The Do's and Don'ts of Pride Month Marketing

Celebrating Pride Month in the digital world: Many companies have gotten it wrong (some VERY wrong), and others have nailed it. If you want to acknowledge and celebrate Pride in your brand's online content this month, here are the biggest do's and don'ts to remember.

Do go beyond the bare minimum. Don't treat it like a box to be checked off.

If your only plans for the month are to change your brand's profile pics to rainbow logos, try to go deeper. Here are some ideas to spark your creativity:

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A post shared by Abercrombie & Fitch (@abercrombie)

One great example comes from Abercrombie & Fitch, who kicked off Pride Month early by announcing their donation to The Trevor Project, the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ young people. They also worked with LGBTQ+ talent for this content and launched a fashionable pride collection in partnership with The Trevor Project.

Do think outside of the box. Don't be boring. 

Pride is about expression. Have fun with your posts! Here are some more ideas to spark MORE creativity:

Your audience will notice if you treat Pride Month content like a box to check off (Cool, we made a pretty post with a rainbow, we're done). Authenticity goes a long way, and you don't want to come across as only fulfilling an obligation and nothing more. Put some effort in, y'all. Let's make this month's social media content a true celebration of the LGBTQ+ community!

Do be mindful of your representation. Don't be afraid to ask for help. 

An important part of creating Pride content on your brand's social media is being mindful of how you might be depicting LGBTQ+ individuals in your posts or ads. 

Here are some questions to ask yourself as you triple-check posts before hitting publish:

If you're in doubt, this is when it can come in handy to consult a DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) expert in your organization or collaborate with LGBTQ+ members of your team and community.

Do have a community management plan. Don't let any hate win.

Unfortunately, now more than ever, celebrating Pride online can come with some backlash. It's good to have a plan for responding to any hateful comments that might appear on your posts this month. 

One strategy is to hide any and all derogatory comments. This strategy can work if your brand's values align more with creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ followers on your page. 

Another strategy is to respond to hateful comments. This can take more time and resources, but it can be worth it if your brand is focused on starting conversations and educating people. 
Check out more tips for community management during Pride Month here.

Do continue your efforts after June is over. Don't forget about inclusion year-round.

Many brands let themselves fall victim to this phenomenon. No, we're not saying brands need to keep a rainbow logo all year round. But diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts shouldn't be contained to one month per year. 

Some ideas for you: 

The point here is to really take time to acknowledge, celebrate, and welcome people from all communities and identities that may be in your audience online. 

More than ever, consumers are watching brands and expecting them to make clear stances on social causes. Brands and corporations have incredible power to influence and change the world for the better. That responsibility is one to be taken seriously. 

Happy Pride! 

Our team are social media and digital marketing experts! Let's work together to drive your brand to the next level. Chat with us below to get started!

What to Know About Lemon8, the New App from TikTok's Parent Company

When life gives you lemons, make Lemon8? Today we're breaking down the details of the new photo and video lifestyle app Lemon8 from ByteDance, TikTok's parent company.

The history

ByteDance has recently been pushing Lemon8 in the U.S. and U.K., but it has existed in other countries like Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand since 2020. Some have speculated whether this push is just an attempt to distract from the U.S. Congress's current effort to ban TikTok. Whether the excitement is real or just a conspiracy (as one content creator has called it), it sure has gotten many people talking and downloading. 

At the time of writing, Lemon8 is the number one most downloaded lifestyle app in the App Store, just above Pinterest. The app has received around 16 million downloads worldwide, according to Apptopia, with Japan as its largest market. In the U.S., there are about 4 million active users. 

What's in the app? 

When you download the app, you're prompted to add your birthday and pronouns and then choose Interests. The options are pretty limited; you can choose from fashion, makeup, skincare, food, wellness, bags, accessories, travel, perfume, nail, home, and pets.

You can then create an account and set up your profile. Besides the feature of having both For You and Following pages, there aren't many direct similarities to TikTok. The interface is more similar to Pinterest, with a scrolling page of photos, carousels, and videos.

