Say Cheese

I don’t take good pictures. Let me rephrase that. I’m okay taking the picture just not so good at being in it. But pictures are powerful. They allow us to share an idea, convey a message, and feel the moment in an instantaneous way.                                                                                                                                          

So to my fellow marketers I say, “Talk less. Show more.” And if you’ve got the will, let your customers show too.

Let my customers show what? Let them show their experience with activities that relate to your brand. The big guys do it. Consider American Airlines social campaign that allowed passengers to share pictures from their vacation and business trips. You can do this too.

It plays out by engaging already smartphone savvy, camera happy consumers on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. And it happens at relatively no cost to you. Here’s how:

If you’re in healthcare, invite pictures of healthy lifestyles. For example, “show us your walking path”

If you’re in real estate, ask for pictures from the community. For example, “show us your favorite coffee shop, eatery or night spot”

If you’re in lawn care, how about inviting followers to share pictures of their favorite outdoor activity?

Inviting picture driven interaction lets consumers help create content for your brand, it drives more attention to their personal news feeds, and thus leverages their social reach to create additional consideration for you.

People will have fun. You’ll reach their friends. And brand connections will multiply. All without a single word except maybe, “Cheeeese!”