Fun fact: If the pandemic didn’t already make this painfully clear, we all need social connectivity to thrive. That’s not an exaggeration; being socially connected can extend one’s lifespan. So it’s no surprise we all turned to virtual channels like social media and teleconferencing platforms to stay connected when the world shut down last year. I know I did.
After having attended several virtual social media and digital marketing conferences earlier this year, I realized that my favorite speakers and takeaways thus far came from #SMWNYC. In this blog post, I share those key takeaways that continue to stay top of mind as we enter the fourth quarter of 2021 and begin to plan for 2022.
Brand Affinity Is a Lot Like Dating
The pandemic has revealed that brands that had the most success over the past year and a half are those that have prioritized social connectivity. The virus changed the way we use the internet, reminding us to keep what’s important at the forefront: our humanity.
So let’s get back to the basics.
When you think about it, building brand affinity is a lot like dating. First, you introduce yourself (brand awareness). Then, after you get to know one another and build up some trust (brand loyalty), you might get lucky enough for them to introduce you to their family and friends (brand affinity). If you’re a natural-born charmer, congrats—this will be an easy way for you to make sure your approach isn’t dated. If you’re just getting into the dating scene or are back on the prowl but not confident, these tips should help.