Let’s dive into the April 2025 top social media trends and memes and what we can learn from them.
#1: This Is the Whole Point
We love to see a trend that focuses on the positive. One of the biggest ones in April was users sharing videos of beautiful scenery and favorite memories with the text overlay, “Almost forgot this is the whole point.” Basically, users are reminding themselves of the beauty and purpose of life. (It's a breath of fresh air, honestly.) Brand accounts didn’t hesitate to jump in as well.
Why it works: A common thread throughout the best memes and trends is the ease of recreation. This one is incredibly simple to recreate, and it’s especially easy to bring in some extra personality and humor or relate to your brand’s products or services.
Creator To-Do: We can see this one being an evergreen trend, so create your own!
#2: God Forbid
Users dove headfirst into the self-deprecating humor on this one. People shared quotes of someone calling them out on something, followed by a funny explanation for it: “God forbid I…”.
Look at some examples below–you’ll see what we mean.
Why it works: This meme has huge virality potential, as social media users love to show off their sense of humor. Many of the renditions are super relatable, too, which boosts engagement in comments and shares.
Creator To-Do: We didn’t see many brand accounts jumping on this one. A missed opportunity, really! So this is your reminder to keep an eye out for these easy-to-recreate trends, and don’t be afraid to test them out!
#3: I’m Bored, Tell Me…
This trend would get the “Most Engaging” award for April. Users took to TikTok, asking the audience to share their most unhinged thoughts, opinions, and recommendations for different scenarios. See some of our favorite examples below.
Why it works: One thing about people is that they LOVE to offer their hot takes and crazy stories. These videos turned into comment magnets, encouraging valuable engagement.
Creator To-Do: Test ways of making (almost sneakily) engaging content like this where your audience can’t resist leaving a comment to share their opinion.
#4: Hard Launch
This meme plays off a widespread phenomenon called “hard launching,” which means finally revealing the new person you’re dating on social media. Except in this trend, users are “hard launching” themselves with other things they’re obsessed with. We love love.
Why it works: Once again, humor is the big winner in this meme. Giving an unexpected new meaning to something well-known around social (like “hard launching”) is an excellent method for grabbing attention.
Creator To-Do: It was also fun seeing some of the brands mentioned in the videos engaging in the comments. Even if you don’t always jump on recreating these trends, don’t forget the power of proactively engaging with videos where your brand is relevant.
That's a wrap on April 2025 top social media trends and memes! What will you be participating in?
Ready to elevate your digital marketing strategy? Chat with our team today!
Spring and Summer 2025 Pop Culture Events Social Media Marketers Need to Know
Spring and summer 2025 are packed with a lineup of exciting events and pop culture moments that social media marketers won’t want to miss. From blockbuster TV releases to award shows, these seasonal events are the perfect opportunity to tap into current trends and boost engagement.
Pop culture is the driving force behind digital conversations, memes, and trends that shape the online world. For social media marketers, staying ahead of these events is crucial to ensuring your brand remains relevant and top-of-mind.
Let’s explore the must-watch moments that should be on your radar this spring and summer.
1. Major Award Shows in Spring/Summer 2025
Award season is a goldmine for social media marketers, as fans and celebrities alike fill the digital space with hot takes, memes, and celebrations.
Academy of Country Music Awards - May 8
Cannes Film Festival - May 13-24
American Music Awards - May 26
Tony Awards - June 8
Emmys - September 14
How to Leverage It:
This depends on what space your brand exists in. Are you a fashion brand? Perfect–share “Who Wore It Best?” polls, commentary reels, and more. Are you in the film or music space? Share memes from the inevitable funny or awkward moments that happen. Keep your eyes peeled!
2. Major Book, Movie, & TV Releases in Spring/Summer 2025
Spring and summer are set to be thrilling times for major book, movie, and TV releases. It’s practically a guarantee at this point that these releases will make their way into mainstream moments.
Books to Look Out For in 2025:
Never Flinch by Stephen King(May 27) – This newest novel from Stephen King is sure to be everywhere online in the days around its release. Make your predictions now–will this one become a movie, too?
Movies to Look Out For in 2025:
A Minecraft Movie (April 4) - Yes, the hit video game Minecraft is being turned into a movie. With Jack Black, Jason Momoa, and Jennifer Coolidge all on the cast line-up, it’s going to be a wild ride.
28 Years Later (June 20) - A sequel to one of the zombie genre’s most iconic franchises that already has fans sharing opinions and reactions on social media.
TV Shows to Look Out for in 2025:
The Handmaid’s Tale Season 6 (April 8) – The sixth and final season of Hulu’s show based on Margaret Atwood’s novel; it’s going to break the internet.
Black Mirror Season 7(April 10) – This unhinged but addictive show is returning with its seventh season on Netflix. Keep an eye out for tons of online chatter about this one.
How to Leverage It:
Participate in memes or discussion threads, while making sure to stay relevant to your specific audience.
Encourage user-generated content by asking followers to predict plot twists or share their favorite character moments.
