What is social media used for? To engage audiences around a topic or idea to create two-way dialogue. Over-marketing and societal division has made it difficult to frequently find good social media examples. Here are seven...
Social Media Examples That Made Being Online Fun Again During The COVID-19 Shutdown
When we consider the importance of social media and the social media advantages for brands and public figures, it is easy to give in to the temptation to put marketing messages first. And that has been the case for many brands in the past few years.
Also, since the 2016 election cycle, many have felt overwhelmed by posts and shared content becoming too political. In turn, a good number of people are less active and feel less motivated to engage on their once cherished social platforms.
Go To Your Room, Everybody!
The Coronavirus brought the world to a halt ... and basically grounded 7.8 billion people to their homes. Remote working suddenly became a new way of life for the masses. It also left hundreds of millions of working professionals with extra time to hop back onto Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and others.
From Sour To Sweet
As a social media marketing professional who had soured on some elements of the digital social landscape, I began to delight in the re-emergence of REAL, authentic uses of social media.
Suddenly, events were canceled. Regular channels of PR were not possible. Simply pushing out a marketing message would get old quick. "Same ole', same ole," wouldn't be enough.
Celebrities and world leaders led by example. They discovered they could use social media as it was intended to be used and get the winning results that brings. A "new" social media strategy of sorts. This made me smile and want to be a part!
The Hashtags
The purpose of a hashtag is to start or take part in an online conversation. Of course, there were the informational:
- #Coronavirus
- #CoronavirusUpdates
- #COVID19
The controversial:
- #WorldPandemic
- #ChineseVirus
- #WuhanVirus
The custom-created:
- #StayHomeSaveLives
- #TogetherApart
- #ApartTogether
- #QuarantineAndChill
- #InThisTogether
There are TONS more! While people had time to really engage with the content they experienced online, they embraced them - The hashtags most meaningful to themselves and their interests. This has not always been the case.
I took inventory of noteworthy efforts to engage audiences. They are listed mostly in order of my finding them. Below, find seven terrific social media examples inspired by the Coronavirus. Note the hashtags chosen for each.
#PlayOn: Colorado Symphony's Digital Ode to Joy
What do you do when the show must go on, but the theater is closed? You play on! If this isn't a good example of working as a virtual team, I don't know what is. The presentation is moving.
Hands.. Washing Hands....
Did you ever think we'd be coaching each other on how to correctly wash our hands? Me neither.
A big fan of Neil Diamond, his "Sweet Caroline," is always welcome music to my ears. His Coronavirus version good, fun and genuine.
This one, at the time, was quite timely!
The Nomination Goes To... #PlankTheCurve #StayAtHomeSaveLives
When the leader of your country nominates you for something, you oblige, right?
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's wife was diagnosed with the Coronavirus. Trying to plank the curve of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in his country, he brought his message to the masses by nominating others to spread the word and nominate others of influence via social media.
Ryan Reynolds of Hollywood fame received the tap from Mr. Trudeau. Quite depict of his personal brand, his Twitter nomination video is absolutely appropriate and one of my favorite great social media examples!
Are you with me?
#GarthAndTrishaLIVE - No Foolin'!
Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood had already been casually entertaining their enthusiastic followers via Facebook Live. On April 1, 2020, CBS brought the talented country music duo from Studio g to their airwaves.
Here's the introduction:
The best of this evening was broadcast and re-broadcast on television. But Garth and Trisha do a fabulous job engaging their audience on Facebook.
#ASonnetADay From Patrick Stewart
One of the principles of social media marketing and audience building: Display what you are about, and you will attract the perfect followers for your personal or business brand.
That's exactly what Patrick Stewart did to entertain his fans and followers during the Coronavirus quarantine! He read Shakespeare Sonnets in his sophisticated style. Here is one of his favorites:
Worth the listen, eh?
Zoom Surprise: Some Good News with John Krasinski Ep. 2 (#Zoom #SomeGoodNews)
A friend alerted me to this one. I might have ordinarily passed it up based on the length of the video and uncertainty of what the point was. But SO GLAD I watched!!
If you liked "The Office," "Mary Poppins Returns," and if you are a fan of Broadway's "Hamilton," you really MUST WATCH (if you haven't already seen it):
This is what social media is all about. John Krasinski makes his audience The Good News. And then reaches beyond the ordinary to make a magical moment for a fan.
This is awesome-use-of-tools plus synergy on steroids! So, if you didn't already, scroll up and hit play. I'm not an overly emotional person, but I was moved to tears. You should be too.
As one of his fans said: I hope no one tells John when this is all over so he'll keep making these.
Observing Easter Sunday During The COVID-19 Global Pandemic
This is, by far, the most awe-inspiring of social media examples on this page! One word describes it: AMAZING!! (Really).
What I like about it:
A world renowned vocal artist broadcast live on Easter Sunday from ... his YouTube account. Can't gather with your family and friends at church? He takes you to one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world. Completely fitting, he shares Italy with you - At the time, the hardest hit by the Coronavirus.
What is jaw-dropping about this presentation?
The journey from complete silence, to scenery, and then to beautiful music. Before the end, a blind man walks you through the pews and stained glass windows out into the piazza. While the grand sphere is almost silent, Andrea Bocelli puts the globe at crescendo in a unique, profound way!
I exited the experience wanting to attend church there every Sunday. What about you?
#MusicForHope #StayHome
Summing Up Our Social Media Examples
Hopefully this shows you that with gray clouds comes some silver lining. Also, that social media is at its best use when it is engaging audiences around a topic or idea.
It took a global pandemic, but we experienced the birth of living room concerts. I've come to like them: All of the entertainment, none of the travel and minutia to attend. Plus, you can make yourself a cocktail or favorite warm beverage to enjoy while lazing on your couch.
There are certainly many more good things happening out there. I've offered a mere seven.
What fine social media examples did I miss? Which of the above was your favorite?
Please share your thoughts with me in the comments box below.
