Get on the Brand Wagon

On this inspirational Sunday (Easter if you celebrate), I offer a cautionary poem for the generative AI moment we're in...

It’s All About The Prompts, ’Bout The Prompts

They asked the box to dream for them,
and it did—plastic Hasbro castles and candy skies.
Likes rolled in. Applause echoed.

Meanwhile, the ground quakes.
AI is reshaping industries, rewriting rules.
And here we are,
chasing superficial likes.

It is, in fact, all about the prompts.
The future is being written.
Think harder.
Because your brand will wear
what you dress it in today—
and tomorrow’s human audience is keeping tabs.

(and now you’ve got Meghan Trainor’s ‘it’s all about that bass’ in your head, amIright?)

Dilemma: What should we do about AI?
(The proverbial we—brands, marketers, creators, humans…)

Exploring, learning, playing, and then remembering who it’s all for makes total sense.
With that in mind, let’s explore ways to play with generative AI to learn its SWOT and then…
always present your findings with your authentic voice.

Full disclosure: I borrowed tips from other thought-leaders talking about this and even asked my BFF, ChatGPT, which I nicknamed chIQ (pronounced chick 🐣 😏), for the ‘best of the best.

🎯 Top 5 AI Prompt Types

These are my current favs to learn generative tools.
It’s also "interesting" to try the same prompts across the different tools to compare results.
(ChatGPT is still the best IMO.)

“Please take the current debate about [insert Topic] and develop a nuanced opinion that challenges the dominant narrative. Back it with recent examples, future trends, and sources.”

→ Why this works:
It forces AI to build a stance, not just summarize noise.
Apparently, this makes people stop scrolling. Or at least some people, maybe even the right people identified in your ICP (Ideal Client Profile)!

“Please write a hypothetical scenario where [insert Industry/Trend] changes dramatically because of [X technology or trend]. Frame it as if advising an executive audience.”

→ Why this works:
Storytelling works, even in business context. Especially if it’s actionable. Why?
We are programmed to love a good story…well except perhaps AI?…and a few other questionable humans lacking character and kindness.

“Based on current trends in [insert Industry], please propose a 3-part framework that organizations can use to adapt to [insert Challenge]. Each part should include action steps.”

→ Why this works:
People LOVE models (no, not the runway kind). It positions you as the architect of thinking, not just the repeater of it.
(Think: Gartner Hype Cycle-level authority.)

“Please summarize the conventional wisdom about [insert Topic], then take a contrarian but well-supported position. Defend it in under 300 words.”

→ Why this works:
Everyone sounds the same until someone intelligently says, "But what if we’re wrong?" That’s the birth of authentic thought leadership.

“Please write a first-person reflection on the future of [insert Industry/Trend] in the voice of a [Founder, CMO, CISO, etc.], showing real vulnerability about what’s uncertain.”

→ Why this works:
Vulnerability + vision is now a superpower. People crave humanized expertise, not brand robots, as stated above and worth repeating with a megaphone.

Curious to know if you’ve tried these or others and what your results were?

Take note, I used PLEASE in all the prompts—putting kind back in #humankind. Plus, it's just smart to be polite to the machines. 😏

Conclusion for This Sunday's Scoop:
Choose Your Prompts Like You Choose Your Legacy.

In a world of infinite content, authenticity is differentiation.
Use the tools — but don’t let the tools use you.

Prompt wisely. Build thoughtfully. Brand bravely.

P.S. Generative AI defined — in case you didn’t know or look it up yet:

Not to be confused with Agentic AI. If you want to learn more about that and how it's apparently going to disrupt SaaS ...(I’m still grappling with it myself)... check out Jay Schwedelson's info-taining podcast.

Let’s address the digital elephant—or rather, the shadow IT elephant—in the room. 🐘 (And yes, that's a big elephant.) After last week's adventure through brand miscommunication disasters, we've stumbled onto another not-so-hidden truth: your online reputation is as fragile as your grandma’s teacup collection—one wrong move, and you're picking up pieces forever.

