Boosting Your Brand Using Social Media Trends

Written By Alicia Vial

If you are looking to boost your brand’s digital presence, capitalizing on trends can be an effective strategy. Picking up on social media trends can help businesses engage with new audiences, but there are things to consider.

Implementing a social listening strategy is crucial.  By monitoring online discussions, keywords and hashtags, businesses can detect topics gaining traction. Utilizing social listening tools enables the analysis of these conversations, helping to pinpoint potential trends before they become mainstream.  

It's essential to participate in trends authentically. While it's tempting to replicate popular content, adding a unique perspective or aligning the trend with your brand's message ensures authenticity.    

Evaluate the trend's relevance to your brand's values and objectives.  If a trend doesn't fit naturally with your brand's identity or could confuse your audience, it's advisable to pass on it.  Prioritizing brand consistency over fleeting popularity maintains long-term credibility.  

Each social media platform has its own culture and user expectations.  Tailoring your content to fit the nuances of each platform ensures better engagement.  Additionally, using platform-specific hashtags thoughtfully can enhance visibility without appearing as spam.  

Focus on creating content that reflects your brand's voice and values.  Instead of merely copying what's popular, infuse the trend with your brand's unique angle. This approach not only keeps your content genuine but also strengthens your brand's identity.   

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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