One eye-catching feature is the stylish text and stickers you can add to photos and videos in-app. After a quick scroll on the For You page, you can see tons of Get Ready With Mes, how-tos, recipes, and fashion inspo. Many posts include affiliate links and location tags. Like any social media platform, you can like, comment, share, and save.

There's also a search page that shows you Editor's Picks and the top trending hashtags. 

The app reminds us more of Pinterest than of TikTok, at least for now. The content is mostly lifestyle-inspired, lacking the newsworthy, humorous, random content that is abundant on TikTok. This may be the primary purpose of the app, drawing lifestyle lovers and creators from other platforms. In fact, Lemon8 is reportedly even paying content creators to post on Lemon8 if they follow guidelines like creating a set amount of posts in a month. 

Should brands join Lemon8?

While it seems the app hasn't gained enough traction or virality yet (even the top posts don't get much engagement), we see real potential for brands to join the app in the future. This could be a great place for clothing, makeup, skincare, and home brands to make their mark. 

Looking to level up your brand's social media game? We got you! Chat with our social media and marketing experts by contacting us below.

Meet Ryan, Our New Marketing Director

Say hi to Ryan, one of Random Agency's newest team members! We can't wait to get to know him and what better way to do that than a Q & A?

First, the obvious question: Why did you choose Random Agency?

Is it lame to say that Random chose me? I bet everybody says that. Maybe not. Either way, I did feel a bit of a magnetic pull towards the Random universe, as I've admired what the company has been doing from a far. Transparently, Random co-founder John Patterson and I worked together at a previous agency, and him and I clicked pretty much from day one. While our career paths went in separate directions after a year of commiserating, I always hoped to work with John again in the future. When I decided to make a move from my previous position, John and Lauren were the first folks I rang up. Lucky for me, they decided to take a chance on me and bring me into the fold. I honestly couldn't be happier to be here!

Tell us three cool things about yourself.

  1. I play in a few bands (I mean, can you get any cooler?) and write songs; it's basically what defines me and gives me an outlet that has allowed me to see the world and get through tough times.
  2. I have an amazing 11-going-on-12-year-old son named Emitt who is a burgeoning basketball star; I absolutely love watching him play and am 100% his biggest fan.
  3. I've ran around 15 half-marathons, one full marathon, and spend most of my Sunday mornings running between 10 and 15 miles; some would argue that this is actually uncool because of how much running can suck (and I would agree, sometimes it does), but I personally love it and credit it with helping me become a better person.

Favorite TV show?

Um, yeah. I watch A LOT of TV, embarrassingly. But I feel like everybody does, so whatever. That said, it's hard to pick just one show, but some of the best I've seen in recent years are Severance, Ted Lasso, Succession, Barry, Fargo, Westworld, Yellowjackets and Game of Thrones. I'm also a sucker for terrible, raunchy, substanceless reality TV, most notably Vanderpump Rules and Love is Blind.  

If money was no object, where would you go and what would you do?

I would absolutely love to take my son to watch the NBA Finals courtside - doesn't matter the team, doesn't matter the place per se, but a perfect scenario would be a game 7 in the hometown of the team who ends up winning that night. It would be amazing to watch all that from that close, and see them crown a champion after playing 7 hard-fought games. 

What's in your refrigerator right now?

Food.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

The ability to sleep for 1 hour but make it feel like 8 or 9 hours - just so I could get more done during the day.

What's your favorite childhood memory?

Too many to count, but I have one that sticks out where my grandma took me out on a fun day when I was probably 11 or 12 years old. We went golfing, we drove around, we ate something called a loose burger at a restaurant that I can't remember the name of. It wasn't anything completely or totally special, but I think about that day a lot when I think of her. She was an awesome person and I miss her.

Name one thing you wish you could do better.

Just one? I just should probably say something related to mental health or handling tough situations better, but for real, I wish I could actually cook something edible that didn't resemble hot garbage on a summer day. I mean, I probably could if I tried, but I've been lucky to be surrounded by great cooks all my life. I can make a mean grilled cheese, though.

Which three things would you take to a desert island?