Combine a dash of cybersecurity negligence with a pinch of sloppy communication, and voila—you've cooked up a PR nightmare casserole, garnished liberally with memes, embarrassment, and possibly criminal charges? Funny/not funny.

(Meme source: https://www.facebook.com/igallerydmv)

The recent Signal leak debacle got me thinking: how can we protect brands from becoming internet punchlines in the wild west of the digital world?

Here’s what I'd prioritize as the top three in a survival guide (brought to you by common sense—something often in shockingly short supply):

🔑 Leadership 101: Monkey See, Monkey Do

Model secure behavior from the top down. If leadership treats cybersecurity like the fine print on a candy wrapper—guess what? So will everyone else. Your job description literally includes not sabotaging your company. Lead by example.

📞 Sensitive Information? There's an App for That—It’s Called a Phone Call.

I shouldn't have to spell this out, but if you’re discussing anything sensitive via a messaging app… well, you probably shouldn't be handling sensitive information. Stick to the old-fashioned method—a secure phone call. It's shockingly retro but remarkably effective.

🔐 Passwords: Two Factors are Better Than None

Still using "Password123" as your login? Congratulations, you're asking for trouble. If 2-factor authentication (2FA) feels like rocket science, just remember: failure to launch here means your brand might explode spectacularly on social media later.

Remember, if you’re not actively managing your narrative, the internet’s army of meme-makers and thieves will happily rewrite it for you. (Spoiler: you won’t like their version.)

So ask yourself: What do you want your brand story to say about you? 🤔

Until next time, stay sharp, stay secure, and please—keep your brand (professionally and personally) out of the meme-verse. ✨

Ready for this gut check, Brand Wagoneers? What happens when your brand speaks, but no one actually understands? Or worse—when they think they understand, but they're miles off from what you meant?

Spoiler alert: It’s not great.

Take Doge—yes, the meme-dog-turned-crypto-mascot. What started as a joke somehow became a serious financial asset, powered by hype, Elon tweets, and a collective misunderstanding of what it even is. Some see Doge as a viable investment, others as a meme-gone-wild.

And then there’s DOGE—not the coin, but the Department of Government Efficiency Services (formerly the US Department of Digital Services). Its stated goal? Cut $1 trillion—15% of the federal budget. Much like its canine counterpart, DOGE started with an idealistic premise: streamline bloated government spending. But much like Dogecoin, the interpretation—and execution—spiraled into something much bigger, more chaotic, and not necessarily what people signed up for.

America has spoken on the demand for change, but the whirlwind of abrupt cuts and scorched-earth policies has been met with a mixture of public confusion, support, and outright contempt. Just like Doge holders debate whether it's a joke or a financial revolution, citizens now wonder: Is DOGE the efficiency overhaul we needed or a reckless meme-ification of government policy?

The lesson? When brand communication is unclear—or left to public interpretation—hysteria fills the gaps.

So, what can we learn from this chaos?

3 Big Ways Brand Communication Breaks Down

1. You Think You're Clear. You're Not.
Just because you said it doesn’t mean people heard it—at least, not the way you intended.

📌Example: Bud Light’s Sponsorship Controversy (2023)
When Bud Light partnered with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney for a small-scale sponsorship, the brand likely saw it as an inclusive marketing move. Instead, it ignited a political firestorm, alienating both conservatives (who called for a boycott) and LGBTQ+ supporters (who felt the brand abandoned Mulvaney when backlash hit). Sales took a double-digit percentage hit, and executives scrambled to clarify their stance—too late.

💡 Fix: If you take a stand, commit to it. Waffling in response to backlash makes a brand seem inauthentic to everyone. If Bud Light had proactively defined its values and communicated them clearly before the campaign, it might have controlled the narrative rather than letting others define it.

