by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68
Memes (“Meems”) are photos or images with a message. The picture gets your attention, and the text hammers the message home. In this sense, it is very much an important tool in your social media box.
Frankly, My Dear . . . Memes help hammer your message home.
But memes aren’t just for marketing. They’re for drawing in your audience, and keeping them. They’re for sharing a moment of your day, a sentiment, or an aspect of who you are.
What’s more appealing to you: Someone always shouting “Buy my product!” or someone offering to buy you a lemon infusion tea? It’s the tea, right? [Note to self: Add sugar.]
So, a meme is a way of saying, “Hey. I know you’re there, and I think you might like this.” Or “Here’s the personal side of me.” Now and then, about one in every six or so posts, it’s okay to share a marketing meme.
Start with a basic photo. Pixabay and Canva are great sources for free-to-use photos when you don’t have one of your own that suits the need. Then you can use apps like WordSwag or PicMonkey to edit the photos and add texts. You can also use PowerPoint, which works great for presentations.
PRO TIP: Take time to take a good photo. Don’t rush through putting together a blurry meme. If a photo is worth a thousand words, make sure they sing the praises of your professionalism.
In this first example, I wanted to share with girls that we can climb those steps in our way and turn the journey into our favor. I searched the internet for “climb” photos, and inspirational quotes, and married the two. Voila!
basic photo: metal steps
#BossBabe Meme
Now, the following is a photo, not a meme. There’s no text. But if I were to add text, it might be a banner or a twelve-point star that reads “Happy Mail Day” or “I know what my weekend looks like.” Neither of those statements is direct marketing, but it draws your attention to the book, yes? I certainly hope so. And in doing so, my mission is accomplished. It could also state, “Bad hair day. Happy book face.” But let’s just . . . not.
Frankly, My Dear . . . Happy mail
Memes are great for Instagram, but remember to add personal photos also. People really do want to see you in your natural habitat (hence my oh-so-many photos of reading through lunch at Starbucks, or Happy Planning, or both) and how you interact with others. Unless it’s a cat fight. Y’all don’t need to be posting the negatives, okay? Thanks.
As long as your memes relate back to your brand in some aspect, or draw your audience in with a personal touch, it’s a good meme. I couldn’t get away with sharing something SciFi Zombie-esque. That’s just not me. But if that zombie’s eating a big helping of jambalaya down in New Orleans, then we can talk.
Here are some of my most recent memes:
Galatians 6:9 NLT
#BEEtheZebra Media Tip No. 1
Good writing ~ Hemingway
Slay the Day
Marketing Tip: Leave Reviews
Liz Taylor: Slay Today #BossBabe
Passion- Julia Child
Create eye-catching, personality-sharing memes and your audience will read what comes next.
How do you get your audience’s attention?
TWEET THIS: #SocialMedia Saturday: Memes Aren’t Just for Marketing. @RealMojo68 #franklymydear
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
I love making memes! After this post, I’m ready to go create. Great job, Molly!
Your memes really capture your brand and personality!
Molly Jo Realy recently posted..Social Media Saturday: Memes Aren’t Just For Marketing
This is a great post and very timely for me. I’ve just started to do this very thing. Thanks for the tips!
Thank you, Kelly. Memes are a fun way to get your message out there.
Molly Jo Realy recently posted..Review: Boy, 9, Missing, by Nic Joseph
I just started dipping my toes in the memes water, too. The biggest things I’m learning is to make the type big enough to read and in a color that pops. I’ve posted a couple that, when I actually saw them posted, didn’t look as good as I’d hoped. Thanks for the additional insights!
I’ve done the same thing. Trial and error!
Molly Jo Realy recently posted..Review: Boy, 9, Missing, by Nic Joseph
I just use memes for humour.
William Kendall recently posted..The Canal
Yes, but what great humour it is!
Molly Jo Realy recently posted..Five Easy Ways to Help Texas