The 10 commandments of creating a social-first brand
In a world that is constantly evolving, marketing strategies need to keep up with the pace of change. The recent BAM Marketing Congress featured a speaker who brought a fresh perspective to the table: Zaria Parvez, the mind behind the TikTok success of Duolingo. Parvez, a disruptor in the marketing world, shared her invaluable insights on creating a social-first brand. Her 10 commandments provide a roadmap for marketers navigating the complex landscape of today’s ever-changing market.
1. Embrace resourcefulness
Parvez challenges the notion that groundbreaking ideas require an abundance of money. In fact, she asserts that most breakthroughs come from individuals with limited resources. The key is to foster creativity and innovation, proving that financial constraints can be a catalyst for success.
Your age is not a barrier; it’s your relevance that truly matters. Staying current and adapting to trends is the real superpower. In a rapidly changing world, being relevant is about consistently reinventing oneself.
3. Underpromise and overdeliver
Success lies in managing expectations. Parvez emphasizes the importance of underpromising and overdelivering, creating space for continuous testing and learning. This iterative approach allows for adaptation and improvement, a key factor in social-first marketing.
4. Plan mentality, not virality
While virality may seem elusive, a strategic mentality is something you can control. Parvez advises marketers to focus on creating content that resonates with the audience’s mindset, fostering engagement and connection.
5. Subjectivity as a strength
Life is subjective, and Parvez encourages marketers to embrace subjectivity as a powerful tool. Sharing personal stories and connecting on a human level can be more impactful than relying solely on facts and figures.
6. Fun and subversion
You can be both the disruptor and the one having fun. Parvez challenges the notion that groundbreaking marketing can’t be enjoyable. Being disruptive doesn’t mean sacrificing enjoyment; in fact, it can enhance creativity and innovation.
7. Intergenerational movement building
Successful disruption requires diversity. Parvez advocates for building intergenerational movements, surrounding oneself with individuals who bring different perspectives. This diversity fosters creativity and helps break down traditional barriers.
8. Embrace the unknown
To innovate, one must be willing to cross the line. Take risks, acknowledging that some may not pan out. Failure is part of the process, and it’s okay to start over, learn, and iterate.
9. Water your own grass
Comparing yourself to others is inevitable, but it’s important to focus on your own journey. If something is wrong, address it in your own strategy instead of pointing fingers. Continuous improvement starts from within.
10. Know your human truth
Developing a human truth is at the core of social-first marketing. Users engage for enjoyment, not to be sold to. Understanding and catering to the human truth of your audience builds authentic connections.
The impact of taking risks
Disruption is not about immediate success but about dreaming big while iterating small. It’s about embracing failure, being resilient, and recognizing that success can emerge from unexpected places. In the realm of social-first marketing, taking risks is not just a strategy; it’s a way of life.
“At its core disruption in social- first marketing is about dreaming big but iterating small.” – Zaria Parvez