A brand without a clear voice is like a Twitter free-for-all—people will fill in the blanks however they want.

📌Example: Dogecoin. Is it a joke? A serious investment? A decentralized dream? No one can say for sure, which is why its value swings harder than a wrecking ball.

💡 Fix: A strong brand narrative leaves less room for ambiguity. Define your core story and repeat it consistently—because if you don’t, the internet will rewrite it for you.

3. Noise is Drowning Out the Signal
You’re communicating—but so is everyone else. And in today’s landscape, the loudest voice isn’t always the most truthful.

📌Example: The current political climate. Let’s be real—propaganda has rebranded itself as "news," and fact-checking is practically a full-time job. When misinformation spreads faster than the truth, perception becomes reality (even when it’s false).

💡 Fix: Brands (and news outlets, for that matter) need to fight misinformation with clarity. Be relentless about transparency, simplicity, and fact-backed communication. If you don’t control your story, someone else will—and they might not have your best interests in mind.

Brand Communication Survival Kit: How to Avoid the Chaos

Top Tips for Keeping Your Message Crystal Clear:

✅ Test for Understanding, Not Just Approval
Before launching a campaign, test it outside your marketing bubble. Ask real people how they interpret the message. If you get wildly different answers, back to the drawing board.
Ask: “What does this mean to you?” instead of “Do you like this?” You need feedback on clarity, not just appeal.

✅ Stick to One Core Message
If your audience can’t summarize your brand in one sentence, your messaging is too scattered. Refine it.

✅ Simplify, Then Simplify Again
If you need a decoder ring to understand your brand’s mission, you’re losing people.
Clear > Clever.

✅ Fact-Check Yourself Before Others Do
Especially in industries prone to misinformation (looking at you, crypto and politics). Transparency isn’t just ethical—it’s strategic.

✅ Own Your Narrative, Relentlessly
Repetition isn't boring—it's branding. If you're not repeating your core message, you're letting the noise win.

Final Thought: Brand Communication is a Responsibility

Whether it's government transformation, a beer giant, or a news outlet—when brands fail to communicate clearly, trust erodes. And in an era where misinformation spreads like wildfire, clarity isn’t just a strategy—it’s survival.

So next time you put a message out there, pause and ask:
“Will this be understood the way I intend?”

Because if the answer is anything but a confident yes, you might be feeding the chaos instead of cutting through it.

P.S. Did I just successfully maneuver around politics without getting myself in hot water? 🤔 Let’s call it a brand communication stress test. Pass or fail—let me know in the comments. 😆🔥

Alright, Brand Wagon riders, let’s cut to the chase—because, ironically, that’s exactly what BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front) is all about. It’s a military term used to lead with the most important information right away. And while it might seem at odds with storytelling—which is all about the journey, the twists, the “aha!” moments—it’s actually a pretty handy principle for branding.

This week’s BLUF (aka the CONCLUSION):
Storytelling isn’t “fluff”—it’s your brand’s secret weapon. Done right, it builds trust, deepens connections, and drives business growth. 💥

Let’s dive into why storytelling is mission-critical for your brand (and how to wield it like a pro).

Why Storytelling Isn’t Just a Fairytale 📖✨

Think of storytelling as the peanut butter to your brand’s jelly—sure, you could have jelly on its own, but why would you?

✅ Emotional Connections

People don’t buy products; they buy feelings. A good story makes your audience feel seen, understood, and part of something bigger. That’s where brand loyalty (the elusive unicorn 🦄) starts to bloom.

✅ Memorability

Stats fade. Stories stick. Remember that kid who traded his Pokémon cards for a single shiny Charizard? Yeah, that’s a story. Your brand needs its own “Charizard moment.”

✅ Differentiation

In a sea of sameness, your story is your flare gun. It signals what makes you you—your values, your quirks, and why someone should care.

✅ Engagement

Stories beg to be shared. They turn passive consumers into active brand ambassadors—because who doesn’t love retelling a good one?