3. Pop Culture Events in Spring/Summer 2025
Pop culture events and music festivals offer perfect opportunities for social media marketers to showcase their brands in creative, timely ways.
Coachella (April 11-20)
Met Gala (May 5)
San Diego Comic-Con (July 24-27)
How to Leverage It:
Create visually engaging content, like outfit inspiration or meme-worthy commentary on celebrity styles and Comic-Con reveals.
Run exclusive social media campaigns, polls, or giveaways to capitalize on the increased traffic during these events.
4. International Awareness Days and Months in Spring/Summer 2025
Don’t forget to tap into cultural and social awareness days that spark conversations.
Must-Know Days for 2025:
Earth Day (April 22): Brands focused on sustainability can take part in global conversations.
Mental Health Awareness Month (May): Focus on content that emphasizes well-being, self-care, and support.
Pride Month (June): LGBTQIA+ visibility continues to be a major initiative for brands.
How to Leverage It:
Create content that shows how your brand aligns with these movements. But don’t force it–social media users can sniff out inauthenticity from a mile away.
5. Major Sports Events in Spring/Summer 2025
Major sporting events are unmissable moments for social media engagement.
Kentucky Derby (May 3)
Indy 500 (May 26)
Stanley Cup Finals (June 13-15)
Wimbledon (June 30-July 13)
How to Leverage It:
Use sports-related memes to join in on trending moments, or run polls to encourage fan engagement.
Plan Ahead, But Stay Flexible
Spring and summer of 2025 are packed with exciting opportunities for social media marketers to leverage pop culture moments and elevate their brands. By adding these major events, holidays, and trends to your content calendar, you'll stay relevant, drive engagement, and build authentic connections with your audience.
But success doesn’t stop there—the key is flexibility. Pop culture can be unpredictable, and trends can pop up at any time. Make sure your content calendar allows room for agility, so you can quickly jump on the latest meme or viral moment.
Ready to ride the wave of trends? Let’s talk about crafting a strategy that keeps your brand in the spotlight all year long.
How to Use Social Listening in Your Digital Marketing Strategy (Plus the Top Social Listening Tools)
Social listening is your way of tuning into the digital chatter. It helps you get to know your audience, understand their needs, and identify trends that could skyrocket your brand’s success. But how exactly does it work? And why should it be a crucial part of your digital marketing strategy in 2025? Let's break it down.
1. Social Listening = Digital Eavesdropping (But in a Good Way)
If you’ve ever scrolled through your feed, explored videos under a trending sound, or checked out a hashtag, you’ve already participated in social listening.
Social listening involves tracking and analyzing online conversations to identify trends, sentiments, and customer feedback that can guide your strategy. It's not just about hearing what people say, but actively listening and understanding it.
Why This Matters:
Understanding your audience’s sentiments—whether they love or hate your product—helps you refine your approach. This insight ensures your content hits the right note, avoids potential PR disasters, and makes your messaging more relatable.
How To Use This:
Set up social listening tools like Hootsuite, Brandwatch, or Sprout Social to track keywords, hashtags, and brand mentions. This data helps you make smarter decisions about your content, customer service, and marketing.
2. Stay Ahead of Trends with Social Listening
Social media doesn’t wait for anyone. We all know memes and trends have short lives. So why should your brand react after the wave has passed? Social listening helps you stay ahead of the curve by providing real-time insights that keep you relevant. You can identify trends as they happen, jump on relevant conversations, and create content that feels fresh and timely.
Why This Matters:
By catching trends early, your brand can be at the forefront of what’s happening, whether it’s a viral meme, news event, or cultural moment. This creates opportunities to engage your audience in ways that feel authentic and relevant.
How To Use This:
Track trending hashtags and keywords in real-time. Use social listening to jump on relevant trends (without looking like you're forcing it), create timely content, or even respond to a meme your brand can uniquely riff off of.
3. Understand Your Customers Like Never Before with Social Listening
Here’s the thing—people are chatting about your brand all over social media. Whether it’s praise, complaints, or simple thoughts, social listening is your chance to tune into this unfiltered feedback. By collecting and analyzing this feedback, brands can make informed decisions about everything from product development to customer service.
Why This Matters:
By hearing directly from your customers, you can build stronger relationships, resolve pain points, and deliver exactly what they want. Whether it's fixing an issue or amplifying what they're loving, you're actively working to create the best experience for your audience.
How To Use This:
Monitor conversations around your brand and industry. Are people complaining about a feature? Complimenting your service? Make sure you're responding appropriately, adjusting products, and recognizing loyal customers.
4. Boost Your Customer Service Game with Social Listening
Let's be real—customers don’t always reach out through traditional channels. And according to Sprout Social, 78% of people expect responses from brands within 24 hours on social media. They might send you a direct message on Instagram or even leave comments on your public posts. Social listening helps brands monitor these interactions, allowing them to resolve issues quickly before they blow up.
Why This Matters:
By addressing customer concerns in real-time, you show that your brand cares about customer satisfaction and is committed to offering a stellar experience. The faster you respond, the more loyal your customers will become.
