Emojis were created in 1999, gaining their popularity in the early 2010’s as a form of texting communication. As the use of social media and smartphones has boomed, the use of emojis has slowly crept its way into social media marketing. The use of emojis on social media isn’t just for the average user; brands utilize them in their content to stand out and capture the attention of scrollers. In this blog, we’ll discuss why utilizing emojis in your social media marketing is helpful, how to use them, and what to avoid!
Why Are Emojis Being Used By Brands On Social Media?
Boosted Engagement & Visibility: Posts with emojis tend to see higher engagement rates, including more likes, comments, and shares. Think of scrolling through a sea of text and images. An emoji is going to catch your eye faster than just a wall of text.
Context and Tone: Emojis are critical for adding emotional context in remote communication and bridging language barriers. If you’re looking for a quick way to add context or emphasis to a post, an emoji is a great tool.
Call To Action: Emojis are great tools when used for calls to action. Whether it’s an arrow pointing to where to click, a phone indicating you to call or text, or a mail emoji urging you to send an email, emojis serve as a visual indicator of next steps for a customer.
How Are Emojis Used in Marketing?
Breaking Up Text: Emojis make content scannable and less intimidating, particularly in long captions.
Replace List Markers: Since most social media platforms don’t accommodate the use of list markers, like bullet points, utilizing emojis in their place can help provide additional formatting options for captions.
Building Brand Image: Consistent use of specific emojis can help build brand recognition. Utilizing a specific emoji or even a heart in the color associated with your brand can help you develop brand recognition and association.
When Should I Be Cautious About Using Emojis In Marketing?
Double Meaning: When using emojis on social media, you must consider the double meaning that emojis may hold, especially with generations outside of your own. A quick Google search can help you weed out any emojis you may want to skip to avoid sending the wrong message.
Tone of the Platform: Consider the tone of the platform you’re using before filling a post with emojis. Emojis are more frequently seen on platforms like Instagram compared to platforms like LinkedIn. There is still a place for emojis on more professional platforms, but maybe consider using them for emphasis rather than comedy.
Who Can Help Me With My Social Media Marketing?
If you’re ready to take the next step for your business and work with social media marketing professionals, Blackbear Marketing can help! Get in contact with us so we can discuss what your business needs and how we can help get you there!