My guitar, my son, and my girlfriend. We would probably die but at least we would be together and I could sing us some songs about how it would have been smarter to bring a knife or harpoon or some twine or something.

What is the last book you read?

Smart Brevity by Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen and Roy Schwartz  & How to Write One Song by Jeff Tweedy

What is your favorite account to follow on Instagram?

Even though I don't drink anymore (sober for 6 years, baby!), I love @drunkpeopledoingthings - it's a great reminder to stay off the sauce and it also is a never ending source of people falling, getting slapped, jumping off of rooftops, running into street lamps, and just, generally, acting a fool. I'm happy there are people out there willing to embarrass themselves on the internet so I don't have to (anymore).

The New Era of Twitter - An Update

It's been five months since Twitter fell into the hands of Elon Musk, and it's been an exciting ride. We're here to dive into what's happened in the past months and where the platform could be heading for the rest of this year. 

What's Up with Twitter Blue?

All hell broke loose when the $8/month paid subscription was first introduced on Twitter. Impersonators took advantage of the blue checkmark to publish tweets to look like they were from the actual company, inevitably causing chaos. Just days after Twitter Blue was introduced, the platform killed it again. 

But not for long. Twitter Blue was resurrected from the dead and is still in place today. For $8/month, subscribers can edit their tweets, write tweets up to 4,000 characters, have their replies appear above others in threads, and access even more features.

One difference from the first rollout of Twitter Blue is that the blue checkmark will not appear right after subscribing. Accounts will still be reviewed to ensure subscribed accounts meet all eligibility criteria'' before the checkmark appears. 

Lastly, account security is no longer free under Musk's reign. To use two-factor authentication (like getting a code texted to you when you sign in), users must subscribe to Twitter Blue. There are other ways to authenticate your account if you don't pay, but they aren't convenient by any means. 

Losing the Big Bucks

With all the changes happening on the platform and the rise in hate speech (we'll talk about that in a sec), advertisers are taking their money and running. 

According to Reuters, more than 500 big-name advertisers have paused spending money on advertising on Twitter. On January 17 of this year, the company's revenue was reportedly 40% lower than the same day the year before. Yikes. 

Twitter also reversed its ban on political ads, which could be why many advertisers are leaving. Especially with a big presidential election coming up next year, companies might be hesitant to exist on a platform with the potential for intense controversy and hostile rhetoric. 

The Rise of the Gold Checkmark

Twitter Blue for Businesses now exists for companies that are sticking it out and keeping Twitter in their social media strategy. They still have to pay the monthly subscription but receive a gold checkmark and a square profile picture rather than a round one.

This acts as a safety measure to ensure real companies can be told apart from any impersonators. Definitely a good move on Twitter's part to keep any incidents like the one with Eli Lilly from happening again. 

Increase in Hate Speech

In Elon Musk's mission to protect free speech, he has restored over 60,000 accounts with more than 10,000 followers each. These accounts had previously been banned for hate speech. Many of these accounts reportedly belong to neo-Nazi and QAnon individuals. 

From the time Musk took over until December 2022, there was a 200% increase in anti-Black slurs, researchers told the New York Times

The Road Ahead

So far, no other platform has stepped up to the plate to take the place of Twitter. It remains the top platform for news and current events, and many businesses still utilize it in their social media strategies. Now only time will tell if Twitter survives.

Need a boost in your social media presence? Our team at Random is ready to help! Send us a message below to get started with us.

Meet Dimitrios, Our Newest Social Media Intern

Say hi to Dimitrios, one of Random Agency's newest Social Media Interns! We can't wait to get to know him and what better way to do that than a Q & A?

First, the obvious question: Why did you choose Random Agency?

I am very passionate about marketing and it was a dream of mine to be able to be a part of a successful marketing agency. Working with people that are as passionate as me makes my job easier and more enjoyable.

Tell us three cool things about yourself.

1. I am a collegiate basketball athlete.

2. I am Greek.

3. I won a gold medal in the European Championship competing with the Greek national team.

Favorite TV show?

You

If money was no object, where would you go and what would you do?

I would fly to Paris and go to culinary school so I can fulfill my dream of owning a restaurant on a small Greek island one day.

