The term “meme” can refer to many different applications, from goofy cat photos to any image with text, but the origin of the term sheds light on why and how we use the word today. Evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins originally coined the term “meme” to describe a cultural idea or trend that circulates and grows in popularity much like a successful genetic trait.
Memes can be used by marketers to better engage customers and connect with a broader group of peopleWe’ve all seen them by the hundreds. Do they have a place in your marketing strategy? They’re uniquely shareable aren’t they?
There are a number of IOS and Android apps as well as websites (like Meme Center) now available for creating and sharing our unique sense of humor superimposed on the pictorial train wreck of our choice. They are way too easy to use and share over our various social networks with friends and family seeking further shares, likes, +1’s etc. I doubt that most of you have not done this very, very recently.So, have you considered their use in your marketing?
You do realize that pictures of cats and cute babies get more engagement than anything else don’t you? Remember the “blue dress” from a couple of months ago? You just never know when something will go viral. There’s an element of “right place, right time” involved, but like the lottery, you can’t win if you don’t play. Digital marketing is a quickly changing field and Meme’s are perhaps an option not considered yet by many businesses. My point is, they’re worth considering. Take that from the “Most interesting man in the world.”
Memes for Inbound Marketing
Memes will be used more and more in the future as businesses continue to experiment with digital and adaptive marketing, all under the umbrella of inbound. Inbound is simply the concept of creating engaging content that draws people to you and your organization as opposed to traditional marketing which is more of a shotgun approach, spray and pray.
What are you doing with memes?