How To Use This:
Track mentions of your brand and key product/service terms across all platforms. Respond to complaints or questions quickly, offering solutions and showing empathy.
We're so sorry to hear your order was late. Please DM us your email, phone number, and order details so we can look into what happened! - Kim
5. Improve Your Product or Service with Feedback from Social Listening
Your customers are the ultimate experts on your products. Social listening allows you to track not only what people love about your brand but also what they want to see improved. This feedback loop can be a goldmine for innovation.
Why This Matters:
By listening to your audience, you gain actionable feedback that helps improve your offerings. If customers are talking about needing a new product feature, why not listen and add it to your next release?
How To Use This:
Monitor discussions around your products or services. Act on feedback—whether it’s improving features, solving issues, or launching new offerings that align with customer desires.
Top Social Listening Tools
Below is a summary of some of our favorite social listening tools, but check out our blog post, 7 Best Social Listening Tools to Unlock Brand Insights, for a full list with more details.
Media Intelligence: Provides insights from both social and traditional media sources
Features: Offers comprehensive search capabilities, sentiment analysis, and custom reporting
Best For: Brands looking to monitor their presence across multiple media types and channels
Social Listening = Success for Your Digital Marketing Strategy
Social listening is not a one-time effort. It’s an ongoing process that requires you to actively listen, analyze, and respond—but when done right, the results can be game-changing.
So, get listening. Your audience is talking, and the more you hear, the better equipped you’ll be to provide what they need.
At Random, we know how important social listening is for crafting strategies that connect with your audience and drive results. Let’s chat and take your brand to the next level!
So we’ve survived another month of 2025, and we’ve got some great social media memes to show for it. Let’s dive into the biggest February 2025 social trends and what we can learn from them.
#1: Kendrick’s Viral Super Bowl Performance
We predicted a half-time performance from Kendrick Lamar that would blow the internet’s collective mind, and we were right.
Almost every aspect of Kendrick’s show inspired viral videos, from his powerful political metaphors to his “Not Like Us” performance and his dancers’ choreography. And we can’t forget about his iconic flared jeans. Check out some of our favorite moments from TikTok below.
His viral performance also inspired a general trend across social platforms for more creators and brands to use his songs in their videos. The audio used by all the examples below was one of the big ones–and it’s kind of addictive to listen to.
Why it works: Staying on top of BIG pop culture moments is key to riding the wave of relevancy and engagement. Whether it was recreating the half-time show choreography or using a popular Kendrick song, creators and brands knew that taking advantage of this trending moment at its peak was a smart move for their content.
Creator To-Do: Keep an eye on 2025’s biggest pop culture events and be prepared to jump into the memes that will undoubtedly come out of them.
#2: You’re So Funny…
With over 1 million posts on TikTok, this next trend is set to be one of the biggest of the year. Users online took 5 Seconds of Summer’s song “She Looks So Perfect” and shared some of their…traumatizing backstories and personality traits. Take a look:
Why it works: As humans, we love making light of our problems using humor on social media. Plus, this was a great opportunity for brands and influencers to show their cards and be more authentic.
Creator To-Do: Don’t overthink it. This trend is a reminder that sometimes all you need to participate in a trend is a simple video, text overlay, and willingness to be vulnerable.
#3: What My Brain Sounds Like
Continuing the *authenticity* vibes from the previous meme, this next trending audio gave us glimpses into the more positive, comforting aspects of people’s lives.
What my brain sounds like because I live alone: Peace 🥹✨ Does your inner child ever come out when you’re just hanging out by yourself?? Because in moments of ultimate peace and happiness when it’s just me in my casita, I think of my younger self and how she was always so excited for this. So grateful to have the privilege to live on my own 🫶🏼 #livingalone#livingalonediaries#relatable#cozyhomedecor#cozyathome#homebody
*Sigh* Isn’t it nice to see some positivity around TikTok?
Why it works: While on the opposite side of the spectrum from the previous meme, this trend still gave a great opportunity for creators to show relatable aspects of their lives. Lighter on the drama, but still heavy on genuine connection.
Creator To-Do: You might get tired of hearing us say this, but… prioritize authenticity. We could’ve seen this trend working well for brands: another simple video setup and text overlay. “What my brain sounds like when I’m enjoying [insert your product here]” - you get the idea.
#4: Wow, What an Offer
Not gonna lie, we’ve been quoting this one in real life too much this month. This meme uses a trending audio that says “Wow, what an offer. Let me sleep on it, though,” in a sarcastic way that reveals the actually not-so-great offers people would decline. Check it out:
Why it works: We’ll give you one guess of what we’re about to say. Yep! Authenticity. Any chance for creators and brands to share highly relatable tidbits like this is a success. Also, we think this one has evergreen potential–it’s not tied to a certain timely moment, it hasn’t been overly used yet, and it could still show you have your finger on the pulse of social trends.
Creator To-Do: Use your best judgment when participating in a trend. Is it a timely trend that will be over by the time you post it? Or is it an evergreen opportunity that you can still take advantage of? Either way, don’t wait too long before jumping in.
