Ford recently launched a new branded sticker keyboard through mobile messaging applications while GE developed science lessons incorporating emojis, amplifying the role of emoji-centric marketing tactics through creative and offbeat methods. 

The automaker and technology company are hoping to continue their roles as an integrated part of consumer culture, and it seems as though marketing content, which incorporates emojis and branded stickers is an increasingly important method of remaining relevant. While emoji-sharing continues to grow within consumer behavior on mobile, marketers are keen to jump in on the trending theme to better grab potential customers attentions and relate to them and now that big brands such as GE and Ford are involved the strategy may be an industry standard. 

While emoticons have a long history within culture in technology, Apple?s introduction of its emoji keyboard through iMessage has really brought the theme to the forefront. The emoji frenzy has spread to various digital and mobile platforms, and is now a prominent subject within consumer lifestyle. 

Brands are attempting to relate with consumers, and grab their attention through their own interpretations of emoji and emoji-related content. 

Ford is one of the numerous brands that have developed their own brand-focused emoji and branded sticker keyboard. The keyboard is available on multiple mobile message applications such as Kik, PalTalk and Tango. 

Users of the mobile messaging platforms can install the keyboard within the apps and share their branded stickers with their friends and followers. Ford has introduced numerous emojis that coincide with its brand image, while allowing consumers to have fun with the brand. 

The stickers have a variety of common slang phrases used often through mobile, such as YOLO, BRB, and LOL. Each sticker showcased a Ford vehicle as well. 

GE developed a series of lesson plans for science teachers to better engage their students through the use of emojis. The plans feature an entire class day including vocabulary, assignments, explanations and discussion, including emojis within the text, which is likely to enthuse the younger audience. 


GE's emoji science lesson plan

For instance, one lesson plan focused on separating salt water from various substances. GE?s plan listed relevant definitions, materials, procedure and discussion all including well-known emoji symbols such as while instructing students to heat a solution, a fire symbol is located within in the sentence and various water droplet icons were featured when discussing liquids. 

Time Inc.'s culinary publication Food & Wine also launched an emoji and branded sticker keyboard application to expand its consumer reach and become a staple in the food-and-beverage culture of mobile-savvy consumers (see more). 

While emojis are the universal jargon among younger consumers, marketers diving in with branded versions need to make sure they truly understand how to speak the language (see more). 

"At Ford, we are always evaluating global trends in how our customers and fans communicate," Ms. Kozleski said. "It is increasingly popular for people to share visual forms of communication such as emojis, animated GIFs and videos, and this is a great opportunity for us at Ford to join the conversation in a creative way. 

"So giving consumers another way to personalize their conversations with their friends about our brand a strategy we are looking into," she said.