Newsjacking

How Newsjacking Works in Growth Hacking

Newsjacking is a powerful growth hacking strategy that allows brands to ride the wave of popular news stories. By quickly creating relevant content that connects their product or service to a trending topic, companies can attract significant attention and boost their visibility. This technique requires agility, creativity, and a keen eye for emerging trends.

Benefits of Newsjacking for Brand Growth

1. Increased visibility: By associating with trending topics, brands can reach a wider audience.
2. Improved engagement: Timely, relevant content often generates more likes, shares, and comments.
3. Enhanced brand relevance: Newsjacking demonstrates a brand's ability to stay current and participate in broader conversations.
4. Cost-effective marketing: Leveraging existing news momentum can be more affordable than traditional advertising.

Examples of Successful Newsjacking Campaigns

• Oreo's "You can still dunk in the dark" tweet during the 2013 Super Bowl blackout.
• Airbnb's "Night At" campaign, offering stays in newsworthy locations.
• Burger King's "Whopper Neutrality" video explaining net neutrality using their signature burger.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What's the key to successful newsjacking?: Timing and relevance are crucial. Act quickly but ensure your content adds value to the conversation.
• Can newsjacking backfire?: Yes, if done insensitively or with poor judgment, it can damage a brand's reputation.
• How fast should a brand respond to news for effective newsjacking?: Ideally within hours of a story breaking, while it's still gaining traction.
• Is newsjacking suitable for all types of businesses?: While it can work for many industries, it's important to choose news stories that align with your brand values and audience interests.