Let’s face it, people don’t just connect with brands because of what they sell anymore. They connect because of how those brands make them feel. Whether it’s snapping a photo in front of a café’s vibrant mural or sharing the excitement from a surprise concert at a local event, it’s the moments that stick with people, and make them want to share.
But here’s the trick: creating shareable moments isn’t about begging people to post about you. It’s about giving them something real, something fun, emotional, or unexpected that they can’t help but talk about. When done right, those moments take on a life of their own, spreading joy, excitement, and awareness far beyond the original crowd.
So how do you make that happen? Let’s dive in.
1. Know What Makes Something Worth Sharing
People share things that make them feel something. Joy. Excitement. Pride. Laughter. Awe. That’s what sparks the impulse to hit “share.” It’s all about emotion and identity, “This is so me,” or “You’ve got to see this!”
Shareable moments usually have a few things in common:
- They look amazing — bold, colourful, or totally unique.
- They surprise people — in the best way.
- They tell a story — something memorable or meaningful.
- They make people feel cool — like they’re in on something special.
When you design with those ingredients in mind, the sharing happens naturally.
2. Make It Look Good (and Fun!)
We’re all living in a photo-first world, and visuals matter. If something looks awesome, people will take pictures of it, and share them.
Some easy wins:
- Create a photo-worthy dish or drink that begs to be Instagrammed.
- Add a creative backdrop or mural that people love posing in front of.
- Design your event or space with fun, eye-catching details that stand out.
When your experience is easy on the eyes, you don’t have to ask people to post, they’ll do it on their own.
3. Get People Involved
People love to participate. The more interactive your experience is, the more personal it feels, and the more likely people are to share it.
Think about:
- Mini games, scavenger hunts, or friendly competitions.
- DIY or “make-your-own” stations where people can get creative.
- Fun tech moments like AR filters or digital photo booths.
When people feel like they helped create the moment, it becomes something they’re proud to share.
4. Tell a Story People Want to Be Part Of
A good story turns a small moment into something unforgettable. Whether it’s your brand’s purpose, the journey behind your product, or a heartfelt mission, storytelling gives people a reason to care, and to talk about you.
For example, a non-profit could share real stories about the lives they’re changing. Or a new brand could build buzz with a series of teaser posts that invite people into their journey. When your story feels personal, people want to help tell it.
5. Add a Little Surprise and Delight
Who doesn’t love a good surprise? Those unexpected, joy-filled moments are the ones that people remember and rush to share.
Try things like:
- A surprise performance or pop-up at an event.
- A small, thoughtful freebie tucked into an order.
- Hidden “Easter eggs” in your campaign that reward curious customers.
These little moments of magic create lasting memories and make your audience feel special.
6. Make Sharing Easy (But Never Pushy)
You don’t need to force people to post. Just make it simple and natural for them to do so.
A few ways to help:
- Create a fun, catchy branded hashtag.
- Set up bright, photo-friendly areas people actually want to use.
- Offer free Wi-Fi (because no one wants to wait to post!).
- Run contests or challenges that encourage sharing in a fun way.
When people have everything they need to share, they’ll do it without hesitation.
7. Keep It Real — and Local
People love to share things that feel familiar, personal, and tied to their community. When your experience reflects local pride or culture, it instantly feels more special.
For example:
- A Canadian brand might showcase local artists, ingredients, or traditions.
- A community event could highlight local musicians or creators.
When people see their world reflected in your brand, they feel seen, and they want to share that feeling.
8. Keep the Energy Going
The buzz doesn’t have to end when the event does. Keep the momentum alive by continuing to engage people after the moment passes.
You can:
- Send out photos, highlight reels, or recap videos people can share.
- Post user-generated content and tag your audience.
- Share behind-the-scenes moments that keep the story going.
The more you follow up, the more your experience lives on, online and off.
Creating shareable moments isn’t about chasing likes or going viral. It’s about making people feel something real – joy, excitement, belonging. When you focus on creating those kinds of connections, the sharing happens naturally.
Because when people genuinely love an experience, they don’t just participate, they become your biggest advocates. And that’s what turns ordinary moments into unforgettable ones.
So go ahead, make it fun, make it real, and make it worth sharing.
