Unfiltered and Unstoppable: Michael Corcoran, Ex-Head of Social at Ryanair, on Viral Social Media Strategy

Sell Like You

Get ready for a no-holds-barred conversation with Michael Corcoran, the direct and unapologetic ex-head of social for Ryanair, now the driving force behind Frankly.

Michael’s approach to social media is as daring as it is effective, and in this episode, he’s sharing the secrets behind his success.

In this episode, we dive deep into Michael Corcoran’s approach to aligning social media with brand identity, using his time at Ryanair as a blueprint for bold, effective communication.

From the power of humor in marketing to the dangers of playing it safe, Michael offers candid insights into what it takes to stand out in a crowded market.

We also explore the balance between personal and business brands, and why not every trend is worth chasing.

What we cover:

- Aligning Social Media with Brand Identity: Michael explains how Ryanair’s social media success stems from staying true to the brand’s core message and not trying to be something it’s not.

- Avoiding the Middle Ground: Why playing it safe can make your brand bland, and how to avoid becoming "vanilla" in your messaging.

- When Not to Chase Trends: The risks of jumping on trends too late and how it can dilute your brand’s identity.

- Personal vs. Business Brand: Navigating the delicate balance between your personal and business brand, especially in larger organisations with more layers of bureaucracy.

- Platform Strategies: Insights into the roles of Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and how to make each work for your brand.

- The Power of Relatability: How to educate and engage your audience without relying solely on facts and figures, using Jeremy Clarkson’s farm series as an example.

Michael shares his quirky idea for a podcast about public toilets around the world (my mum raves about the public toilet hygiene in Australia) so I'm hoping he starts on this trip!!

I LOVED recording this episode over my favourite almond latte in Perth from Low Down and a huge thank you to Horizon Digital for opening up their studio for us.