What's in your refrigerator right now?

There is lots of fruit, chicken, and some salmon.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

I would pick teleport, so I do not have to worry about traffic.

What's your favorite childhood memory?

My favorite childhood memory is of my mom taking me to a soccer academy because I was playing soccer in the house and broke her favorite vase.

Name one thing you wish you could do better.

I wish I could speak more languages.

Which three things would you take to a desert island?

1. Hammock

2. Grill

3. Knife

What is the last book you read?

I just finished reading The Richest Man in Babylon.

What is your favorite account to follow on Instagram?

@dearmodern

The Top Social Media Conferences to Attend this Year

Discover the latest social media marketing innovations with these top conferences to attend in 2023.

Whether you're a content creator, an experienced marketer, or a business owner looking to utilize social media, these conferences are a great way to learn from the best in the biz! 

February 2023

FREE and Digital!

Global Marketing Day by Semrush - February 16-17, Online

First up is a nonstop, 24-hour livestream experience that features sessions from international leading marketers. The sessions stream from New York, London, and Dubai, and it's absolutely free to attend! Hear from marketing experts from some of the world's biggest and most innovative companies, like Google, Microsoft, The New York Times, and Vogue. 

Learn more and register here.

Virtual!

Social Media Strategies Summit - February 21-24, Online

This conference is perfect for marketers who are looking to up their strategy game. The summit kicks off with an interactive workshop on data and analytics literacy, then continues with panels and roundtable discussions. Hear from social strategy leaders from Shopify, Sony, Peloton, Amtrak, and more. 

Learn more and register here.

March 2023

Podcaster Movement Evolutions - March 7-10, Las Vegas, NV

Coming up in March is the ultimate conference for all our podcasters out there! Join the gathering in Las Vegas to access workshops, panels, and breakout sessions with the top podcasting industry experts. Plus, explore the expo hall to discover new equipment and network with brands and fellow podcasters. 

Learn more and register here

SXSW - March 10-19, Austin, TX

While not strictly focused on social media marketing, SXSW is one of the largest conferences and festivals celebrating the tech, film, and music industries. This year's conference topics include Advertising & Brand Experience, Design, and Media Industry. This is an in-person event, but they also offer digital passes to stream keynotes and featured sessions online! 

Learn more and register here

Random Recommends!

Social Media Marketing World - March 13-15, San Diego, CA

This conference from Social Media Examiner is like a treasure trove of knowledge. Learn from top industry professionals and connect with fellow marketers. Some of the speaker session topics this year include: How to Captivate an Audience with Long-Form Video, Mastering TikTok Marketing, Advanced LinkedIn Ads, Decoding the YouTube Algorithm, Copywriting Technique, and so much more! Can't make it in person? They also offer tickets to virtually access the recordings and livestreams of the sessions. 

Learn more and register here.

Adobe Summit - March 19-23, Las Vegas, NV

Adobe's Summit is great for marketers on both the creative and data sides, with keynote topics that range from Trends and Inspiration to Customer Data Management. Dozens of expert speakers will be attending, so there's no lack of knowledge to be gained here. If you can't make it in person, attend virtually for free!

Learn more and register here.

May 2023

DigiMarCon - May 18-19, Toronto, Canada

This digital marketing conference is perfect for all kinds of roles in the marketing world and features panels, masterclasses, and demos from some of the world's biggest companies. Grab your whole team tickets and spread out, because they have a huge range of topics to learn about: Data Science and Big Data, Paid Search Marketing, Podcast and Webinar Marketing, SEO, and Visual and Voice Search, just to name a few.

Learn more and register here

August 2023

MozCon - August 7-9, Seattle, WA

In their own words, MozCon is like summer camp for marketers. They aim to create a more laidback, non-stuffy atmosphere while still providing top-notch learning from industry experts. Discover the newest marketing innovations for SEO, search marketing, mobile optimization, and more. (And also stick around for the games and parties!)

Learn more and register here.

