This week, I was working on a presentation and I wanted to include a “wag the dog” gif.

The reason is, because my friend (and co-trainer/colleague Andrea Kennedy) says “Don’t let Social Media wag the company dog“.

The whole point of this concept is that strategy and business objectives should come FIRST and social media strategy and tactics should come second.

This is an important point, but I digress…..

So as I’m trying to add some entertaining “cute” images into the presentation, I notice that GIFs are making a comeback.

Say WHAT? 

Recently, during an episode of Mad Men,  Pete Campbell falls down the stairs and immediately people start tweeting about how they would LOVE to see this again.

pete-cambell-stairs1

Within minutes, the image was shared on Twitter.

Gifs certainly aren’t new. They were introduced in 1987 (according to Wikipedia)

But I see they are making a comeback on Facebook.

Could it be Vine’s 6-second videos or Instagram’s 15-second videos that are helping this revival?

An image that repeats over and over again is something – within the right context – can bring a lot of attention.

And there is is folks: Messages must be conTEXTual. 

For this image to be meaningful, it’s all about when you are receiving/sharing and HOW you are receiving/sharing this information.

The image of Pete Campbell repeatedly falling down the stairs is most impactful:

a) when you know who Pete Campbell is and watch Mad Men

b) when you re-watch it directly after it’s happened (and if Pete has done something despicable to “deserve” falling down

I also think the fact that this GIF was created by a “regular person” and shared on Twitter while the program was still on the air almost made the experience  even more “intimate”; like a secret joke shared amongst friends.

 So what do YOU think?

Are GIFs: rotating images of “time gone by” (a la 1987) or do you think within certain context, they are something that is going to withstand the test of time?

Posted in Viral Marketing and tagged ,

About Leslie Hughes

Leslie Hughes is a LinkedIn Optimization Specialist, LinkedIn Top Voice, and Corporate Trainer with over 25 years of experience in digital marketing and LinkedIn profile writing. As the Principal of PUNCH!media and author of "CREATE. CONNECT. CONVERT," Leslie helps executives and professionals optimize their LinkedIn profiles, generate leads, and attract higher-paying clients. Recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice—an exclusive honor from LinkedIn—Leslie is a trusted authority on LinkedIn profile optimization, AI-driven marketing strategies, and digital identity management. Her expertise has been featured on CBC Radio, where she was called a "Social Media Guru," and on CTV’s "The Social," where she shared strategies for managing digital identity. Leslie empowers professionals to leverage generative AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance marketing strategies, boost efficiency, and create impactful content that converts. She helps businesses understand how to use LinkedIn for lead generation and how AI can revolutionize their digital marketing efforts. Leslie has worked with top organizations like Investment Planning Counsel, Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, JLL, and Franklin Templeton, optimizing LinkedIn profiles and providing corporate training that delivers measurable results. Leslie is a former college professor and co-lead instructor for Ontario Tech University’s Social Media Marketing and Digital Management Certificate. Whether you need a LinkedIn profile writer, corporate trainer, or AI marketing specialist, Leslie Hughes can help you elevate your digital presence and transform your marketing strategy. Ready to take your LinkedIn profile and corporate training to the next level? Learn more at www.punchmedia.ca.