By Jenna Lebel
Bob Dylan was right… you better start swimmin’ or you’ll sink like a stone for the times they are a-changin’. No, Dylan wasn’t talking about social media, but he very well could have been. Actually a lot of the social strategies and best practices we employ every day have roots in popular music. Next time you’re jamming out to some music really listen to the lyrics. I think they may be telling you something! These lyrics sure are.
“King of Anything” by Sara Bareilles
Lyrics: You got the talking down, just not the listening
Lesson: Listening is arguably one of the most important skills you can have in the social media space. So many brands have the talking down, few have mastered listening. It’s not just hearing (or reading comments and posts), it’s about understanding and acting on those conversations.
“You Get What You Give” by the New Radicals
Lyrics: Can’t forget you only get what you give
Lesson: Social media success takes time and energy. Results will never happen overnight. You can get as much out of as you put into it.
“Walk this Way” by Aerosmith
Lyrics: Walk this way, talk this way
Lesson: Consistency is essential in maintaining authenticity in social media. Always use the same voice and preserve your brand identity across all social media platforms.
“Can’t Buy Me Love” by The Beatles
Lyrics: Tell me that you want the kind of thing that money just can’t buy. I don’t care too much for money, money can’t buy me love.
Lesson: The Beatles have lots of songs with strong social messages (you can find a list of them here), but this one is one of the strongest lessons. Money can buy you quantity (fans/followers). Quality engagement will have fans singing your praises.
“Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word” by Elton John
Lyrics: It’s sad, so sad… Oh it seems to me that sorry seems to be the hardest word
Lesson: It’s sad indeed. Sorry is one of the most important phrases a brand can use and often times it seems to be too difficult to admit a mistake. Take responsibility. Say sorry. It’s not as hard as Elton John makes it out to be.
“Thank You” by Led Zeppelin
Lyrics: Thanks to you it will be done, for you to me are the only one.
Lesson: Take every opportunity you can to thank your fans just for being your fans. Whether it’s a reward, a contest or just those two simple word, let your fans know that they are appreciated.
“Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac
Lyrics: Open up, everything’s waiting for you. You can go your own way, go your own way
Lesson: To be truly innovative in the space you should focus less on what others are doing and more on what they’re not doing. The opportunities really are endless. Go your own way!
“You’re Only Human” by Billy Joel
Lyrics: You’re only human, you’re allowed to make your share of mistakes
Lesson: Your brand is so much more relatable if you are authentic, genuine and add a little personality. BE HUMAN!!!
What social media lessons have you learned from music? Share them here!
*Special thanks to Alana Brooks for inspiring this post!
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