At That RANDOM Agency, we utilize two of our core values – curiosity and collaboration – to bring you consistent content helping you learn about the great digital landscape and how to operate like a boss within it. Check out our other blog posts on our Random Thoughts page or schedule a discovery call today!
10 Tips to Optimize Your Facebook Ads
Facebook ads are one of the most powerful tools in your marketing toolkit, but only if you know how to use them right. They can help you create targeted, high-converting campaigns that drive actual business results. Whether you’re new to Facebook advertising or a seasoned pro looking for some fresh tips, we’ve got you covered.
Here are 10 essential tips to optimize your Facebook ads and make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
1. Start with Clear Objectives
Before you even think about your ad creative, pause and ask yourself: What do I want to achieve? Facebook gives you multiple objectives to choose from—traffic, conversions, brand awareness, lead generation, and more. The trick is to pick the one that aligns with your end goal.
Why This Matters:
If you choose the wrong objective, your campaign will likely flop. For example, if you’re looking for conversions but choose "brand awareness," you're likely going to waste money. So, choose wisely.
Best Practice:
Pick the objective that matches your goal. If you want more sales, pick Conversions. If you're building your email list, go with Lead Generation. Don’t overcomplicate things!
2. Define Your Target Audience
Targeting the right audience is everything. Facebook’s targeting features are incredibly powerful, but it’s important to know exactly who you want to reach. When you target the right people, your ads become more relevant, and your conversion rate skyrockets.
Why This Matters:
Facebook gives you the option to target based on location, interests, behaviors, and more. The more specific your audience, the more likely you’ll convert them into customers.
Best Practice:
Use Lookalike Audiences to expand your reach and find people similar to your best customers. Don't forget to segment your audience based on their behavior—retarget people who visited your website but didn't make a purchase (you’ll need to utilize Meta Pixel for that kind of function). This is where the magic happens.
3. Optimize Your Ad Creative
Your ad creative—images, videos, and text—is what will grab your audience’s attention and keep them interested. If you’re still using stock images from last year’s campaign, it’s time for a refresh.
Why This Matters:
Eye-catching visuals make a massive difference in your ad’s performance. Video ads generally outperform static images, but make sure whatever creative you use aligns with your brand’s message and vibe.
Best Practice:
Keep it simple and on-brand. High-quality images or videos are a must. Test different formats like carousel ads or video ads to see what resonates most with your audience. And, don't forget to include a strong call to action—make it crystal clear what you want people to do next.
4. Write Compelling Ad Copy
You can have the prettiest ad in the world, but if your copy doesn't connect, you're not going to convert. Your ad copy needs to grab attention and get straight to the point.
Why This Matters:
If your audience doesn’t immediately know what you're offering or why they should care, you’ve already lost them. A clear, concise message will lead to higher engagement and conversions.
Best Practice:
Keep it short and sweet—attention spans are tiny. Highlight your product’s benefits (not just features) and include a strong CTA. Use humor and personality where appropriate—don’t be afraid to get creative!
5. A/B Test Your Ads
You can’t just set and forget your Facebook ads. A/B testing allows you to experiment with different versions of your ad to see what resonates best with your audience.
Why This Matters:
Testing is key to understanding what works (and what doesn’t). Small tweaks can make a huge difference in performance. So, if you’re not testing, you’re missing out on potential gains.
Best Practice:
Test one element at a time—images, headlines, CTAs—and let the test run for at least 3–5 days. This way, you can see which version performs better and scale up what works.
6. Monitor Your Metrics and KPIs
Facebook Ads Manager provides a treasure trove of data. But what does it all mean? Understanding key metrics like CTR (Click-Through Rate), CPC (Cost Per Click), and CPA (Cost Per Acquisition) will help you make informed decisions and optimize your ads over time.
Why This Matters:
If you’re not measuring the right metrics, you might think your campaign is doing well when it’s actually underperforming. Track your performance to spot trends, identify areas for improvement, and save money.
Best Practice:
Focus on metrics that align with your campaign’s objective. For conversions, track CPA and ROAS (Return on Ad Spend). For engagement, focus on CTR and engagement rate. Make sure to adjust your budget based on what’s working.
7. Set a Realistic Budget
When you’re just starting out with Facebook ads, it’s easy to get excited and blow through your budget quickly. But setting a realistic budget and being strategic about where you allocate your spend will make sure you’re investing wisely.
Why This Matters:
A huge budget doesn’t guarantee success. It’s about smart spending and letting Facebook’s algorithm work its magic. Start small, then scale up once you see results.
Best Practice:
Start with a small daily budget (think $5-$10 per day) to test your ad sets. Once you see what’s working, increase your budget to amplify those results. Don’t waste your ad spend on underperforming ads.
8. Use Meta Pixel for Better Tracking and Retargeting
Meta Pixel is your best friend when it comes to tracking performance and retargeting users who interact with your website. It’s a small piece of code you add to your site that helps Facebook track user behavior and improve your ad targeting.
Why This Matters:
By using Pixel, you can retarget people who visited your site but didn’t complete a purchase. This increases the chances of conversions, as you're reaching users who’ve already shown interest.
