7 Smart Ways You Can Use TBT To Grow Your Brand on Social

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7 Smart Ways You Can Use TBT To Grow Your Brand on Social
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Some hashtags really feel like quaint relics of an web previous. However there’s one throwback hashtag that may by no means exit of fashion: #TBT.

Possibly it’s as a result of this hashtag comes with nostalgia constructed proper in, however the #TBT (or #ThrowbackThursday) hashtag one way or the other by no means will get outdated. It appeals to individuals’s deep want to share their favourite moments from the previous.

In different phrases, #TBT is right here to remain. Right here’s easy methods to use it in 2023.

Bonus: Obtain a free information to find which hashtags to make use of to spice up site visitors and goal prospects on social media. After which find out how you should use Hootsuite to measure outcomes.

What does TBT imply?

TBT stands for “Throwback Thursday.” Social media customers use this hashtag on posts that “throwback” to an older model of themselves. Whereas the hashtag is most typical on Twitter and Instagram, you will discover it used all around the web.

TBT or Throwback Thursday posts could be selfies, audio or video recordings, and even textual content describing a reminiscence or a previous occasion. It’s a useful excuse to dredge up a reminiscence from the previous. (In actual fact, it may not even be an excellent reminiscence — a Throwback Thursday submit might additionally play properly because the “earlier than” to a “earlier than and after” submit.)

When did TBT begin?

The historical past of this social media development truly goes again fairly far. Vox says that blogger Mark Halfhill was one of the first to use the phrase on his sneaker blog in 2006, while Time reports that a guy named Bobby first brought the #ThrowbackThursday hashtag to life on Instagram with this photo of Hot Wheels in 2011:

 

People now love throwing it back so much that they’ve developed a series of competing hashtags for different days of the week, including #MondayMemories, #TakeMeBackTuesday, #WaybackWednesday and #FlashbackFriday.

Of course, you don’t want to hold your followers hostage while you show them every page of a family photo album (metaphorically speaking), so it’s best to stick with just one of these throwback days. You’ll likely get the most traction if you use the most popular.

Why should you use #TBT?

Okay, so we’ve established what it is, but why on earth should you post your own Throwback Thursday? Well, it often makes for perfect content for your brand. Here’s why.

It’s fun.

Unless it really doesn’t align with your social media strategy, sharing the occasional TBT post is a straightforward way to have a little fun. Whether you’re laughing about your early brand flubs or posting pics of your very first office in your parents’ garage, looking back on the past is a great way to keep it light and playful.

It boosts engagement.

People love anything that feels like a peek behind the scenes or insider access, so #TBT posts often see strong engagement. You can even build a call-to-action right into the throwback. Post the first draft of your business plan and ask people to share their early ideas in the comments, or encourage readers to tag you in a throwback of their prom photo.

It expands your reach.

If you’re getting strong engagement, the algorithm will share your post more widely (yup, this is true on basically every social platform). And if you’re expanding your reach, you’re introducing potential new followers to your brand. If you’ve got fun, interesting or unique TBT content, you’ll build brand awareness and gain new followers in no time.

It happens every week.

We get it — it’s hard to come up with fresh angles or new ways to present your content. And while TBT shouldn’t be the only thing you post, it’s an excellent way to offer regular, engaging content. After all, Thursday rolls around once a week.

7 ideas to inspire your next TBT post

Now that you know the ins and outs of Throwback Thursday, it’s time to start putting it into practice. Here are some great examples that might help inspire you to reach TBT greatness.

1. Location, location, location

TBT is all about nostalgia, and few things tug at the heartstrings quite like remembering the places from our pasts. Posting up a spot from your own history can be a great way to rake in the TBT likes.

The MLB tapped into nostalgia while opening up the comment section by asking their fans to comment on which old ballpark they loved most:

You don’t need the legacy of America’s favorite pastime to get into the spirit, though.

Brands of any size can get in on the fun by showing the evolution of their office over the years. This company has been in the same office since the 1970s, which makes for some great before and after photos:

2. Go retro

In fact, if you’ve got any kind of old-school photos or videos kicking around from you, your life or your brand, it’s always a great idea to dig them out for TBT. Not only do they make for interesting captions, but they usually look aesthetically pleasing, so they break up the monotony of someone’s timeline.

The Special Olympics Minnesota is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, so they’ve been looking back on the past with each Throwback Thursday. Some 19 years later, these photos from 2004 look like a blast from the past:

MMA fighter John Maguire had these pics of his Ninja Turtles collection in 1990 and managed to recreate it for a satisfying before-and-after TBT in 2023:

On a classier level, the BBC Symphony Orchestra hopped on the hashtag to boast about their double bassoon game way back in 1942:

3. Awkward enjoyable

Humor is without doubt one of the most infectious traits you may have on-line, and Throwback Thursday is an ideal time to show you’re recreation for amusing. When all else fails, use the hashtag as an excuse to get foolish.

Well being influencer Dr. Shriram Nene proved he’s an excellent sport and in on the joke when he shared this hilarious promenade pic from his “awkward teenage years” for TBT:

Various radio DJ St. Pete Sam pulled off a double whammy by incorporating the #NationalBaconDay hashtag into her TBT submit with this slow-motion video of herself munching on some bacon:

Creator Patricia Cornwell upped the ante with some ’90s cheese, posting a TBT pic straight out of 90210:

4. Mark a milestone

Whether or not it’s an anniversary, a birthday or any outdated event value remembering, TBT is a superb time to submit one thing from the previous. Use outdated ephemera — suppose posters, ticket stubs or different enjoyable objects — to spotlight a novel milestone out of your model’s historical past.

