In today’s digital age, brand communities have swelled to large, fractured numbers of fans. These consumers — their customers — all have different needs, preferences, and motivations for participation in brand communities, and marketers are tasked with finding ways to engage them authentically and effectively.
Often, brand fans take that marketing to new heights, creating segments within brand communities that truly show their passion for a particular line of its products, or relation to the brand’s lifestyle. This is never more true than in the automotive industry. We combed through the wild, the witty, and even the weird. Here are here’s a look at five hashtags growing organically across social channels for the car brands that keep us all moving in style across the country.
This hashtag combines two of Americas favorite things, cars and dogs. Hard to see any way this one isn’t a smashing success, and the brand has recognized that and helped to encourage sharing on the tag. Take that top off the Wrangler, take Lucky off the leash, and Instagram the hell out of your next road trip.
The Mini Cooper has an enormous, passionate fan base that stands tall across its digital channels. Under the #MiniCooperWorld tag, these fans have congregated to show each exterior accent, interior ornament, ____ journey their cars take. But what sets these Mini advocates apart is their ability to organize and influence others. The Mini Cooper meetups are a sight to behold, and this hashtag is a great place for it to live.
One of America’s favorite muscle cars has a following automotive behemoth Ford should be as proud of. You truly get the sense that in these fans, Mustang owners intend to be lifelong customers, and that relationship should be held in the highest regard. With over 300,000 photos shared, you can spend an entire day sifting through decades of Mustang models, customizations, and fresh-off-the-lot instant classics.
If there are two things the internet loves, it’s photos and nostalgia. This hashtag has both. Take a walk down memory lane, and check out the collection of Volkswagen fans assembling on the #volkswagenbus tag. You’ll be hard pressed to find a happier bunch of brand advocates.
Littered with car collectors, restoration masterpieces, and aspirational wishes, there are few sexier hashtags than #porscheclassic. The brand’s recent dip into the electric car market only makes this community more important to the core of its business: passion and prestige.
#MinivanSwag: This one is a bonus. Just click.