It’s no question that when it comes to Independence Day, Americans tend to go all out. According to this infographic, it is expected hungry barbecuers across the U.S. will spend $6.8 billion on July 4th food. It also comes as no surprise that more than 16,000 fireworks displays will be held with more than 40% of Americans planning to attend these loud and bright patriotic shows. Even if you’re not among those in attendance, you’ll be sure to get your fair share of fireworks through the countless smartphone videos and pictures splashed across all of your social media accounts. Now don’t get me wrong, I love fireworks as much as the next person! But if you’re in the social media industry you’ll need to work a little harder than that to celebrate this nation and stand out from the crowd. 

Polls, polls, polls

Two of the biggest themes in July 4th marketing are polls and grilling. Walmart did an excellent job at incorporating both while subtly highlighting their online order and curbside pick-up service.

And your polling doesn’t have to stop when the holiday ends. After spending all day on social pushing their lineup of alcoholic beverages, TGI Fridays took July 5th to inquire about the well-being of their customers after the celebration died down.

Don’t forget the hashtags 

While it’s important to lay a firm foundation with the basic #america #4thofjuly, you don’t need to stop there! TechJunkie did all of the work for you and compiled a list of 70 hashtags perfect for this Independence Day. Now your posts will be #ohsaycanyousee (n)! 

Create a contest

26% of Americans will purchase patriotic merchandise this year in celebration. Since repping the stars and stripes is popular already, why not turn it into a contest for some free consumer-generated content?  Nationwide Pet Insurance has a great strategy this year with their #PatrioticPets campaign!

As if an Amazon gift card wasn’t incentive enough, the winners are reposted by Nationwide Pet. Not only is this great promotional material for the brand, but it also aims to please the contestants who love to show off their pets and is pretty dang cute for the rest of us. It’s a win-win-win!

Make some emoji art

Keep in mind, you don’t need to rely solely on pictures. Bud Light is fully aware that July 4th is America’s top beer-drinking holiday and appropriately celebrated with an American flag composed of beer-clinking emojis.

Red, White, and Blue (of course!)

Whatever graphics you decide to post this Thursday, just remember to keep our country’s color scheme in mind! Images should be decked out in red, white, and blue. Here are just a few examples to help inspire you.

A caption that doesn’t just say “Happy 4th!”

All of your social feeds will be chock-full of wishes for a “Happy 4th of July!” While this caption keeps things short and sweet, why not think of something a little more unique? Good Housekeeping thought up 60 great 4th of July captions that are sure to get some attention! Some of my favorites include:

“I like my coffee black and my tea in the harbor.”

“Current mood: Cue the sparklers.”

“Dreams are the foundation of America.” —Lupita Nyong’o

Whether you take to social media this holiday weekend or just sit back and relax with family and friends, have a fun and safe 4th of July and be sure to let us know in the comments below how you’re celebrating!

 

Author: Celeste Russell, SMS

Hailing from Las Vegas, Celeste began working with NISM as a summer intern in 2019. Since then she has found a real home in the community, earned her SMS certification, and currently works as the Social Media Coordinator for NISM and the Social Media Manager for OMCP. Celeste graduated from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota with a B.A. in Acting & Communication for the Arts. Her passions have always included effective communication both on and off the stage and she is grateful that working remotely allows her the opportunity to pursue her acting career simultaneously. She currently lives in Los Angeles, CA with her wonderful husband and their three pets.

Feel free to connect with Celeste on LinkedIn.

Check out one of her other NISM blog posts: Battling Imposter Syndrome as a Social Media Professional