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20 Types of Selfies to Ask Your Audience to Share

It was the word of the year in 2013, and last year it reached the tipping point. Yup. The selfie is more than just a thing now, it’s kind of a big deal.

No, really, the selfie is more than just a fad, a superficial exercise in narcissism. The selfie has gone from a silly little trend to a mainstream phenomenon, something almost everyone has embraced, from astronauts to athletes, Ellen DeGeneres to Tom Hanks, the president of the United States to the Pope.

Sure, the selfie is still mocked and subjected to ridicule by laggards and luddites, critics and curmudgeons. But most people get it. Most people see the selfie for what it is, a fun way to capture the moment up close and personal, and share it with the world.

If a picture is worth a thousand words on social media, the selfie may be priceless.

And smart brands know it. Look at Purina, Old Navy, Samsung and World Wildlife Fund, just to name four. Then there’s the advertising campaign that Shiseido, a Japanese cosmetics company, recently did with Lady Gaga, featuring 50 different selfies of the global pop star. Very cool.

How can you take advantage of this revolutionary, new way of taking pictures? How can your brand jump on the selfie bandwagon and capitalize on this craze?

Simply encourage members of your audience to take selfies that are associated with your brand in some way, shape or form. Their job is to tag you, include a hashtag ascribed to this marketing initiative (contest or not), and share their selfies on such social media channels as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Your job is to thank them for their efforts and display their contributions on your website or some sort of social media wall.

It’s a win-win proposition. They get recognition from a brand they love. You get engagement with your most passionate fans.

Here are 20 different types of selfies to ask your audience to share on social media…

1. Group selfies. Forget the solo shots. Squeeze as many people into the frame as possible.

2. Funny selfies. Challenge contributors to show off their sense of humor.

3. Cause-related selfies. Even if you’re not a nonprofit, you can do well by doing good.

4. Scavenger hunt selfies. Participants don’t just have to find the prize, they have to snap it.

5. Celebration selfies. Rally caps. High fives. Victory dances. Perfect for spectators and players alike.

6. Tourist selfies. Where in the world are your followers and fans?

7. Photo booth selfies. Treat your guests to a unique self-portrait experience.

8. Product selfies. It’s like show-and-tell – without the tell.

9. Pet selfies. No words.

Post by MTV.

10. Fitness selfies. Gym goers aren’t shy.

11. Mirror selfies. Pause to reflect and say cheese.

12. Store selfies. Never mind coupons. Accept selfies instead.

13. Game selfies. Ask fans to show you where they’re sitting.

14. Celebrity selfies. Like an autograph, only better.

15. Sunrise and sunset selfies. Color your selfie beautiful.

16. Weather selfies. Like storm chasing, only easier.

17. Photobomb selfies. Surprise!

18. Family selfies. What’s more awkward than an awkward family selfie?

19. Team selfies. That’s the spirit.

20. Selfie Stick selfies. Picture perfect.

Note: This post, “20 Types of Selfies to Ask Your Audience to Share,” was originally published on ClickZ on January 27, 2015. To read the post there, click here.

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