At the end of 2015, ‘emoji’ was chosen as Oxford Dictionaries’ ‘Word of the Year.’ Grammar fanatics were very vocal with their disgust while social media addicts were thrilled, and many others were just shocked.
So, what is the significance of ‘emoji’ being chosen as the ‘Word of the Year?”
Well, before we begin explaining how the use of emojis is evolving, it’s important you know what the heck an emoji is: Emojis are tiny images or shapes (like a smiley face, heart, or cat) used to express emotion when using digital communication. They were first created in Japan during the late 1990s but have since spread to both Apple and Android devices. Younger generations (specifically Generation Z) LOVE emojis, and quite frankly, they can be considered the world’s first global language.
The use of emojis has also skyrocketed on social media. Instagram recently announced that almost half its posts’ comments and captions contain emojis. Acknowledging this craze and looking to connect with a younger target market, many brands are starting to develop new digital marketing tactics using emojis. (If you want to resonate with your audience, you’ve gotta speak their language!)
McDonald’s, for example, released its own line of emojis, and Domino’s has gone as far as allowing customers to order pizza by tweeting a pizza emoji. Emojis also help brands more effectively convey emotion within social media updates—making the posts relatable to the audience.
And consumers are responding well to the tactics. They have found them to be a less intrusive and more playful form of marketing, allowing brands to show a more ‘human side.’ Additionally, with the constant barrage of emails, text messages, and social media notifications, it’s become more and more difficult for marketers to capture the attention of consumers. Emojis are a fun and easy way to cut through that noise with a concise message.
Have you incorporated emojis into your digital marketing strategy? Tell us about your experience in the comments!
Sources: http://drmgknows.com/2015/08/18/emojis-and-marketing-digital-hieroglyphics-in-an-online-world/
