It’s hard to ignore how well a massive company like Ford has tackled social media. The automotive giant is arguably one of the best brands on social media right now and what I like about them is that they aren’t shy about sharing their strategies. Ford’s head of social media, Scott Monty, has been really open about their strategy of humanizing the brand and adding value in a “140 character society.”

So, what makes Ford so great at social media?

Nostalgia – Did your dad drive a Mustang? If he didn’t, I bet he wanted one. Just try saying the words “Shelby Cobra” and see how long he goes on for. Few brands are as iconic as Ford and their social media team is using nostalgia to keep their audience talking. Through posting vintage photos of cars and trucks and quotes, like the one pictured to the left on Facebook, they’ve got the audience telling their own stories about the brand.

Conversation – I mentioned about Ford’s genius move of getting their audience to tell the brand stories for them. Well, this creates a prime environment for Ford to engage in meaningful dialogue with their audience. Whether it’s a story about Grandpa’s first truck or the car a father and son team lovingly restored, Ford’s social pages are full of stories and Ford does an excellent job at celebrating them.

Contests – Whether it’s sneaking a peek into the design of the upcoming Mustang or . Ford has also been smart about using social media contests to drive buzz. Their brilliant #Fiestagram campaign generated thousands of photographs on Instagram and the Fiesta Movement Campaign saw Ford handing the keys over to 100 bloggers for a six month long, all expenses paid, test drive.

Plus, they’re funny. Take this, Jeremy Irons.

Final verdict: Trailblazer. In every way. Catch up with Ford on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and Ford Social.