Best Practice:
Install Meta Pixel on your website and create custom audiences for retargeting. You can also use Pixel for Lookalike Audiences to target people similar to your best customers.
9. Optimize for Mobile Users
Over 98% of Facebook users access the platform via mobile, so it’s crucial that your ads are optimized for smaller screens. Mobile-friendly ads make it easier for users to engage and convert while scrolling through their feeds.
Why This Matters:
A bad mobile experience means a missed opportunity. If your images or links are hard to read or don’t load correctly, users will move on to the next post. Make it easy for them to engage.
Best Practice:
Use vertical or square images that display well on mobile. Ensure that your landing page is mobile-responsive and loads quickly.
10. Keep Your Ad Frequency in Check
Ad fatigue is real. If your audience sees your ad too many times, it becomes stale, and your engagement will drop. Keep an eye on your frequency to avoid oversaturation.
Why This Matters:
High frequency can lead to diminishing returns. When users see the same ad over and over, they’re less likely to engage, and your ROI will start to drop.
Best Practice:
Aim for 1–2 impressions per user per week. If frequency goes higher, refresh your creative, or adjust your audience targeting.
Mastering Facebook Ads for Better Results
Optimizing your Facebook ads is all about testing, measuring, and refining. It’s a process that requires constant attention and tweaking.
By focusing on the right objectives, targeting the right audience, and monitoring your metrics, you can maximize your ROI and make Facebook work for your business.
Ready to optimize your paid social media campaigns? Chat with us.
When and How to Respond to Negative Feedback on Social Media: A Community Management Guide
Let’s face it: social media isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. As a brand, you’re bound to get your fair share of negative feedback—whether it’s a customer who didn’t get their delivery on time or someone venting about your latest product launch. But here's the thing: handling that negativity can be your brand's greatest opportunity for growth and loyalty.
At Random, we believe responding to negative feedback is about showing your audience you care, you’re listening, and you’re committed to doing better. When done right, addressing complaints can actually build stronger, more authentic relationships with your community. But how do you know when to respond, and what’s the best way to do it? Grab your social media toolkit, because we’re about to break it down with some expert insights.
Why Responding to Negative Feedback Matters More Than Ever
We get it—negative feedback can sting. But the real question is: Why does it matter so much?
1. It’s a Trust-Building Opportunity In a world where consumers crave authenticity, how you handle negative feedback speaks volumes about your brand’s values. According to Sprout Social, 51% of consumers think the most memorable thing a brand can do is respond to customers on social. That means when you address complaints, you’re showing the world that you’re invested in creating a better experience for your customers. Even if you don’t get it right the first time, your genuine efforts will make a lasting impact.
2. Your Brand’s Reputation Is on the Line Ignoring or mishandling a complaint can turn a small issue into a major PR nightmare. Customers expect brands to be responsive and transparent. Handling it with grace can turn a disgruntled customer into a lifelong fan.
3. It Impacts Your Bottom Line Social media is often a direct line to your sales and conversions. A well-handled response can boost customer satisfaction, drive traffic, and even increase conversions. By resolving issues publicly and professionally, you build credibility—an essential asset when it comes to customer loyalty and sales.
When to Respond: Timing Is Everything
So, now you know why responding is crucial, but the million-dollar question is: When should you respond?
1. Respond Quickly to Public Complaints
The last thing you want is for a negative comment to sit there unresolved on your social feed. When the feedback is visible to a large audience, it’s time to act fast. Social media is real-time, and customers expect prompt responses. A quick, empathetic reply shows the world that you’re on top of it.
Best Practice: Respond within 2-4 hours when the issue is public. Show you care before things snowball.
2. Step Back When the Tone is Heated
Sometimes a comment comes across as more of a personal attack than genuine criticism. If someone’s clearly venting their frustration, it’s best to step back and take a moment. That’s right—take a breath. Don’t engage in a back-and-forth battle online. Giving yourself time to cool down means your response will be thoughtful, not reactive.
Best Practice: If the comment feels aggressive or emotional, take a pause. Respond calmly, without getting caught in the heat of the moment.
3. Respond When You Have a Solution (Or a Path Forward)
There’s nothing worse than a “we’re sorry, but…” response. If you don’t have a solution ready, it’s better to wait. When you do respond, make sure you’re offering something meaningful—whether it’s a refund, a replacement, or a clear next step in resolving the issue. Empty apologies can make you seem dismissive, so be sure you’re offering a real solution that addresses the customer’s needs.
Best Practice: Wait until you have a clear resolution, and offer concrete steps for how the situation will be handled.
How to Respond: Crafting the Perfect Response
You’ve nailed the timing, but how do you craft a response that turns the tide in your favor? Here’s our recipe for success.
1. Start with Empathy
First things first: acknowledge the frustration. People just want to feel heard. A simple "we’re sorry to hear that" or "we get how frustrating that must be" can go a long way in diffusing the situation. People are less likely to escalate when they feel understood.
Example: “Hey [Name], thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. We totally get how disappointing this situation is, and we’re here to help.”
