Great content succeeds because it resonates with an audience. It really is as simple as that. Still, many social media professionals are no stranger to the conundrum of representing “dry brands”. Maybe this is a company so niche it struggles to grow in the digital space. Maybe it’s a business within an industry that just doesn’t naturally lend itself to a bountiful harvest of creative ideas. If that’s your experience, we feel the pain.

Here are our tips to make a dry brand shine on social media:

1. Know your Audience

Even the most creative content will fall flat if you don’t take the time to research your audience. Get in the habit of listening to the followers who interact with the particular industry you’re representing. If you’re not already familiar, take the time to Google specific terms your fans are using and figure out in what context they are most relevant. Followers can sniff out imposters easily, so this is of utmost importance for a good social presence.

 

2. Harness Pre-Existing Trends

How-tos and life hacks are examples of content that performs well on every social space imaginable. Luckily, these can be tailored to fit nearly any industry. Whether it’s car care tips like the one below that we produced for a client or crafting hacks for a glue company, your job will become immensely easier if you can jump on ideas that are trending and make them relevant to your audience. Hacks and how-tos also increase brand credibility; educate your audience with helpful tips and you will earn their trust and loyalty.

 

3. Find Commonality

Though it may seem doubtful in today’s climate, some things in life ARE widely agreed upon. Sunshine makes us happy. Sleep is enjoyable. Pizza is life. Use these commonalities to widen your appeal and depart from the esoteric content that may typically perform well for a dry brand. If you can infuse a bit of humor and get your audience laughing, even better! The post below is a great example of how commonalities and humor can work for your brand.

 

Arby’s is a great example of a brand that absolutely kills it with this concept. While they certainly can’t be considered a dry brand, the formula they use for engagement can be replicated. They widen their audience by appealing to many niches, yet keep the content relevant to their brand. Seriously, I’ve never eaten at an Arby’s in my life, and yet I follow them just to see what clever posts they’ll produce next.

 

4. High-Quality Photography

Like our first tip, even the best copy can be derailed by a sloppy image. Make sure your photos are as compelling as the words you write, so followers aren’t distracted by careless branding. An eye-catching photo can make a dry brand more interesting and is key to building a strong presence no matter the industry.

 

Sometimes the best content comes from the dryest brands: use your creativity and make some magic!

Leave a Reply