No one knows how long the quarantine life still lies ahead of us, so brands are trying to proactively curate new and relevant content in the meantime. Here are what we expect to be the upcoming May 2020 trending topics to read through and plan around:
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Mental Health Awareness Month
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May 1st – 31st
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This national month began in 1949 by Mental Health America with the purpose of educating the public about mental or behavioral health issues. Their theme for 2020 is Tools 2 Thrive to offer practical resources everyone can use to better their mental health and overcome any hurdles you may be experiencing.
It’s represented by a green ribbon to support anyone coping with these issues and to help reduce the stigma. Typically, organizations will run campaigns and host events throughout the month of May. Although stay-at-home orders are changing the landscape of spreading awareness, a responsible marketer will still continue their efforts.
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Tell Any Success Story
Oftentimes we are told about mental health struggles, but rarely see the aftermath of personal success stories. It’s comforting to hear others speak on their journey and how there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Use this month as a time to share any lengthy documented experiences via YouTube. For other platforms like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, publish a short version that’s 1-3 minutes long.
Public Awareness Campaign
Since the pandemic requires us to not have much human contact, it can be difficult right now for people dealing with mood or anxiety disorders. Brands can personally help as social isolation takes an increasing toll on people’s mental health. Running a month-long awareness campaign will prove your brand has a genuine interest to be involved and give an opportunity to offer tools to help their customers.
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National Nurses Day
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May 6th
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It’s the first day of National Nursing Week, which ends on May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday. While caring for wounded soldiers, she helped to reduce the death rate from 42% to 2% by vigorous hand-washing and hygiene practices. Now more than ever is a time to recognize nurses and healthcare workers across the country.
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Take A Walk in Their Shoes
Use a storytelling strategy to give more insight into the everyday responsibilities of healthcare workers. Nurses are working daily (some with lengthy 12+ hour shifts) as they sacrifice their life and health during this worldly pandemic. In some cases, they are traveling to help in other states that are heavily impacted by COVID-19.
Donate Any Self-Care Items
Since nurses are spending their days and nights taking care of patients, donate bundles of self-care products to a few medical institutions. This could include things like soap, hand sanitizer, face masks, blankets, pillows, comfortable working shoes, and more.
[ HOLIDAY/EVENT ]
Mother’s Day
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May 9th (date changes yearly)
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Mother’s Day is a celebration honoring the mother of your household, along with motherhood, maternal bonds and the contributions of mothers both within your family and society. It’s also a time to spiritually honor the moms who’ve passed on and are no longer here in the physical realm. For families with children, especially any toddlers, the dads will have a major influence on gift-gifting decisions. Since social distancing is still a must, marketing strategies should be tailored to fit in with the times.
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Advertise Responsibly
As a friendly reminder, it’s critical to be conscious of families with absent mothers. Toss out any stereotypes and learn how to effectively market to different crowds. Try a series of digital ads that target certain niche audiences to diversify your messaging, and not leave anyone out.
Highlight Motherhood Stages
The scope of motherhood ranges from pregnancy to raising a toddler, as well any teenage and adult years. For a thought-leader tip, emphasize the various phases rather than mass marketing to the general population. Whether it’s through a time-lapse video or providing an online toolkit with parenthood resources. A niche approach allows you to focus on quality engagement and nurture specific relationships.
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Memorial Day
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May 25th
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Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for paying tribute to the military workforce who’ve passed while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It’s already known as a tricky day for marketing teams, as not upsetting your audience can be a challenge. As world events are postponed, so have the annual parades and large ceremonies once scheduled.
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Stay Pandemic Relevant
As we keep up with the pandemic, remember to post quarantine-centric content, but still respect military members. Any brand-obsessed imagery, campaign, or social copy can be misinterpreted. For instance, Memorial Day signifies the beginning of barbeque season and public pools opening. It might not be beneficial to talk about beach visits and other things that don’t include being 6-feet apart. Instead, you may choose to do a user-generated compilation video with people saying an uplifting message.
It’s Not All About Your Brand
Posting content that has your brand as the centerpiece instead of anything military-related or can come off as disrespectful or careless to an audience. Typically, it’s best to play it safe with anything patriotic and unpolitical like sharing a one-minute documentary video.
[ ESSENTIAL WORKER APPRECIATION ]
Military Appreciation Month
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May 1st – 31st
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National Military Appreciation Month (NMAM) was commemorated in 1999 to honor the current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including those who’ve lost their lives to serve their country.
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Send A Custom Care Package
This may be a difficult moment for deployed members spending time away from family and friends, or even those mourning the deceased. For brands, consider a giveaway to give a certain number of care packages to any military personnel who fits the contest qualifications. As an example, if you receive an entry from someone experiencing a loss, include a poem, flowers, or anything that’s encouraging.
Honor Military Spouses & Dependants
It’s not a simple task for military spouses and dependents to periodically move, attend new schools and jobs, and take care of household duties during deployments. Consider celebrating spouses and dependents throughout the month to equally share your appreciation.
While we continue to social distance, stay on your toes with new marketing strategies that will keep you one step ahead. Visit Rubber Soul in the upcoming weeks for the latest updates and advice on trending topics, holidays, and events.
