Channeling Halloween Spirit on Social Media
Creating and sharing content on a consistent basis on social media can be challenging. It may have become more so during the pandemic with other priorities taking over.
One way to help keep your social media presence alive is to seize the holidays and other celebratory days. They occur each year on certain days, which can be motivating deadlines. They are celebrated by others, which provides a shared activity that is relatable.
If we take Halloween as an example, what can we do to seize the day on social media when it’s a few days away?
Below are some ideas to get you, your colleagues, and your clients into the Halloween spirit.
1. Re-purpose Past Content
Review content you have created in the past and see if you can re-purpose it by incorporating a Halloween spin. Are there legal concepts or case law your readers should be reminded of? Take a look at past blog posts and presentation slides from a speaking engagement.
The blog post you create with a Halloween spin does not have to speak about Halloween-related events. You can simply weave in adjectives associated with Halloween, such as “frightening” and “disguised”.
If time is very tight, you can instead reshare the post, or retweet the tweet, you shared that has a link to the content of value to your audience. Incorporate Halloween-associated adjectives into your social media post or tweet.
2. Capture Halloween Moments in Photos
What makes Halloween special for you? Is it the décor, candy, or community engagement? Although we can’t get together in person this year, there are many ways we can still celebrate and engage with others.
For example, share photos of your decorated office or your pet-turned-work-from-home-office-boss in costume. Think about life outside of work, such as Halloween baking, or Halloween running gear. Mention local businesses you’re supporting this Halloween season.
Instead of going door to door to trick-or-treat, we can have a virtual office, family, or friends social and capture the “Halloween surprise” one would get if we were at each other’s door. Share screenshots of those moments on social media. Also, visit social media accounts to delight in their Halloween posts and engage by leaving a comment.
Before sharing photos, check that you haven’t inadvertently captured something that should remain confidential or could be embarrassing. Also, please respect the privacy and professional image your guests would like to maintain. If in doubt, ask before you post a photo of someone.
3. Set up a Client Event
When we think of client events, we may be thinking of a formal event that involves weeks of planning. Client events can occur quickly and do not have to involve numerous of different clients.
For example, similar to seeing someone at a networking event and then saying “let’s meet up over coffee”, ask one of your clients about meeting up virtually for a short Halloween social. This can include other members of the client team who you work with. Also consider asking their family members to join – I’m sure some members would love to wear their Halloween costume more than once. This short get-together will allow you and your clients to get to know each other better
If a break from virtual meetings is preferred, consider an offline surprise or assistance. For example, you could arrange for a contactless delivery of treats and speak over the phone. Another idea is to do a physically-distanced, non-perishable food collection while in costume after carefully considering public health guidelines.
Given client confidentiality concerns and how your client could feel about being mentioned on social media, you may want to speak generically when sharing on social media. For example, you could tweet about how you’re getting your Halloween brew ready for a virtual social.
Halloween this year will certainly be different given the pandemic. We can, however, still conjure up that creative spirit on social media and support the communities we are a part of in a socially responsible manner. Have a happy and safe Halloween!
