You’re scrolling through your Instagram feed and come across a reel that gives you a good chuckle. You start to forward it to a friend and then you notice its likes: 1.1 million?!?! As you keep scrolling, you see the reel repeated in various formats and with different users. Your wheels start spinning — could your organization pull this off? Before you gather your colleagues and say “Lights, camera, action!”, here are a few things to take into consideration when it comes to social media trends.
Does the trend relate to your organization?
For example, the famous bend and snap from Legally Blonde to show off one’s outfit of the day, new hair style, or stylish nails is cute — but is it right for you? What could you show off instead that aligns with your programs, services, and mission? While a sense of humor is always welcome, it’s a fine line between playfulness and frivolous.
Does the trend keep it positive?
A recent trend we’ve seen is a reel declaring “AI is going to take your job!” with a follow up of “WHEN?” Not only does it convey a sense of negativity about the work you do, it also indicates a sense of irrelevancy. What can you share that lifts up your work and mission rather than tearing it down?
Does the trend connect with your target audience?
An organization that provides services for high school students might not want to use a trend that speaks to a different generation. For example, while rick rolling might make sense to millennials, it might go over the high school audience’s head entirely. Instead, aim for trends that are aligned to your target audience.
Can you use the trend to highlight the best parts of your organization?
Have you seen the pass the microphone trend? Essentially, one person says they’re going to pass the microphone to someone who (insert embarrassing episode here). Then that person is featured and moves the game along. Instead of focusing on something embarrassing, why not call out achievements? “I’m going to pass the microphone to someone who helped four clients achieve their dreams last month” Get creative in putting your own twist on the trend!
Just because a trend is blowing up, doesn’t mean it’s right for you or that it will land with your intended audience. What sets your organization apart is your voice and perspective. Think about how this trend fits into your social media strategy and if it aligns to your content pillars and priorities. If it sticks out like a sore thumb, it’s probably not right for you.
Social media trends got your head spinning? Let Sunny Side Creative help create a strategy that will make it easy to connect with your audience!
