Utilizing Social Media To Celebrate Milestones As Marketing Opportunities

Social media was created with the idea in mind that people were going to use it to connect with friends, family, and even strangers from around the world. It has now grown into not only a personal networking opportunity, but also a marketing opportunity for businesses wishing to promote their products and services.

When marketing on social media, whether it is Twitter, Facebook, or another site, it’s important to “go back to the source” and remember the reason why social media became so popular in the first place — to create personal connections. One of the best ways to do this is to help people online rejoice in not only their everyday lives, but also the major milestones they and their family go through.

Recognizing these milestones as celebrations and marketing opportunities can help businesses make a lasting impression on their customers while also exposing their kind actions to their other customers or connections on social networking sites.

Graduation

Graduations are a major life event that happens every spring. Whether it is high school, college, or beyond, graduations are usually celebrated in a big way by families.

Take advantage of graduation season by running a Facebook Ads campaign that advertises to users who put their graduating year as the current year in their education section.

Also, creating a custom Twitter hashtag campaign that offers ‘new grad’ prize entries for Twitter users than tweet what they are excited for most about college or the ‘real world’. Prizes could be things they’ll need in the next stage of life—resume editing, a new laptop, or a gift card to Ikea for apartment or dorm furnishings.

Weddings

Weddings are usually a once-in-a-lifetime celebration that can be a good marketing opportunity for marketers who offer products that can be used in weddings, receptions, and showers.

Taking the digital aspect out of social media when it comes to weddings can be a successful approach.

Attend bridal fairs and showcase online invitation RSVPs and registries, the ability to share a registry on Facebook or Twitter; and online giveaways, such as a free wedding for the most “social media savvy couple”.

Couples could earn votes for each of their friends and family members who like the business’ page on Facebook or Follows them on Twitter and mentions it in a tweet. Brides and grooms aren’t afraid to get their feet wet when it comes to getting the wedding of their dreams.

New House

A new house is another major milestone that most people reach in their 20′s or 30′s. Because this age range is usually very technology savvy since they grew up learning to embrace technology, social media is a great way to engage new homeowners.

Businesses could use search.twitter.com to look for tweets mentioning new house terms, such as “just got the keys” or “closed on our house” and then offering those Twitter users a coupon code or unique link that gets them a free product to congratulate them on their new big purchase.

If a coupon code won’t work, tweeting a personalized tip or product mention can also be effective: “That’s great @wonderwall7! For a fun housewarming party, check out our custom invites!”

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a huge marketing opportunity for those who make baby or children’s products, but thinking outside the box on this one can also help businesses in other industries.

For instance, asking Facebook fans what cleaning product has helped them clean up kids’ messes or mentioning that a hospital network uses a certain brand’s satin sheets in their maternity wards can also bring up unique ways to reach out to customers.

In addition, a clothing manufacturer or fitness apparel website could also market their maternity wear to expecting mothers who mention their pregnancy on message boards/forums or Twitter.

The marketing opportunities to connect with people who are experiencing life-changing milestones can be great. Focusing on the positive and choosing to celebrate with the audience can be the best approach. Try not to make connections cheesy, but genuine. I’m sure customers will appreciate the gesture.

Images, used under license:  Graduation (via Shutterstock.com), Wedding by Flickr user @2sistersphotopro Pregnancy by @meemal, under Creative Commons.

 

Opinions expressed in the article are those of the guest author and not necessarily Search Engine Land.

Related Topics: Let’s Get Social

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