2. Stay Professional, Always
This one’s a no-brainer. Even if the comment is less than kind, maintain your brand’s professionalism. Responding in a respectful and calm manner shows that you’re a brand worth trusting. You’re in control of the conversation, and your response reflects your brand's values.
Example: “We’re really sorry to hear about the issues you’ve experienced. We take feedback seriously, and we’re committed to resolving this.”
3. Offer a Solution, Not Just Words
After the empathetic acknowledgment, move swiftly into offering a resolution. Don’t leave your customer hanging with a vague promise. Whether it’s troubleshooting, a discount, or a refund, be clear about how you plan to fix things. This builds customer trust and shows you care about making it right.
Example: “Could you DM us your order number? We’ll get that sorted for you right away, and make sure you’re satisfied.”
When to Hide or Report Comments
In some cases, hiding or reporting comments is the best course of action. Handling this thoughtfully can protect your brand’s image and help maintain a respectful community.
1. When the Comment Violates Platform Rules
Every social media platform has its own set of community guidelines, and as a brand, it’s crucial to uphold these standards. If a comment is hateful, racist, discriminatory, or contains threats of violence, you should immediately hide or report it.
2. When the Comment is Spam or Fake
Delete or flag any comments that are purely promotional, unrelated, or clearly spammy. It’s better to keep your feed clean and focused on meaningful interactions.
3. When the Comment is Abusive or Personal
Sometimes, the negativity takes a personal turn. If a comment targets an individual employee or crosses into personal attacks, this should be handled swiftly to prevent further harm. Always follow your platform’s rules for reporting harassment or bullying.
What to Avoid When Responding to Negative Feedback
You can’t always control how people feel, but you can control how you react. Here’s what to steer clear of when handling negative feedback:
Avoid Ignoring Public Complaints: Hiding behind silence makes you look like you’re avoiding the issue. Always respond when the feedback is visible.
Don’t Get Defensive: Even if the complaint feels unjustified, stay calm. Being defensive only escalates the situation and makes the brand look bad.
Don’t Make Promises You Can’t Keep: If you offer a solution, ensure it’s something you can follow through on. Empty promises will come back to haunt you.
Don’t Apologize Without Action: A quick “sorry” without an actual plan to address the issue won’t cut it. Your apology should be paired with a resolution.
Don’t Be Afraid to Take the Conversation Offline: Are the issues complex, sensitive, or escalating? Move the discussion to a private channel to prevent unproductive back-and-forth. Acknowledge the issue publicly, then transition to DMs, email, or even a phone call to resolve the problem with focused attention.
Community Management: The Secret Weapon
Whether you’re addressing complaints, answering questions, or simply engaging with your followers, each interaction is an opportunity to show your brand’s personality, build trust, and grow your community.
Keep it professional, be empathetic, and always offer a solution. If you do that, you’ll turn those negative comments into positive connections and loyal fans. Need help navigating community management for your brand? Let’s chat.
2025 Pop Culture Events and Moments Social Media Marketers Need to Know
It’s a social media marketer’s dream every year: award shows, highly anticipated TV releases, sports events, and more are brimming with opportunities to create viral content. Pop culture drives trends, memes, and the digital conversations that shape social media every day. For social media marketers, staying on top of these moments is key to riding the wave of relevancy and engagement. Let’s dive into the must-watch 2025 pop culture events and moments that should be on every social media marketer’s radar.
1. Major Award Shows: The GRAMMYs, Oscars, and More
Award season is a content powerhouse for social media marketers, with fans and celebrities alike flooding the digital space with hot takes, memes, and celebratory content. In 2025, key award shows will offer endless opportunities to align your brand with fan excitement and important cultural moments.
GRAMMYs (February 2, 2025)
Oscars (March 2, 2025)
Tony Awards - (June 8, 2025)
Emmys (September 2025)
Why It’s Important:
These events generate high engagement with audiences discussing their favorite nominees, performances, and red carpet moments.
Brands can create content around trending artists, films, and performances, jumping into viral conversations.
How to Leverage It:
This depends on what space your brand exists in. Are you a fashion brand? Perfect–share “Who Wore It Best?” polls, commentary reels, and more. Are you in the film or music space? Share real-time updates on winners and nominations.
Even if your brand doesn’t directly relate to award season, there’s still bound to be memes that you can put your own spin on to relate to your specific audience. Keep your eyes peeled.
2. Major Book, Movie, & TV Releases: The Blockbusters & Binge-Worthy Shows
2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for movie lovers and binge-watchers alike. From action-packed sequels to highly anticipated superhero films, there’s a lineup of blockbuster releases that will stir up online conversations.
Books to Look Out For in 2025:
Sunrise on the Reaping (March 18, 2025) – Fans of The Hunger Games franchise are going to be in full-force on social media with countdowns and discussions around this newest book in the series. (And if you want to plan superrr ahead, the movie adaptation is set to be released in November 2026.)
Movies to Look Out For in 2025:
Captain America: Brave New World (February 14, 2025) - Another addition to the Marvel universe that’s sure to have fans flocking to social media for discussion.
