. They instinctively know that delivery, tone and timing are crucial for virility. It’s an age-old adage, but people feel good when they laugh. As such, one observed strategy is that witty (albeit tasteful) captions can make all the difference in getting people to listen to you. As brands, we may try to have an appearance of “professionalism” when creating and sharing content online. Though this is a safe option, it won’t exactly get the honest, fun engagement you’re looking for from your audience. Taking the chance to connect with your audience on their level, using their language will bring them closer to your brand. In other words: building connections with your fans and followers through laughter goes on to create strong social communities.
Offer a glimpse backstage
Although celebrities may always seem to be in the public eye, they can sometimes be shrouded in mystery. Thus, celebrities naturally attract curiosity – and it’s one of the biggest reasons people follow them. Audiences can become obsessed with knowing what’s going on in their favourite celebrities’ lives. This same “need” to know what’s going on in the background can apply to brands as well. Followers are always interested in seemingly secretive information, and they love to be the first to find out said information. As a takeaway, remember to keep people intrigued with interesting information about your brand that isn’t widely known or available. No matter what information you present, always be human. Give exclusive information, announcements and backstage insights, all while letting your personality shine through.
Get on your meme game
The list is a long one. From Reese Witherspoon to Kim Kardashian to Rihanna, celebrities who successfully rock their online personas also love memes, particularly of themselves. Narcissism notwithstanding, good memes are humorous, shareable, timely, and tend to hit the nerves of many. Done right, they’re a great way to get people talking about your brand while not taking yourself too seriously.
Uphold a visual style
The saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover” doesn’t apply online. In fact, a strong visual aesthetic informs followers that you’re in charge – creatively and culturally. The savviest celebs understand this and it’s important for brands to grasp this concept as well. Maintaining clean and compelling feeds, like that of Beyonce or country artist Kacey Musgraves, speaks volumes. From carefully chosen colour palettes to engaging themes, using key visual elements accompanied by a developed strategy, brands can leave a mark that is admired and copied.
To create memorable content like a celebrity you must think like one. Publishing consistent posts, being personal, and engaging with followers can give your burgeoning brand a reason for them to follow back.
Myles Herod
@serotinamedia
#KEEPSOCIAL