✅ Simplification of Complex Ideas

Even the densest concepts can be broken down into bite-sized, relatable narratives. Think of Apple: “Think Different.” Simple. Powerful. Story-driven.

Caveat: Loyalty is tough—humans are fickle creatures. But when someone really connects with your brand story, they’re more likely to spread the word.

Practical Tips for Storytelling That Sticks 🛠️

1. Write. A Lot. Then Weave.
   Dump it all out—your brand’s why, your origin story, your big vision. Then pull the golden threads and weave them into something cohesive.
2. Read It Out Loud.
   If it sounds robotic or forced, it is. Storytelling is ancient—it’s how humans passed down history before Google existed. If it doesn’t flow off the tongue, it won’t stick in the mind.
3. Share It From Memory.
   This one’s huge. If you can’t remember your brand’s story, how can you expect anyone else to? Share it over coffee. At a networking event. With your Uber driver. See what lands.

Avoid the Fluff Trap 💡

“Branding is just fluff.”
If I had a dollar every time I heard that, I’d be typing this from my private island. 🌴 But seriously—fluff has its place (marshmallows, anyone?), just not when it comes to your core brand message.

The key?
Make it feel effortless, but never hollow. Your story should have substance, heart, and purpose.

The Final Word: BLUF Meets Brand 🚀

In branding, leading with clarity doesn’t mean ditching the story—it means sharpening it. Give your audience the bottom line but take them on the journey too.

Because here’s the thing:
People might skim facts, but they’ll always remember how your story made them feel.

Today, I’m feeling blue … so I figured, why not share fifty shades of blue from my personal library? Because honestly, we could all use a dose of Vitamin Sea, am I right? 🌊💙

But before you grab your beach towel, let’s talk brand colors—because choosing the right hues isn’t just about looking pretty; it’s about making an impact (and, ideally, not making people’s eyes bleed). And yes, your brand colors should be documented in your brand guide. We’re not just talking about slapping a logo on everything.

Why Brand Colors Matter

Your brand colors set the tone (pun intended). They influence how people perceive you, recognize you, and even feel about your brand. Ever noticed how certain brands just feel trustworthy, exciting, or luxurious at a glance? That’s color psychology in action.

Here’s a cheat sheet on color meanings and their branding superpowers:

Mixing It Up

Once you've picked your primary brand color, the next step is creating a balanced palette. That includes:

• Primary Colors: Your signature hues—front and center in your branding.
• Secondary Colors: Supporting players that complement your primary colors.
• Accent Colors: Used sparingly for emphasis (think buttons, highlights, and pop moments).

Brand Color in Action

Let’s play a game. Think of a major brand and the first color that pops into your head.

• Coca-Cola? Red.
• Starbucks? Green.
• McDonald's? Yellow.

Boom. 🎤 That’s the power of brand color consistency.

So, what’s your brand’s vibe? Are you a bold, energetic red, a calm and collected blue, or a luxe and mysterious black? Whatever your palette, make it intentional, make it consistent, and make it memorable.

Thanks for joining me on this little trip down Vitamin Sea memory lane. 🌊 Now, if you’ll excuse me, I am going back to enjoying my ocean photos since I can’t be there in person.💙#NoFilters

TikTok’s fate in the U.S. is flip-flopping faster than a pancake at brunch. The ban—or not ban, depending on the hour—has stirred up debates from dorm rooms to boardrooms.

Let’s sift through the noise (without dancing).

And at the risk of upsetting the apple cart, I support the TikTok ban because  ➡️ just say no to China ‼️

The Misinformation Machine
Let’s start with the most glaring issue: TikTok isn’t a news outlet, but you wouldn’t know that from the number of people who treat it like their personal Reuters. The platform’s viral content often masquerades as fact, spreading misinformation faster than it takes to type “part 2 in comments.”

