Build A “Buddy The Elf” Brand

It’s that time of year again. Holiday cheer is viral, and there’s no stopping it anytime soon. As we near the upcoming holidays, perhaps we can learn something from our favorite holiday elf, Buddy.

“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”

So let me ask you this: How are you using social media to be heard? It’s remarkable that Buddy the Elf manages a Twitter account and a Facebook page all the way from the North Pole. So what is the secret to an “Internet Celebrity” such as himself?

“Buddy the Elf” has mastered 3 important components that lend themselves to social media success. Here are simple recommendations to build an identifiable and popular brand online:

Branding – Buddy built a unique brand and identity.

• Dare to be different
• Be consistent in uniform
• Gain brand association

Audience – Buddy knows his target audience.

• Build trust from the consumers that matter
• Ask questions — “What’s your favorite color?”
• Give compliments (a virtual “smiling is my favorite.”)

Determination – Although Buddy failed at creating toys, he set out to spread the spirit of Christmas in new ways.

• Experiment with social media channels until you find the right fit
• If you truly believe in your brand, you’ll never give up on it
• Stay positive

“Buddy” may be a fictional character, but he has somehow managed to stay buzzing across all social media channels. What have you learned from holiday social media? How do you extend your brand online? Let us know your thoughts.

Contributed by Molly Casperson