October 2023

VidSummit - October 3-5, Dallas, TX

VidSummit is built for YouTubers, TikTokers, and influencers, but marketers and brands can find just as much value in this conference. Connect with other innovative marketers and content creators, and even hear from some of YouTube's biggest stars, like Mr. Beast. This is a great place to get insider insights and learn about topics such as Harnessing the Power of Data, Driving Click-Through Rates with Thumbnails, and YouTube Shorts. 

Learn more and register here.

Random can help transform your brand with digital marketing. Reach out to our social media experts below to learn how we can work together!

What TikTok's New Deal with IMDb Means

This might just be the one-up TikTok needs to kick Google to the curb.

So What Happened?

TikTok recently announced that they will be licensing data from IMDb (Internet Movie Database) to enhance the user experience on their platform. This move from TikTok will provide users with more relevant information about the movies and TV shows that are featured in videos on the app. 

IMDb is a widely-used database for searching for information about movies and TV. It's known for its extensive collection of data on cast and crew credits, plot summaries, and reviews. By licensing data from IMDb, TikTok can use this information to provide its users with more context and background information about the videos they are watching.

How Will TikTok Change?

One of the key ways that TikTok plans to use this data is by adding the ability for users to search for specific movies or TV shows within the app. This will allow users to easily discover and watch videos related to their interests. It's no secret that TikTok is creeping up on Google's spot as the number one search engine, and this move might just be the one-up that pushes TikTok to the top.

Another way that TikTok is planning to use this data is by adding the ability for users to see more information about the movies and TV shows featured in the videos they are watching. If you come across a video about a new Netflix movie, for example, you'll be able to click on a link that directs you to an in-app page about the film. This page could include information from IMDb, such as cast and crew details, plot summaries, and reviews. 

Lastly, TikTok plans to use this data to improve how they recommend videos to users. By analyzing the data from IMDb, TikTok will be able to better understand what types of videos are popular among different groups of users and use this information to provide more personalized recommendations.

TikTok knows exactly what they're doing here. Eliminating the need for users to leave the app for any reason will keep them scrolling and watching more videos. It's a smart move, honestly. All the social media platforms have tried to increase retention over the years, but we think TikTok is the one finally getting it right.

TikTok Wants the Big Bucks

Not only will the partnership with IMDB allow for an optimized user experience, but it will also enhance the app's advertising potential. By accessing more accurate and relevant information about movies and TV shows, TikTok can now more effectively target relevant ads to users. And when the right ads land on the right users' page, TikTok makes more money. 

Additionally, TikTok's licensing of IMDb data will help to improve the platform's ability to detect and remove copyrighted content. With access to IMDb's data, TikTok can more easily identify copyrighted content and remove it from its platform. This will help protect the rights of creators and copyright holders and prevent potential legal issues for the company. However, this could cause trouble for TikTok creators, such as users making fan edits with clips from their favorite movies and shows. We'll have to wait it out to see how aggressively TikTok will go after copyrighted material.

In conclusion, TikTok's data licensing from IMDb is a smart move that will benefit both the platform and its users. By having access to more accurate and relevant information about movies and TV shows, TikTok will be able to provide its users with a better experience on the app. Additionally, this move will also help increase the engagement and retention of users, as well as boost the platform's advertising potential. 

If this partnership goes well, we could potentially see other deals that expand TikTok's search capabilities. From adding more capacity for links to introducing in-app shopping, there are so many different ways we could see TikTok growing in the near future. We'll keep ya updated. 

Are you looking for social media experts to boost your business in the digital world? Reach out to us below to get started!

The Ultimate Gift Guide for Social Media Marketers: 2024 Edition

You know it, we know it: social media marketers are always on the grind. What better way to show appreciation for the social media wizard in your life than with gifts that make their lives easier, more efficient, and, yes—way more fun? 

Here’s the ultimate 2024 gift guide to help social media marketers level up their content game, from cutting-edge tech to quirky tools that make their job even more enjoyable.

OCTOBUDDY Phone Grip Holder

Price: $14.99

Perhaps the most useful trending product to come out of 2024 (our team can, indeed, confirm from personal experience). This adjustable suction cup phone holder sticks to most surfaces and lets you position your phone in the perfect spot for filming, vlogging, and snapping pics while on the move.

