The Smart Way to Use Emojis in Your Business Marketing

In the ever-evolving world of digital marketing, businesses are constantly searching for new ways to stand out and create genuine connections with their audiences.

One of today’s most accessible and effective tools might be at your fingertips (or on your emoji keyboard). Are emojis appropriate in business? As covered by Torie Mathis on Torie’s Youtube Channel, emojis are no longer the domain of just kids or casual texting.

When used thoughtfully, they can add personality, boost engagement, and make your communications shine.

Let’s break down the benefits, best practices, and winning strategies for using emojis in your business marketing and communications, plus get inspired to try them out for yourself!

Why Emojis are a Big Deal in Business

Despite their humble beginnings in 1990s Japan, emojis are now a universal language, found everywhere from social media to email signatures. Some people question their professionalism, but the data (and real-world experience) paints a different picture: according to Torie, using emojis can increase email open rates by a whopping 56%! That’s not something to ignore.

The Benefits of Emojis

Stronger Connection

Emojis can make your messages feel warmer, more human, and easier to relate to.

Efficient Communication

Sometimes, an emoji can express a complex emotion or idea in a single character.

Increased Friendliness

They soften criticism, lighten the mood, and make your brand seem more approachable.

Higher Engagement

People react to emojis like they would a real human face, sparking instant emotional responses.

But, as with all things in marketing, it’s not just what you use, but how you use it.

Bringing Emojis Into Your Business

Should you add emojis to your next email or social post? Probably! Here’s how to do it right:

Stay On Brand

The emojis you use should align with your business’s personality and core messaging. A rocket ship for growth, a pizza for a pizzeria, the possibilities are endless, but they should all make sense for your business.

Use With Restraint

Less is often more. A few well-placed emojis are impactful; too many can overwhelm or distract from your message.

Know The Meanings

Misused emojis can lead to confusion or even offense. Take time to look up popular emojis and their meanings so you’re sending the right signals.

Understand Your Audience

What resonates with one demographic or industry may not work for another. For example, a lawyer using a poop emoji might not be the best fit, but a marketing agency using a rocket or lightbulb could be spot-on.

Test And Learn

Try emojis in different places, social media posts, comments, or email subject lines, to see what connects best with your audience.

Emojis Every Marketer Should Know

Torie shares a guide to the most popular and versatile emojis for business, including:

• 😎 Smiley Face with Sunglasses: Cool, awesome, impressive
• 👍 Thumbs Up: Approval, agreement, thank you
• 😂 Laughing with Tears: Amusement, levity, light-hearted banter
• 😍 Heart Eyes: Love, admiration, customer appreciation
• 🔥 Fire: Exciting, excellent, high energy
• 💯 100: Perfection, authenticity, “100% agree”
• 🎉 Party Popper: Celebration, milestones, gratitude
• 👇 Finger Pointing: “Read below,” directing attention
• …and many more, each with context to help you add flair to your marketing without missing the mark.

Where To Start With Emojis

Ready to test the emoji waters? Here are Torie’s top recommendations:

Social Media Posts

Inject a smiley 😊 or thumbs up 👍 in your next update.

Comments/Replies

Add personality and warmth to your responses with a fun emoji.

Business Emails

Stand out in crowded inboxes and boost open rates with a relevant emoji in your subject line.

Consider adopting a “signature” emoji that reflects your business, like a rocket 🚀 for growth or an hourglass ⏳ for limited-time offers. The possibilities are as limitless as your creativity!

Track Your Results

Just like any marketing tool, it’s important to observe how your audience responds. If you see positive engagement, you may have found a new marketing secret weapon! If not, adjust your approach. And don’t forget, emojis aren’t just a trend; when used smartly, they’re a way to make your communication more memorable, relatable, and effective.

But emoji marketing is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to a smart marketing strategy. Let me ask you a question: Do you know how your marketing stacks up?

Find out by taking the SMART Marketing quiz. Get customized results on how to get smarter with your marketing, you’ll discover exactly what YOUR business should focus on, receive tailored recommendations for the best ROI, and unleash your business’s true potential. It’s like having a personal marketing coach by your side!

And remember, you don’t need crazy tech skills, buckets of cash, or a dedicated staff to market your business; you don’t even need a lot of time.

What you need is to be smart, and using emojis in your business is smart for your business.

If you're ready to grow your business with smart marketing you can:

1. Sign up for weekly FREE Business Bytes with CEO, Torie Mathis

2. Get a SMART Funnel and begin to automate your marketing

3. Learn Digital Marketing with a Smart Marketing Course

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: TORIE MATHIS

Torie Mathis helps entrepreneurs grow their business with Smart Marketing.  She is a best-selling author, Army veteran, international speaker + trainer, and the CEO + Creative Director at Lake Shark Media. She also teaches entrepreneurs how to get smart with digital marketing at toriemathis.com