How to use reality TV to boost your social media brand and income

| January 23, 2020

Reality TV shows are back with a bang this year and anyone – even those of us who don’t get the chance to appear on the programs as contestants – can still capitalise on their popularity.

Social media expert Carissa Hill said reality TV and social media were a huge influence on Australians and combining the two was a great way to build a bigger online profile and earn extra money.

“It’s not just reality TV contestants who can benefit from these shows – it’s anyone who wants to build their online brand, where they be a blogger, business owner, celebrity or someone with no following at all,” said Mrs Hill.

“Many reality TV stars have used their instant fame to build tens of thousands of social media followers in a relatively short time.”

“They have then leveraged their huge social media audience to attract sponsorship deals, which for someone with about 150 thousand Instagram followers, equates to about $1500 per post.”

“Their earning potential is further enhanced with email lists, eBooks and links to online stores.”

“Reality TV is seen by more than 40 per cent of Australians in an average week,” said Mrs Hill.

“With such vast reach, reality TV is a powerful and lucrative strategy to build a social media brand,” she said.

While the social media cash cow for reality TV stars shows no signs of abating, businesses and anyone wanting to boost their social media profile can also benefit, without having to appear on TV themselves.

“Having reality TV content on your social media platforms encourages engagement,” Mrs Hill said.

“The key for anyone building a social media brand is to know your audience,  what platforms they use and provide them with relevant and engaging content.”

Mrs Hill said savvy business people, celebrities or anyone simply wanting to boost their own social media presence could use reality TV shows in the following ways:

  • Facebook: share memes, photos and videos from the previous night’s show. Hold a Q and A session about a hot topic from the show. Link to recaps, podcasts and blogs about a reality show – these can garner huge followings.
  • Instagram: share memes, aesthetically pleasing and fun photos from reality TV show. Use Instagram to engage with a young, mostly female, tech savvy audience.
  • Twitter: share witty real-time commentary on the reality TV show. Use Twitter to engage with an educated and upwardly mobile audience.

If your target audience is women, they might prefer reality TV content from dating, renovation and cooking shows. Men are more likely to enjoy survival and physical competition shows. To target families, share music, pet and talent reality TV content. Youth enjoy dating and voyeuristic reality shows.

Mrs Hill said Big Brother on Channel 7 will be huge and will provide ample opportunities to attract a young and engaged audience.

Australian Survivor – All Stars starts on Ten in February, so if a contestant comes from your area, get behind them on social media to engage with locals.

A similar approach could be used by getting behind your local contestants on The Bachelor, also on Ten later this year. Content from the Bachelor is great to share to encourage interaction with a female audience.

Married at First Sight starts on Nine in February and is a boon for social media engagement. Participants this year include a personal trainer, a barber shop owner, a YouTuber and a Mum – fields that might link in with your target audience.

Other reality TV shows to air on Nine include Lego Masters, The Block and The Voice Australia. If you own a toy store, are involved in home décor or music and entertainment, posts about these shows will help generate followers.

Mrs Hill said Big Brother on Channel 7 will be huge and will provide ample opportunities to attract a young and engaged audience.

Posts about MKR Rivals and Plate of Origin will be a must for anyone in the dining and catering industry, while posts relating to House Rules: High Stakes will boost home décor and renovation business pages.

Social media posts about The Farmer Wants a Wife and SAS: Who Dares Wins (also coming to Seven) will appeal to people living in rural areas, men and thrill seekers.

“Reality TV shows have been around for a long time and continue to attract big audiences,” Mrs Hill said.

“The competition to get onto these shows is fierce and only a handful of people will succeed.

“But you can still capitalise on their popularity to help you and your business build your social media brand.”

Western Sydney University researcher Tendai Chikweche said reality television provides an opportunity to integrate social media platforms and create long-term relationships with customers.

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