🗞️Relying on TikTok as your sole source of information is like using a vending machine for gourmet meals—risky at best. 

The Creator Exodus
Creators crying foul over the potential ban remind us of MySpace influencers who once felt invincible. But platforms come and go. If your career hinges on one app, it’s time to diversify. Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and even LinkedIn are open for business. Adapt or scroll on.

The National Security Angle
Now, here’s the kicker: should the government step in? For once, YES. The lawsuit filed by a former TikTok executive alleging shady Chinese data-sharing practices underscores a crucial point. Protecting our citizens’ privacy—even if it means saving them from their own bad habits—is a step in the right direction. You wouldn’t leave your front door wide open, so why do it with your data?

Where Do Brands Go From Here?
If your brand relies on TikTok, this could be your wake-up call to rethink your digital strategy.
Start exploring platforms that prioritize privacy and transparency.
Bonus: no threat of being banned by breakfast. 😏

Hey there, Brand Wagoners! Look, it’s a shiny new social platform—yet again. This one goes by BlueSky, which, fun fact, sounds dreamy until you realize it’s essentially TwX (you know, the artist formerly known as Twitter). Except, unlike a Twix bar, it’s debatable whether BlueSky is a sweet treat or just more empty calories for your feed.

So why all the chatter? In the past few months, BlueSky has popped up on my radar thanks to clients swearing they “need” it (do they, though?) and privacy geeks singing its praises. Naturally, as a savvy marketer, I did the only logical thing: I signed up. Reluctantly, I admit, because exploring new platforms feels like adopting yet another needy pet—adorable but exhausting.

Still, “walk the talk,” right? Here’s what I uncovered as I sifted through the hype:

Decoding Decentralized: What's the Deal?

BlueSky promises to be different, with some serious buzzwords. Let’s break it down:

• No Single Point of Control: Unlike Facebook or Twitter, no big corporation runs the show. Instead, data is scattered across independent servers maintained by communities or individuals. Think less Big Brother and more neighborhood co-op. 🛠️
• User Data Ownership: You decide who accesses your personal data. Imagine that—your data, your rules! 🤯
• Censorship Resistance: With no overlord to police content, there’s less risk of arbitrary censorship. But, hey, that also means trolls might set up shop. 😬
• Community Governance: Platform rules? Features? Voted on by actual users—not some faceless boardroom. Democracy in action! 🙌
• Blockchain Tech: Because of course. Secure data storage, transactions, and more buzzwords for your blockchain bingo card. 🎟️

The Reality Check 🤔

Switching hats from marketer to just tired human, I ask: do we really need another platform siphoning our energy? Can’t we just fix the ones we already have? (Not you, X—I mean, TwX…or whatever you’re calling yourself this week.)

Social media, for better or worse, comes with the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. Case in point: political campaigns. Enough said. So, do we embrace BlueSky as the new hope, or just another time-suck in disguise? Let’s revisit after 2025 gets underway as we buckle in for a wild ride.

P.S. Hootsuite vs. HubSpot vs. Sanity 🧩

Before I go, here’s a nugget for the marketing nerds: connecting BlueSky to your Hootsuite account requires Zapier. But then it hit me—why use Hootsuite at all if your CRM (like HubSpot) already offers social planning tools? Sure, Hootsuite is robust, especially for non-premium CRM users, but is it worth the added cost these days? This question is a rabbit hole for another blog…stay tuned. 🌀

First, can we pause for a moment? Eight sacks on Jayden—and we still pulled off the win? Miracles do happen. #HTTR 🏈

Now, let’s talk about a concept I’m usually wary of pairing: loyalty and brand. Why? Because people are fickle. One day it’s pumpkin spice everything; the next, it’s oat milk matcha lattes.

But there is one domain where brand loyalty feels as enduring as those stadium beers: sports. Yes, where fair-weather fans are drowned out by die-hards bleeding [insert team colors here].

What Makes Sports the Hall of Fame of Brand Loyalty?

