Jun 17, 2013
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Personification
Ever heard of it? Think all the way back to your high school English class. The dictionary defines it as “the attribution of human nature or character to animals, inanimate objects, or abstract notions.” So what does that have to do with your business? Well…everything.
Before social media a business was just a building with four walls. With social media the company becomes alive. Consider tweets: you can have the president of Wal-Mart tweet you, or you can have Wal-Mart tweet you. That building just became a person.
So how do you use these newly found human attributes to your advantage? Here are a couple things to remember:
1. Every Event Helps
Just like people comment on weather, headlines, awards, sporting events, etc. so can your company. Is there a storm on the horizon? Take a picture of it and post it. Funny video going viral that can help your business? Post it. Holiday? Post a picture and wish everyone a good holiday. The more you post the more “human” your business becomes.
2. Be Tasteful
Many articles can help with advertising because of their virality (e.g. natural disasters, breaking news, tragedies). However, BE SENSITIVE to these events. Don’t ever take advantage of a natural disaster to advertise something. You will lose customers that way. A simple “thinking about the victims of the recent tragedy” can go far.
3. Follow the Trends
If there are topics trending on Twitter, Instagram, Google+, try using some of the popular hashtags. Doing so gets you involved on an international scale and can get good press for your company.
4. You Win Some, You Lose Some
If you’re going to make your business a little more human, then realize the number one problem with humanity. You can’t get everyone to like you all the time. Some people will like your posts, and some will dislike them (e.g. if you support a specific sports team). Try to keep your posts as neutral as possible.
Last tip? Go out and try it for your company today!