Welcome to the world of hashtag holidays—those fun, quirky and sometimes peculiar days dedicated to celebrating everything from pets to pizza. While some may think they’re frivolous, savvy marketers understand they can be powerful tools for boosting social media engagement and brand visibility. Let’s dive into how hashtag holidays can work their marketing magic for your business.
What are hashtag holidays?
Hashtag holidays are designated days throughout the year devoted to a specific theme or cause, often celebrated on social media. They provide a perfect backdrop for businesses to engage with audiences in fun and creative ways.
Spark engagement with creative campaigns.
Most hashtag holidays are ideal for sparking engagement by encouraging user-generated content and interactive campaigns. For example, #TalkLikeAPirateDay on September 19 presents the opportunity for “Arrr You Ready for a Fun Challenge?” Encourage your audience to share videos or posts using pirate lingo. Add a twist by offering a prize for the most creative entry.
This is a good way for retail brands to showcase themed products or for educational platforms to engage students in a fun activity.
Boost brand awareness with themed content.
There’s a hashtag holiday for almost everything, allowing brands to create themed content that resonates with audiences.
During November, #Thanksgiving is a prime opportunity. Share gratitude stories from employees, behind-the-scenes videos of your team or create a heartfelt post about what your brand is thankful for. This type of content is relatable and humanizes your brand, making it more approachable to your audience.
Inspire events and promotions.
What’s more, hashtag holidays can also serve as inspiration for events and promotions. Consider hosting a #CyberMonday sale in December, where you offer exclusive discounts for followers who engage with your posts. Use countdowns and sneak peeks to create anticipation. Another example is #NationalCookieDay in December—host a virtual cookie baking class, inviting followers to join and share their creations online. This not only promotes your brand but also fosters a sense of community.
Think Outside the Box
The beauty of hashtag holidays is that they encourage you to think outside the box. Use lesser-known holidays to stand out. For instance, #WorldSmileDay in October invites you to spread positivity.
Encourage followers to share their best smile photos using your brand’s hashtag alongside #WorldSmileDay. Reward participants with a chance to win branded merchandise or a shoutout on your page. This not only increases engagement but also builds community and brand loyalty.
In a “nutt” shell
Hashtag holidays aren’t just a passing trend—they’re a gateway to engaging with your audience in meaningful and entertaining ways. By staying on top of these days and creatively tying them to your brand, you can boost your social media presence, engage with your community and expand your customer base.
Let McNutt & Partners help you navigate the exciting world of hashtag holidays. Contact us or call 334.521.1010 to craft a social media strategy that will have your audience celebrating with you all year round!