28 Years Later (June 20, 2025) - A sequel to one of the zombie genre’s most iconic franchises that already has fans sharing opinions and reactions on social media.
TV Shows to Look Out for in 2025:
Stranger Things Season 5 – A pop culture juggernaut that will continue to fuel conversations around the series’ final season.
The Witcher Season 4 – Fantasy lovers will flood social media with memes and theories as the show evolves.
Why It’s Important:
Movie and TV buzz leads to active conversations on social platforms, from trailer releases to casting announcements.
Fans will create memes, reaction videos, and long threads analyzing plot points and character arcs.
How to Leverage It:
Create memes or discussion threads based on trailers or pivotal scenes.
Encourage user-generated content by asking followers to predict plot twists or share their favorite character moments.
3. Pop Culture Events: Met Gala, Comic-Con, and More
Pop culture events and music festivals offer perfect opportunities for social media marketers to showcase their brands in creative, timely ways.
Key 2025 Pop Culture Events:
Coachella (April 2025)
Met Gala (May 5, 2025)
San Diego Comic-Con (July 2025)
Why It’s Important:
These events bring together top influencers, designers, and celebrities, providing a stage for exciting, visual content.
Fans and creators alike flood social platforms with their takes on outfits, performances, and announcements.
How to Leverage It:
Engage in visual-driven content, such as outfit inspiration or meme-worthy commentary around celebrity styles or Comic-Con reveals.
Run exclusive social media campaigns, polls, or giveaways during these high-traffic events.
4. International Awareness Days and Months
Social media marketers know that the key to timely content isn’t just big events—it’s tapping into cultural and social awareness days that spark conversations.
Must-Know Days for 2025:
International Women’s Day (March 8, 2025): A great moment for brands to show their commitment to women’s empowerment.
Earth Day (April 22, 2025): Brands focused on sustainability can take part in global conversations.
Mental Health Awareness Month (May 2025): Focus on content that emphasizes well-being, self-care, and support.
Pride Month (June 2025): LGBTQIA+ visibility continues to be a major expectation for brands.
Why It’s Important:
These observances allow brands to connect with their audiences on a deeper level, aligning with important causes.
They also help amplify awareness, boost engagement, and show your brand’s values.
How to Leverage It:
Create content that shows how your brand aligns with these movements. Use hashtags to join the larger conversation and make your content discoverable.
Partner with influencers or brands that represent these causes authentically.
5. Major Sports Events: Super Bowl, Basketball, and More
If your brand has any ties to sports or a broader global audience, major sporting events are unmissable moments for social media engagement.
Sports events create a sense of community and excitement—perfect for joining larger conversations.
Engaging with sports culture can boost brand visibility during events with global audiences.
How to Leverage It:
Create branded content or campaigns around sporting events, like creating shareable graphics about teams or athletes.
Use sports-related memes to join in on trending moments, or run polls to encourage fan engagement.
Plan Ahead for 2025 Pop Culture, But Stay Flexible
2025 is packed with exciting opportunities for social media marketers to leverage pop culture moments and elevate their brands. By adding these major events, holidays, and trends to your content calendar, you can stay relevant, boost engagement, and connect authentically with your audience.
However, the key to success lies in staying agile. Pop culture is unpredictable, and new trends can emerge at any moment. Make sure your content calendar has room for flexibility, so you can quickly jump on whatever comes next—whether it’s a surprise meme or a viral award show moment.As 2025 unfolds, the possibilities for social media engagement are endless. Ready to capitalize on the trends? Let’s chat about how you can build a killer strategy that puts your brand in the spotlight all year long.
Navigating Social Media During Holidays and Global Events: A Guide for Brands
As social media marketers, we’re no stranger to fine lines. One such fine line that brands must walk on social media is whether to comment on certain holidays, days of observance, and current events. While some instances call for a thoughtful response, others may require restraint.
In this blog post, we’re giving you a handy-dandy guide (you’re welcome!) to know when and how to address these cultural moments on your social media.
Handling Planned Holidays and Remembrance Days
Knowing Which Holidays to Participate In
“Less is more” is a cliche worth repeating here. You don’t need to post about every holiday under the sun. Seriously, unless you’re running a niche cat meme account (or you’re legitimately a pet company), your audience probably doesn’t need a post for National Cat Day.
Instead, focus on the holidays that resonate with your audience and align with your brand values.
Know Your Audience: Understand which holidays matter to your followers. A fitness brand may want to highlight National Fitness Day, while a skincare line could shine during National Self-Care Day. Targeting your content is key.
Brand Alignment: Ensure the holiday connects with your mission. For instance, if you’re a sustainable brand, Earth Day is your Super Bowl. If not, maybe sit this one out and spare your followers the eye-roll.
Don’t Overwhelm: Posting for every holiday can lead to a diluted message–especially when every other brand is also posting on the same days. Focus on a select few that provide the most engagement opportunities. You can save your energy for the holidays that really count.
Posting Authentically and Creatively
Once you’ve nailed down which holidays to focus on, let’s talk about how to make those posts sing.