Why It’s Perfect: A versatile, hands-free solution for filming on the go and keeping phones secure in all situations. Buy it here.

PopSockets 

Price: $13.00

PopSockets are a classic and budget-friendly gift for the social media marketer in your life. Whether they’re planning a post for a beauty brand or holding their phone during a webinar, this handy tool adds personality–and functionality–to their devices.

Why It’s Perfect: A simple but essential tool for creating steady, professional-looking photos and videos. Buy it here.

DJI Phone Stabilizer

Price: $159.00

If your social media marketer is using their phone to film content for Instagram Reels, TikToks, or YouTube Shorts, they need a stabilizer. The DJI phone stabilizer makes shaky footage a thing of the past, ensuring smooth, cinematic-quality video every time. Compact and lightweight, this tool is perfect for social media pros who need to capture dynamic content on the go.

Why It’s Perfect: No more jittery footage—just smooth, high-quality content for all social channels. Buy it here.

Portable Charger 

Price: $29.99

This is one we couldn’t live without–for real. Social media marketers are always on the move, whether they’re attending events, meeting clients, or creating content. A portable charger ensures they’ll never miss an opportunity to capture that perfect moment or answer emails when their phone hits 5%. It’s the kind of gift that keeps on giving—and helps keep their social media accounts running smoothly.

Why It’s Perfect: Keep phones charged and ready for content creation 24/7, no matter where they are. Buy it here.

Ring Light

Price: $32.99

Another classic yet wallet-friendly option for the SMMs in your life. No one wants to shoot a TikTok or Instagram Reel in bad lighting. With a ring light, your social media marketer can control their lighting to look flawless, whether they’re filming content for Instagram or shooting a live video. This updated version includes adjustable brightness settings, and the phone mount ensures easy setup for filming.

Why It’s Perfect: Great lighting = great content. Simple as that. Buy it here.

Phone Lens Kit

Price: $39.99

Social media marketers know that the perfect shot often requires the right lens. A smartphone lens kit can transform their phone into a professional camera with wide-angle and macro lenses. These lenses help create stunning photos and videos with unique perspectives, making them a great addition to any content creator’s toolkit.

Why It’s Perfect: Helps marketers capture high-quality content straight from their phone. Buy it here.

Portable Green Screen

Price: $35.38

This one’s definitely on the quirky side, but we love quirky around here, especially when it’s also incredibly useful. For social media marketers who create video content, a green screen kit is a game changer. It allows them to create professional-grade backgrounds for TikTok videos, webinars, or live streams. This is perfect for marketers who need to shoot content quickly but want to achieve a polished look without needing an expensive studio setup.

Why It’s Perfect: Transform any space into a studio—perfect for content creators working from home or on the go. Buy it here.

Content Scheduling & Analytics Tool Subscription

Prices: Varies ($5-$99/month)

For social media marketers, content planning and scheduling are crucial. A subscription to a platform like Later, Hootsuite, or Buffer helps them organize posts, track analytics, and manage multiple accounts—all in one place. These tools save time, streamline workflows, and ensure that every post goes out at the optimal time for maximum engagement.

Why It’s Perfect: Helps marketers save time and stay organized, while ensuring they’re posting content that performs.

Generative AI Content Creator + Scheduler

Price: Varies ($25-$99/month)

Content creation just got a whole lot easier. Meet Content Studio, an AI-driven tool that helps social media marketers generate creative content, optimize posts, and schedule them all from one place. This tool uses artificial intelligence to assist in crafting both copy and images and analyzing your post data.

Why It’s Perfect: Save time and enhance creativity by letting AI assist in content creation and scheduling. This tool lets social media marketers spend less time worrying about what to post and more time engaging with their community. Check it out here.

With these gift ideas, your social media marketer friend or colleague will have everything they need to elevate their content, streamline their workflow, and stay ahead of the curve. Keep this list handy and get ready to earn major gift-giving cred!

Ready to level up your social media game? Let’s chat about how you can use the latest tools and strategies to dominate the digital space!