by Cindy Sproles @CindyDevoted

“Meme me, Nana!” My six-year-old grandson struck a pose with his Papaw. “Take a picture and meme me.”

I’m not sure which is more fun, my grandson or the fact he actually knew what a meme was. I snapped his picture as he held a stick bow, and well…I did as he asked. I memed (I’m not sure that is a real word.) him.

Meme’s have become a major part of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. With today’s technology, it’s easier for writers to utilize these tools. The assortment of apps available, provide a simple way for you to make a meme from quotes or photos in a snap. I use my You Version Bible app to choose a scripture and turn it into a meme in seconds. Now with PicMonkey and Book Brush, the choices are endless.

Be it humor, scripture, or even thought- provoking, even the simplest meme can make an impact.

The intent of this post is not teach you how to make a meme or to push any specific software or app. Instead, it’s a way to help you work them into your marketing. I’ve been dragged into this century of social media and its tools, kicking and screaming, but when I pay attention, great things come from the new adventure of these exciting tools.

I realize I’m sometimes slow on the uptake when it comes to grasping hold of these things and utilizing them, but I’ve learned something very unique about memes. Folks love to share them and it’s up to me to utilize that, to brand my books and my website.

I began making memes off of my daily scripture reading using the You Version Bible on my phone. When a particular scripture touched me, I went to the image section and made a meme. I know, everybody does that. The difference for me, is I consistently continued to post. People who follow me on Facebook know to expect one or two scripture memes every Sunday. Before long, I began to notice they were being shared. Not just once or twice, but numerous times. Wow, that blew me over.

Since the scripture verses were popular, I decided to use this with my Appalachian Mountain heritage—branding my work.  I began these memes within the Appalachian groups I am part of on Facebook. They were so successful there, that my goal is to begin to migrate them to my author page and continue to grow them.

Here are some tips to help you utilize memes to brand your work.

Make it relatable: When you make your memes something that folks relate to, they will do just that…RELATE. In fact, they will love them enough to share because they have connected not only to the content, but to you. Make your meme relatable.

Authenticity:  The more authentic your memes are the more beloved they will become. Rather than choosing stock photos, learn to use those photos you take which are “spur of the moment.” Those things that catch us in life and its wonderful or humorous moments.

Consistency: Consistency builds viewers. This doesn’t mean you flood social media with memes, rather you chose to be consistent to post. Readers will grow to expect your memes and if they are both authentic and relatable, then others will enjoy and share. Moderation is the key.

Intentional: Be intentional with what you choose to say in your meme. The old adage, chose your words wisely, is true.

Spell check: Spell check, spell check, spell check. Don’t fall prey to the mistakes that blare like a trumpet. They, their, there. Then, than. Your, you’re. Please read your work and check it for mistakes. Nothing will tear down weeks of building a following than a meme that is grossly misspelled.

Identify your website: A meme without a directional link is a meme with no purpose. Now, let me clarify. If you are using a specific meme to brand, then adding your website is a must. If not, then no worries. For example – for example, I don’t add my website to my scripture memes. It’s personal for me. I don’t want to put my name on God’s word, so I make these and send them into the world of social media allowing God to do His work through them. Readers look to me to see these, but it simply by familiarity. On my new memes branding the Appalachian heritage, I add my website.

Memes are wonderful tools. Take time to work them into your marketing plan. Make them meaningful, useful, and enjoyable and they will shared.

Cindy K. Sproles is an author, speaker, and conference teacher. She is the cofounder of ChristianDevotions.us and the executive editor of ChristianDevotions.us and InspireaFire.com. Cindy is the managing editor for Straight Street Books and SonRise Devotionals, both imprints of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. She is an award-winning and best-selling author and the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Visit Cindy at www.cindysproles.com.  @cindydevoted