When you think about memes, what are some of the images that spring to mind? Chances are that they've sprung to the minds of others as well, which speaks volumes about the sheer reach that these Internet jokes possess. Online marketing companies can agree and it's entirely possible for business owners to leverage memes for their own benefit. Before this is done, here are the biggest misconceptions that people still believe about these Internet jokes.
"Memes are fairly new." It's fair to say that memes are relatively new, given how recently they've become part of popular culture, but this isn't entirely true. There are many people that believe that they date back to the 70s with comic strips. Others believe they go back even further to the early 20s. Your mileage may vary, depending on what you believe, but companies such as fishbat will tell you that memes are older than most would believe.
"Memes only last for a short time." This isn't always the case. The truth is that while there are many memes that come and go, only serving as distant memories in the fast-paced world of the Internet, others have persevered. How many times have you seen people on Facebook share Willy Wonka pictures adorned with sarcastic text? This is an example of a meme, by some method or another, standing the test of time.
"Memes are meant for fun, not business." Who's to say that they can't be used for both? Depending on the business you run, it's entirely possible to make memes part of your social media strategy. In fact, it's recommended that you do so, provided they're applicable, as these images and videos tend to generate more engagement. As long as they tie back to your offerings, then the memes in question will prove effective.
"I can just create my own meme." If someone tells you that a meme can just be created, not unlike a blog post, then they are lying. The only way that a meme comes to life is if people share it enough times. The more that an image, video, or message is passed through the Internet, the more popular it becomes among various groups. This is how the majority of memes originate, so to say that they can be manufactured would be a lie.
"Memes are fairly new." It's fair to say that memes are relatively new, given how recently they've become part of popular culture, but this isn't entirely true. There are many people that believe that they date back to the 70s with comic strips. Others believe they go back even further to the early 20s. Your mileage may vary, depending on what you believe, but companies such as fishbat will tell you that memes are older than most would believe.
"Memes only last for a short time." This isn't always the case. The truth is that while there are many memes that come and go, only serving as distant memories in the fast-paced world of the Internet, others have persevered. How many times have you seen people on Facebook share Willy Wonka pictures adorned with sarcastic text? This is an example of a meme, by some method or another, standing the test of time.
"Memes are meant for fun, not business." Who's to say that they can't be used for both? Depending on the business you run, it's entirely possible to make memes part of your social media strategy. In fact, it's recommended that you do so, provided they're applicable, as these images and videos tend to generate more engagement. As long as they tie back to your offerings, then the memes in question will prove effective.
"I can just create my own meme." If someone tells you that a meme can just be created, not unlike a blog post, then they are lying. The only way that a meme comes to life is if people share it enough times. The more that an image, video, or message is passed through the Internet, the more popular it becomes among various groups. This is how the majority of memes originate, so to say that they can be manufactured would be a lie.