Oneupweb : What Brands Can Learn from Snooki
Snooki is a role model for brands struggling to make an impact in social media (no, I haven’t lost my mind).
Now let’s not pretend we don’t know who “Snooki” is. I’m almost ashamed to say it, but today, the girl from the Jersey Shore is an icon. I’ve never even seen a full episode of the Jersey Shore, and I can identify Snooki on the cover of People at a single glance. And why not? The girl has been through a lot! She got punched in the face and arrested on national TV, mocked for her 4’9 proportions, and has flashed her goodies on camera (whether by accident or not) on numerous occasions.
Not really sounding like the ideal role model, right? Well, during her three full seasons on MTV, she did discover a few things that we can all learn from and apply to social media.
#1: Build Up A Following
The first thing Snooki did on the Shore was to build up a following. People who had never heard of her before got a glimpse into her real life. Some could relate, some couldn’t, but a lot of people felt like they were really getting to know the Snooks. The insane amounts of drinking aside, this is something your business can and should be doing now. Show your company’s personal side, give your followers a glimpse into what goes on behind-the-scenes, and just “be real.”
#2: Hit ‘Em With a Bang
By the time Episodes 5 and 6 aired, Snooki had built up a loyal following of viewers. And then she hit them with a bang—or rather, she got punched. Now, I’m not saying go out there and let yourself get hit in the face or anything even remotely close to that. What I am saying is, after you’ve built up a steady following, give them something more. Try a coupon solely for fans of your page, or a sweepstakes or photo contest. Give people more content, something that will stand out and really draw them in—strengthening relationships with current followers and spreading positive brand awareness.
#3: Keep It Fresh
If there’s one thing Snooki does well, it’s to keep her audience glued to the screen with her fresh antics. Make sure your Facebook wall posts, videos and photos contain fresh, timely content that your target audience will find useful and/or entertaining.
#4: Stay True To Your Brand
When isn’t Snooki sporting her giant hair poof and too-tight clothes? Maybe not the fashion statement you would agree with, but she’s effectively branding herself, none the less. Are you using your brand colors and logos wherever possible on your Facebook page? Are you portraying the appropriate brand voice in your wall posts? You should be!
I hear that Snooki and the gang are headed to Italy. I hope you’re with me in wishing them the best, and saying a small prayer for those unsuspecting Italians! Ciao!