The official Twitter for the Black Sabbath web page often marks time with TBT posts, posting ticket stubs for concert events that occurred on that day prior to now:

The Broadway model of Beetlejuice celebrated its remaining present in NYC with a TBT submit highlighting the ups and downs of its run:

The Home of Blues took it a step additional and paid tribute to the late rapper DMX, sharing a clip from his remaining present at their venue to mark what would have been his 52nd birthday:

5. Share an outdated product

Throwback Thursday can also be nice to point out how far you’ve come as a model by sharing your authentic merchandise. Simply be certain your submit is clearly labeled as being from the previous, so that you don’t confuse your viewers!

The London-based recumbent bicycle model Brompton demonstrated simply how lengthy they’ve been within the recreation with this submit of their 1977 mannequin, The Fold:

Archie Comics went much more retro, utilizing Throwback Thursday as a chance to showcase an outdated comedian guide from the late Nineteen Fifties:

BMW makes use of its BMW Traditional account to spotlight its historical past of lovely cars. Right here’s a submit that makes use of the #ThrowbackThursday hashtag effectively:

6. …or share a brand new product

TBT can even immediately drive gross sales, notably in case you concentrate on classic, vintage or in any other case old-timey objects. Listed here are some examples of the way individuals use the hashtag to promote.

Nothing ages fairly like wine, so Ranchero Cellars cleverly makes use of the hashtag to promote this classic vino from 2010 — a product they nonetheless have on the market.

Shout! Manufacturing unit, an organization that reissues traditional TV on Blu-ray and DVD, equally used the hashtag to advertise their new Little Rascals field set:

7. Name to motion

As a result of they’re so partaking, Throwback Thursday posts are highly effective methods to ascertain authority in your business, make a degree, or drive site visitors to an article or name to motion on a product.

Boeing is discontinuing its 747 jets, however they’ve used that as a robust launch pad for an entire narrative that establishes them as an business chief. This 1974 pic of a Boeing over Mount Rainier factors readers to a listicle about how the jet modified the flight business:

Shark Tank host Daymond John doesn’t must hyperlink out wherever. As an alternative, he makes use of his TBT to make a degree about bodily promoting with a photograph of a FUBU billboard from again within the day:

Arnold Schwarzenegger leans into his standing as a strolling meme with these comical outdated pics of his former health pamphlets. But it surely’s a part of a much bigger marketing campaign as a result of it factors to a brand new health e-book accessible in his bio:

Throwback Thursday greatest practices

Prepared to begin creating your individual TBT posts? Simply maintain the following tips in thoughts.

Put up on a Thursday

It goes with out saying that it is best to do the Thursday hashtag on, effectively, the precise day in its title. In case your viewers spans a number of time zones, attempt posting early within the morning to make sure you’re not exhibiting up too late to the get together. It varies from app to app, however we advise you submit on Instagram between 9 a.m. and midday.

Use the hashtags

In the event you’re going to take part within the hashtag, it’s important to use the hashtag! Whereas it’s true that social media websites have tailored to make use of context clues and captions in searches, you continue to need your submit to point out up on the clickable tag. Don’t be shy! Use each #TBT and #ThrowbackThursday.

Share outdated content material

Once more, it may appear apparent, nevertheless it bears repeating. The entire level of Throwback Thursday is to throw it again to one thing from the previous. Make certain your posts embrace outdated content material. And ensure it’s clear that the content material is outdated — you don’t wish to confuse customers into considering a product you now not have accessible has come again.

Have a plan

Some intelligent copywriting could make TBT an integral a part of your advertising plan. Possibly you’re about to launch your newest vogue line — why not level to it by throwing again to your first-ever launch? These sorts of benchmarks will assist spotlight simply how far you’ve come as a model.

The quickest approach to create your individual Throwback Thursday submit

In the event you’re searching for a TBT shortcut, Hootsuite’s acquired you lined.

Our Content material Inspiration tab is a useful useful resource that helps you create posts in report time. (We suggest bookmarking it whether or not you’re searching for a submit template for Throwback Thursday or one thing else completely.)

Simply comply with these steps:

1. Navigate to the Content material Inspiration tab. Be sure you’re logged into your Hootsuite account.

2. Click on into the Throwback Thursday thought. This can supply an summary of the idea.

Throwback Thursday Hootsuite section embed in Composer

3. (Non-obligatory) Click on Extra about this concept. The dropdown menu will supply loads of thought-starters to encourage your TBT.

(*7*)

4. Click on Use this concept. You’ll be capable of full your Throwback Thursday submit with out even leaving the Hootsuite dashboard.

throwback thursday share brand's story entertain community and make brand feel more relatable

5. Replace your imagery. You can add a number of pics, or use our cool cassette graphic.

update image for throwback thursday post with retro cassette

6. Customise your caption. Use the prompts as a place to begin to make it your individual. Along with #ThrowbackThursday and #TBT, add a few hashtags that relate to your subject.

customize caption TikTok Creator Fund first post throwback Hootsuite Composer

7. Publish your submit. Hootsuite saves your whole social accounts when you’ve linked them, so you may simply select from the dropdown menu.

With Hootsuite you may arrange streams to watch hashtags—together with #TBT—and see how successfully you’re utilizing them. Attempt it free at this time.

Get Began

Do it higher with Hootsuite, the all-in-one social media device. Keep on high of issues, develop, and beat the competitors.

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