How to Rock Social Media Marketing Like James Bond 007

The name’s Bond. James Bond.

The man is top-notch in every arena.

This being said, it’s no surprise that his official social media presence matches his legend.

Looking to bring your social media marketing presence to a new level? Here’s how to rock it like James Bond 007.

Remember: It’s Not All About Promoting Products/Events/Etc.

The SPECTRE Example
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably seen SPECTRE by now.

The social media team leading the James Bond 007 charge promoted the upcoming production with photos, details, an awesome teaser video and a digital identity update. Rightfully so.

You know what they didn’t do though? Over promote it into oblivion.

If you’re a regular follower, you were served a visual feast of photos and quotes from past movies that has kept you intrigued and entertained without making you sick of hearing/seeing SPECTRE.

How This Applies to You: Don’t Be Forceful with What You Have to Offer
If James Bond 007 isn’t overkilling the promotion for the next movie in the series then you shouldn’t be overkilling the promotion of your product, event and/or whatever else you’re representing.

Too often, brands are too forceful with what they have to offer. I’m not saying it’s taboo to try to promote that product—I’m saying that it’s taboo to over-promote it. Contrary to you or your boss’ opinion there is such a thing as over-promoting something.

Rather than beating people over the head with what you have to give to the world, entertain them, nurture them and connect them to the resources they need.

In an industry that’s not so “entertaining?” Go grab a cup of coffee—it’s time to get creative with how you diversify your content. Stumped? Seek help.

Build Your Arsenal of High-Quality Photographs

Get Inspired: 
Check out some of our social media marketing work

There is no such thing as having too many high-quality photographs in your arsenal.

James Bond 007’s Q Branch of Awesome Photos
It doesn’t take very long to figure out that the James Bond 007 social media team has access to the entire Q branch of photos.

They have photos for every occasion for just about every movie that’s ever been made. It’s astounding.

These priceless resources have been vital to what they do on any given day.

How This Applies to You: Start Building Your Q Branch of Photos
It’s pretty obvious—start building your archives with photographs. If you haven’t done so already then you’re already falling behind. Get some dates on the books and get the camera ready.

It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in either. Get action shots of your equipment, production process, output, customers, events and everything else in between. You never know where they’ll apply.

Here’s my huge caution, however. Make sure you’re taking good photos. There is nothing worse than blurred, grainy and terribly taken photographs. They won’t make you look good no matter how you slice and Photoshop them.

If you’re not equipped to take professional photos then hire someone who can. It’s an investment you won’t regret not only as you develop your social media content, but your branding and print/digital materials as well.

Develop Well-Thought-Out, Customized Graphics

Well-Dressed Content, As Expected
What initially struck me about the James Bond 007’s digital presence was the use of custom graphics for social media. Much like a well-dressed man is the sign of professionalism, intrigue and sophistication, well-done customized graphics used for social media are the sign of a social media team who absolutely rocks.

Custom content is the love child of marketing research, photography/videography and graphic design. Check out the example below to see that love child in live action.

Yes, the photo they used could most likely stand alone, but there is so much more oomf from combining that photo with a graphic template. It reinforces the 007 brand and helps take the 40th Anniversary of the Man with the Golden Gun further.

Where Custom Content Fits in for You
For your business, a photo with a graphic template overlay—and accompanying text—might work. For others, a social-media-specific video might be appropriate. Or maybe an infographic (like shown below) is what you need.

Others still, maybe a mix of all the above is your key.

The point is this—put time into your content. Make it look good. Make it contagious and awesome.

The worst possible thing you can be is generic, so stop reusing other people’s content and build your own.

Give Your Audience A Unique Behind-the-Scenes Look They Won’t Get Anywhere Else

Can You Guess What the Golden Gun Was Actually Made Of?
Another win for the James Bond 007 social media team: the use of the most interesting behind-the-scenes action you probably won’t find anywhere else. A prime example? The true composition of the Golden Gun.

Keep Your Behind-the-Scenes Interesting
When cultivating some behind-the-scenes content, be sure to make it interesting. Don’t just do it for the sake of doing it.

If you’re a brewery, take us to where you brew your beer and show us a beautiful visual of what’s happening. Show us a few very fun parts of your process. If you’re a restaurant, take us to the flip side—show us the kitchen and the chefs in their prime during the busy days. If you’re a show, show us a time lapse of everything getting set up.

Never Underestimate the Power of A Good Throwback

Vintage Posters = Win
Several of the examples already showcased from the James Bond 007 platforms have been throwbacks. Here’s another fun example.

Throwbacks Can Be Powerful
Images from the past bring back emotions and memories for your audience. Use the right ones and I can guarantee you that you’ll see some nostalgia start leaking into the comments/replies section of your social media.

How are you trying to rock social media marketing like James Bond 007? Any fun examples to show?