This week, I asked a friend, “Who’s your team playing?” Her answer? “I’m playing the…”

Note the use of I. Not "we," not "they’re." I. As if she were strapping on the helmet herself. Cue the 12th “man.”

This deep-seated allegiance isn’t built on logic—it’s built on emotion, identity, and a little bit of "it’s us against the world" vibes. And guess what? Businesses can absolutely tap into that energy.

Game Plan for Your Brand Loyalty Playbook:

1. Create a Shared Identity
   Build a community where your audience feels like they’re part of something bigger. Think of those branded hashtags, insider newsletters, or exclusive clubs that give customers a front-row seat.
2. Spark Rituals
   Whether it’s a unique packaging experience, a go-to playlist, or your annual Black Friday promo, rituals build emotional stickiness. People love a good tradition. (In the B2B world, this could be an annual data-rich research report, an unexpected practical swag gift, exclusive beta access to a product...you get the idea!)
3. Be There for the Wins (and Losses)
   Sports fans stick around through losing seasons. Why? Authenticity. If your brand shows up for the tough times (hello, stellar customer support), you’ll earn trust—and maybe even love.

Final Whistle:

Even if you’re not running a brand campaign explicitly (because we know you’re avoiding the revenue attribution hot seat), every action you take is part of your brand story. Make sure those actions are scoring points, not penalties.

P.S. Ever been to the 5th quarter? It’s a real thing—and ridiculously fun when you win. 😁

P.P.S. Got a brand loyalty moment worth sharing? Slide into the comments or tag me @piscestls. Let’s hash it out like a good old rivalry game.

A Selfish Request on the Receiving End of Email Marketing

Hi, Brand Wagoners! 🚗💨 After a bit of a hiatus (trust me, I wasn’t idle—just driving the brand wagon HARD), I’m back with a bug in my brain about email marketing. Don’t worry, I kept my eyes on the road. 😉

Let’s talk about the one thing that separates mediocre email campaigns from the memorable: thoughtful testing and personalization. No, not just “insert first name” from your CRM (though, let’s be real, clean data is gold). I’m talking about consistently demonstrating value to your audience. Or as I like to call it: #WIFT—What’s In It For Them.

Personalization Tips That Deliver

1️⃣ Tailored Content Beats Generic Pitches:
Segment your audience by interests or behaviors. Sending targeted content makes your emails feel less “Dear Occupant” and more “Hey, YOU!”

2️⃣ Preview Text is Prime Real Estate:
Treat it as a mini elevator pitch. Pair it with your subject line to intrigue, tease, or delight.

3️⃣ Subject Lines With Soul:
Use tools like Subjectline.com to refine your headlines. (Shoutout to founder @Jay Schwedelson for this game-changer!)

Why Care About #WIFT?

Here’s the thing: your audience’s inboxes are crowded, and with privacy changes, deliverability is a battlefield. If your emails are all “me, me, me,” they’re likely headed straight for the trash—or worse, spam. Instead, focus on what makes your message valuable to your reader.

• Emails with personalized subject lines are 26% more likely to be opened. Paubox

• Another study found that personalized subject lines can increase open rates by 50%. Marketing Dive

• Segmented email campaigns drive 50% more click-throughs than unsegmented ones. Trimark Digital
• Additionally, segmented campaigns can lead to a 30% increase in open rates. Trimark Digital

Final Thoughts - for Today

The heart of successful marketing has always been #BusinessToHuman.

Please, please, please: read your email out loud to yourself. Does it “sound human”?

Forget the hard sell. Focus on the story, the value, and the connection. Remember, your preview text is more than filler—it’s the start of your story. So, make it count.