Tell a Story: Connect the holiday to your brand mission through storytelling. For example, if you’re a pet brand or a rescue organization, share heartwarming rescue stories on National Pet Day. Everyone loves a feel-good tale, and it makes your brand memorable.
Engage Your Audience: Encourage user-generated content. A travel brand could invite followers to share their favorite vacation spots for National Travel Day. It’s like throwing a mini vacation party on social media—who doesn’t want that?
Creative Campaigns: Think outside the box! Run themed promotions, contests, or events that invite participation. For example, on Halloween, you could host a costume contest where users post their best dressed-up pets.
When it comes to posting about somber holidays or remembrance days, here are some tips to tread lightly:
Respectful Tone: Acknowledge the significance of the day with a somber and empathetic tone.
Supportive Messaging: If it makes sense–let us say that again–if it makes sense, share how your brand contributes to the cause or offers support. This isn’t the time for a flashy sale; it’s about genuine care and solidarity.
Key Holidays and Their Tonal Guidelines
Here are some of the most common holidays and special occasions throughout the year. Once again, choose sparingly and wisely which days to post about! Pick ones that truly matter to your audience, and find a way to connect it back to the mission of your brand.
Month
Holiday
Tone and Tips
January
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Inspirational; focus on community service and social justice initiatives.
February
Lunar New Year
Joyful and celebratory; share traditions and encourage community engagement.
March
International Women’s Day
Empowering; showcase female leaders within your organization and support women’s initiatives.
March
Holi
Colorful and festive; engage with vibrant imagery and share the significance of the festival of colors.
April
Earth Day
Inspirational; highlight sustainability efforts and community initiatives.
April
Passover
Respectful; acknowledge the significance and share educational content about the holiday.
April
Eid al-Fitr
Joyful and celebratory; share greetings and highlight community events.
May
Memorial Day
Somber and respectful; honor veterans and those who served with meaningful content.
May
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Celebratory; showcase diverse stories and contributions of AAPI communities.
June
Juneteenth
Educational; share resources and stories about black history and culture.
June
Pride Month
Celebratory and supportive; promote LGBTQ+ initiatives and share stories of advocacy.
July
Independence Day
Patriotic and community-focused; showcase local events or initiatives that celebrate freedom and unity.
September
9/11 Remembrance Day
Somber and respectful; honor the memories of those lost with a message of unity.
September
Rosh Hashanah
Reflective and respectful; acknowledge the Jewish New Year with messages of hope.
September
Yom Kippur
Somber; share messages of reflection and atonement in a respectful tone.
October
Diwali
Joyful and colorful; highlight the significance of the festival of lights and promote inclusivity.
November
Thanksgiving
Grateful and warm; share messages of thanks and community support, perhaps highlighting local charities.
November
Native American Heritage Month
Educational; share stories and contributions of Native American communities.
December
Christmas
Joyful and festive; promote community involvement and giving back during the holiday season.
December
Hanukkah
Celebratory; share educational content about traditions and promote community togetherness.
December
Kwanzaa
Celebratory; highlight the principles of Kwanzaa and promote cultural heritage.
Pro Tip: We love checking Sean’s Cultural Moments Encyclopedia to see all (and we mean ALL) the holidays and events that might be relevant to our audience as we’re brainstorming content ideas.
Handling Unexpected Global, National, or Local Events and Disasters
Identifying Relevant Events
For brands operating on a global scale, staying informed about current events is vital. Here’s how to determine if an event relates to your brand:
Monitor News: Keep an eye on local and global news, especially events occurring in regions where you operate. If there’s a natural disaster in an area you serve, you should be aware of it.
Understand Impact: Assess how the event affects your audience. If you’re a local business, consider how community events or disasters impact your customers.
Should Brands Comment or Stay Silent?
Deciding whether to comment on global events can be tricky. Here are some guidelines:
Sensitivity is Key: If the event is severe, such as a natural disaster, it may be appropriate to pause promotional content and acknowledge the situation. A simple “We’re thinking of those affected” can go a long way.
Show Support: If your brand can offer support, share resources or ways for your audience to help. Authenticity is crucial here; avoid tokenism. For example, if a community is impacted by a disaster, share information on how your brand is contributing to relief efforts and how your audience can do the same.
Airbnb responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by highlighting its cleaning protocols and offering resources for hosts. They provided support for displaced individuals, showcasing their commitment to the community.
Ben & Jerry’s often takes a stand on social justice issues, using their platform to educate and advocate for change, which resonates well with their audience.
Pepsi faced backlash for its controversial ad featuring Kendall Jenner during a protest, which was perceived as trivializing serious social issues. This led to significant criticism and a quick retraction.
Spirit Airlines received negative feedback for continuing to promote vacation deals amid the pandemic's peak, coming across as insensitive. Not the best time to be saying there’s “never a better time to fly.”
Navigating the waters of social media during holidays and global events requires a delicate balance of authenticity, empathy, and brand alignment. By carefully choosing when to post and how to engage, brands can foster genuine connections with their audience. Remember, building community is more valuable than making a quick sale.
