The Best Way to Quick Success? Follow the Fun!
We’ve all had the experience of being at an amusement park, wondering which ride to try next. The carousel? No–that’s for little kids. The Zipper? No, that one always smells funky (and when you see it, you know why!). Ah, but there’s always one ride where people are screaming and laughing their heads off! That’s the one you want!
Photo by Ed Bierman 
The Roller Coaster
My favorite ride always seems to be the roller coaster. Even though it’s also the scariest ride and is over fast, it is, hands down, the most fun. The Giant Dipper at Santa Cruz Boardwalk is a wooden one, and the creakiness of the ride makes it scarier, for some reason. You feel like you could be thrown off at any moment and attacked by seagulls.
Post with Fun in Mind
My brother always went for the fun in life. He ran after it, and created fun wherever he went. That’s how you should think about posting on social media, too. Make it fun for everyone. People will want to stay, talk, and share if you make it fun.
Photo by Ed Bierman
Hashtags Make it Fun
One reason, in my humble opinion, that Instagram has become so popular is not only because it’s simple, but because it’s fun. Part of that fun is the way that people use hashtags. By the way, if you haven’t read about how to engage on Instagram, you might want to check it out. You can use hashtags in other places such as Twitter, too, but the over-the-top way people use them on Instagram? Priceless!
Memes and .Gifs
Yes, as a business you’re not “supposed to” use memes and gifs. But if they get people talking, why not? If you’re on Twitter, you can easily attach a .gif and send it to a bunch of friends. Again, it’s simply and silly. These days, silly has become an endangered species on social media.
Post with no Outcome
Sometimes it’s ok to post without expecting anything. You might want to share a favorite Netflix show, for instance. By the way, have you seen the Netflix original series Abstract: The Art of Design? Really fantastic! But I digress. Sure, you’re always supposed to have a Call to Action (“CTA”), but maybe your goal is just to connect with people.
What Tricks Do You Have for Making Your Posts More Fun?
Let me know in the comments! And thank you.
Hi Carol
Sometimes I include random and quirky stuff in my otherwise deadly serious blog posts.
For example, I once made a reference to a skateboarding dog video in a piece I wrote for a major content marketing blog.
It actually became my most successful post in terms of shares.
It’s success probably wasn’t attributable my reference to the skateboarding dog video.
But who can say for sure?
Clement
Hi Clement,
You’re probably kidding about the deadly serious blog posts (aren’t you?). They don’t seem that serious to me!
I’d love to see that skateboarding dog video, by the way. Skateboarding dogs are rare–even in California. So helped make your post more popular.
More skateboarding dogs!
Thanks for stopping by,
Carol
Hi Carol
The skateboarding dog video is somewhere in this post:
http://www.jeffbullas.com/2015/11/26/create-content-converts-like-crazy/.
See if you can find it!
I understand that in California you have surfing dogs. I’ve seen the videos. As an occasional surfer myself, I’m thoroughly impressed by their skills.
Clement
Hi Clement,
Oh my gosh! The skateboarding dog video certainly was not obvious. I’ll keep looking while you go out skateboarding!
I think the surfing dogs are mainly in Southern California. Here, the dogs would need a wetsuit! And it’s hard enough to get a dog to surf, let alone wear a wetsuit.
The surfing dogs here are in Huntington Beach (SoCal): http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Surf-Dog-Competition-California-photos-City-9284861.php
Such talent!
Carol
I always try to bring something personal into my postings. I like the idea of adding a bit of myself, some humor or something just plan unusual to the mix.
Content of that nature goes a long way to ‘personifying’ your brand and making it more approachable and trustworthy.
Hi Robert,
Yes, those little bits of humor are what make you stand out. I like your different take on social (and the world at large, too!).
Thank you for stopping by and commenting. I appreciate it!
Carol
I agree Carol! I like to have fun with it!
Thanks for talking about this topic! It’s a good one!
Justine
Hi Justine,
Sometimes people shy away from fun as being unbusinesslike, and I know you like to have fun, too!
Thanks for dropping in!
Carol