Ah, hashtags. The little pound sign that went from dialing an operator 📞 to dialing in on culture 🌐. Whether you're hashtagging for fame, fortune, or fun, there’s always the question: are these symbols still relevant in a world where algorithms seem to have more secrets than a spy novel? 🕵️‍♀️

So, I did what any curious brand consultant would do in today’s environment—I asked ChatGPT. 💡 😆

Here are the top five questions I threw at the AI, along with my #IRL 2 cents. 💰

1. Are hashtags still relevant to algorithms and traffic-building?

In short: Yes, but it’s complicated. Hashtags can still boost discoverability, but their golden era might be behind us. Algorithms have gotten sophisticated (thanks to the AI disruptor). They don’t just see your hashtags anymore, they assess the whole package. 

My IRL 2 Cents: I just can’t help using hashtags, and my thinking is they’ll become popular again like vinyl – nostalgic and trendy 😉 Minimally when I see them in use, I pay attention to what comes after the hash. So, I say, use them, but don’t put all your eggs in the #hashtagbasket. 🥚🐣 Make sure your content is pulling its weight, too. 💪

2. If not, why are they still being used?

In short: Hashtags are still used because they offer a quick way to connect with trends, themes, and niche communities. Even if they aren’t driving massive traffic, they’ve become part of the culture.

My IRL 2 Cents: Me, I’m that social media person who won’t let them die. 🙋‍♂️
I figure it's like bringing an umbrella ☂️ on a cloudy day—might not rain, but you’d rather have it than not. 🏖️ #BetterSafeThanWet.

3. Does it make sense to use a branded hashtag, why or why not?

In short: A branded hashtag is like having your own secret handshake 🤝... if it’s actually memorable. When done right, it can build a community or movement around your brand. But if you’re just hashtagging yourself for the sake of it—don’t bother 🚫.

My IRL 2 Cents: If you're gonna go branded, go big 💥. Own it. Create something that people want to engage with (no one wants to #LoveThisCompany2023 🙄). Example? #SOCcess. Yes, I made that up during a former engagement to combine Security Operations Center + Career Success. It could have taken off… if only it had been fully supported. (See bonus tip below 👇.)

4. Which platforms do hashtags matter most?

In short: Instagram is the best for hashtags, while Twitter (or X—whatever we’re calling it these days) still relies on them, though more sparingly. LinkedIn? Facebook? TikTok? Hashtags can give you a viral nudge, but it’s really all about the content.

My IRL 2 Cents: The golden rule 📜: Use them where they count, but don’t clutter your copy with 30 hashtags hoping to game the system 🎰. That’s like showing up to a cocktail party with a megaphone 📢. Awkward.

5. What are examples of outlandish / clever-performing hashtags?

There are some truly iconic ones out there.

#ThrowbackThursday—a classic 🕰️
#TacoTuesday—Yes, please 🌮
#ExplainThe90sToA10YearOld—pure gold ✨

My IRL 2 Cents: Clever or outlandish, hashtags should fit your brand personality. The more authentic, the better. And no, #BuyMyStuffNow is not authentic 🙅‍♀️. For my personal brand, I’ve been using what I consider a classic throwback to the ‘guess what day it is’ ad with #WednesdayWisdom.

BONUS TIP: Ready to roll with a branded hashtag? Here’s your must-do list ✅:

• Promotion: Mention it in your posts, bios, emails, even your packaging if applicable. 🛍️📲
• Consistency: Use it on everything—not just as an afterthought 💭.
• Engagement: Interact with people who use your hashtag. Make them feel seen! 👀👏
• Encouragement: Create a challenge or contest around it. Give people a reason to use it 🎉.

Remember: Your branded hashtag should be more than just a catchphrase; it’s an invitation to join a movement, conversation, or lifestyle 🌟. If you’re not ready to commit, it might end up as #HashtagRegret 😬.

P.S. Back to #SOCcess—had the team fully rallied behind it, we could’ve created something huge 🏔️. But alas, a hashtag without action is just a sad string of characters 🥀.

P.P.S. I say #WhatIsHappening frequently, so why not hashtag that too? 😉