The dos and don’ts for using emojis in your marketing!
To emoji or not to emoji? That is the question. If you were trying to figure out the protocol for using emojis when writing advertising copy, replying to a social media post, sending a newsletter, writing an email subject line or messaging your clients/boss, here are 3 do’s and 2 don’ts for using emojis which will help you understand the thought process that’s required before using them.
DOs
1. Showcase the human side of your brand
Your customers are people… and so are you! If you are looking for ways to show the ‘human’ side of your brand on social media, you can use emojis to express a response or an emotion. This is a great opportunity for you, as a brand, to engage with your audience on a personal level.
2. Signal how information should be interpreted
All electronic communication can be toneless, so if you want to portray the tone of your voice or the expression of your face, use an emoji, like a smiley face or thumbs up, to express positive vibes or reduce negative interpretations.
3. Use emojis only if they are a natural fit
Emojis should be an extension of your normal expressions and gestures, and thus should never feel ‘forced’. Emojis, when used for business purposes, should be natural and automatic. If they don’t fit with the message, campaign, brand or even audience, simply don’t use it.
DON’TS
1. Don’t go over the top with emojis
Using emojis is fun. In fact, sometimes it’s so much fun that they are used far too much. Having an unnecessary overload of emojis or using them to make light of something that’s very serious, it’s a no-no.
2. Don’t forget that LinkedIn is different from other social media platforms
Emojis might be an acceptable form of workplace communication (perhaps not in all industries and businesses) and interaction on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, etc, however, don’t forget that LinkedIn is a professional social media tool and shouldn’t be treated the same way as a personal Snapchat account.
Keep in mind that an emoji can be worth a thousand words. Used wisely and strategically, emojis can have the desired effect – influence behaviors and attitudes, show emotion and empathy – but may become a problem when used inappropriately, excessively and irrelevantly. At the end of the day, it’s all about balance.
