Fashionable or tacky? “Hawk tuah” went viral on TikTok (and other platforms), and agencies jumped on the trend. Rachael Hite is here to tell you why this is a bad idea for your professional reputation.
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School is out, summer antics are in full swing, and the latest TikTok trend is a good reminder that pranks should stay in your social media “drafts” rather than becoming part of your professional marketing strategy.
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Let’s take a look at how this viral TikTok trend started, how agencies are using it for marketing, and why I think incorporating this type of social media trend into your professional marketing would be a hawk ”.
How hawk-tuah will become popular in 2024
How did this trend start? Creators of the video, “Tim & Dee TV” (@timanddeetv) asked young Hailey Welch while she was out with friends, “What’s the one move in bed that drives a man crazy every time?”
To which she now responded with the infamously enthusiastic, “You have to give them eagletua and spit on that thing.”
Her Tennessee accent, girl-next-door looks, and spontaneous reactions created the perfect storm for this viral TikTok.
One might say that this TikTok is as funny as it is real, which is why many people are showing off hawk-tuah merch during the dog days of August. (This item is sold by Hailey Welch and Tim & Dee TV.)
Hmmm… any good for Haley Welch? I just hope this girl gets paid fairly and saves for retirement. It’s not easy to keep recreating a funny moment from your life online.
Here’s another lesson to worry about for agents and others with professional reputations: When you ask anyone Who’s recording (even if you’re just having a night out with friends) able Come back to haunt you.
How agents can keep up
Now agents are taking action. Here are some examples:
While I’m always impressed by agencies’ marketing creativity, applying this viral trend to unlock content is best left in your drafts (or not created at all). It definitely doesn’t belong in your mainstream marketing.
Once you publish it, it’s there. You can’t take it back, and you don’t know how many people will see it. It only takes a fraction of a second for someone to take a screenshot and repost it.
So now a young Haley Welch appears in memes, stitches, and any other media someone can incorporate her likeness into.
What are the lessons worth learning?
Impulsivity can be a key factor in having a bad day on social media. There’s a reason the Surgeon General is calling for warning labels on social media.
Let’s take a moment to learn from Hailey and maybe develop some strategies to protect your brand from potential pitfalls.
6 Golden Rules to Avoid Internet Trouble
As an agent, you work with the public, so you must limit your social media presence and avoid problems. For most agencies, “less is more” is the best concept for monetizing virality.
- If you’re embarrassed to explain to your loved ones why you need to post it, then you probably shouldn’t post it.
- If you’re feeling upset or emotional, you may want to socially distance yourself and not comment or post at all.
- If you are drinking at a party, be aware of your surroundings and who is filming and taking photos.
- If you have been drinking, you should not post.
- Make sure you are familiar with any social media policies your brokerage may have in place.
- less is more. Save posting content when you have a strong call-to-action or solid message. Don’t post just to get attention. Always weigh the risks and rewards when posting. Know your audience.
It’s also worth noting that Inman contributor Jimmy Burgess has an entire library of content dedicated to helping agencies create videos and content to drive your business forward, if you’re lacking creative ideas for content and Want to follow this trend.
final thoughts
Sex is marketable, regardless of whether it’s fair or moral; its track record is undeniable. I ask agencies to think outside the box and consider how a piece of content will “age” over time.
Ask yourself if you are doing this to attract eyeballs and attention, or if you really want to grow your business.
Rachael Hite is a former broker, business development professional, fair housing advocate, copy editor, and currently perfecting her long-term game of selling forever homes at a retirement continuing care community in Northern Virginia. You can chat with her about life, marketing, and business on Instagram.
