Tired of hearing about the latest marketing fads that promise to revolutionize your strategy only to leave you feeling like you've just wasted your budget on a box of glittery unicorn-shaped business cards?
If this is YOU...well, read on. I've got something for you and hopefully, you like to read.
In this fast-paced world of digital marketing, it seems like new trends pop up faster than you can say "SEO." But not all of them are worth your time and effort.
So, grab a cup of coffee (or something stronger if you've had one of those days), and let's dive into the marketing trends you might want to try, or not!
The best part, we’ve done some research on some of the BIGGEST guys in the industry, their not so secret marketing hacks and will be giving our verdict on which of these trends might not be so bad after all…
Oh and of course, some humor inclusive.
First up, the juggernaut of Gen Z marketing - TikTok Takeover: Trendy or Tiresome?
TikTok! The land of dance challenges and viral cat videos.
It's like the Wild West of social media, where anything goes, as long as you've got a catchy dance move or a hilarious prank up your sleeve.
But is it a goldmine for your marketing efforts or just a one-way ticket to cringe city? Well, it depends.
Whether your target audience is Gen Z or not, if you've got some quirky, engaging content up your sleeve, TikTok might just be your ticket to stardom. Video marketing is the Brad Pitt of the marketing world—everyone wants a piece of it.
But if your idea of TikTok marketing involves awkwardly lip-syncing to '90s pop hits, it might be time to rethink your strategy.
Just check out how Airbnb uses video to take viewers on virtual vacations. You can almost feel the sand between your toes!
Verdict: Definitely not trash! Video marketing is the real deal. Lights, camera, action!
Next up, Influencer Marketing: The Good, The Bad and The Kardashians.
Influencers, those Instagram-famous folks who somehow make a living by taking pictures of their avocado toast. Are they a marketing godsend or just a bunch of overhyped millennials?
The answer lies somewhere in between. Influencer marketing can work wonders for brands that find the right influencers who align with their values and target audience.
But if you're a funeral home trying to get the Kardashians to promote your services, you might be barking up the wrong (cemetery) tree.
Remember the Fyre Festival fiasco? That's what happens when you trust influencers blindly. Look for influencers who genuinely align with your brand values, like how National Geographic partnered with conservation influencers to promote wildlife protection.
Verdict: Not trash, but tread carefully. Choose influencers wisely, or you might end up with a disaster on your hands.
Chatbots: Friend or Foe?
Chatbots are like the cool kids in the marketing class right now. They're there to answer your customers' questions 24/7, and they don't even take coffee breaks. If your customers appreciate speedy service, chatbots might just be your new BFF.
But there's something else. Make sure your chatbot actually helps customers instead of sending them into a loop. And please ensure your AI design isn't an annoying robot that is plain dumb.
Take a look at how Sephora uses chatbots to give beauty tips and product recommendations. It's like having a makeup artist in your pocket, minus the sassy attitude!
Verdict: Not trash if designed properly! Chatbots can save you time, money, and maybe even a few gray hairs.
The newest kid on da block – Micro Moments Marketing.
In today's fast-paced world, people's attention spans are shorter than a goldfish's memory. But fret not, because micro-moments are here to save the day!
These are those quick instances when consumers turn to their devices for information. Whether it's a "how-to" ''where can I?'' or ''I want it now!'' video on YouTube or checking out product reviews on Instagram, brands can seize these micro-moments to swoop in and provide valuable content.
Trending events can also be important elements that can be added into marketing campaigns.
Take Oreo, for example. They brilliantly hopped on the micro-moment trend during the Super Bowl blackout in 2013 with their famous tweet: "You can still dunk in the dark." It became an instant hit and showcased the power of real-time marketing.
Also remember Coca-Cola's "Share a Coke" campaign?
This Coca-Cola's campaign involved printing popular names on Coca-Cola bottles and cans, encouraging customers to buy personalized bottles and share them with friends and family. This form of micromarketing targets individuals with customized messaging and offers based on their name and social connections.
Verdict: Micro marketing needs swift action else you’d be sending campaigns when the buzz is already over. Timing is key as well as research. Master that and you’ve got an ace in hand.
Finally, User-Generated Content: Let Your Customers Do the Talking
It sure feels good to talk about how great your products are but imagine if your customers did that instead?
Encourage them to share their experiences and content related to your brand. Starbucks, for instance, runs a hashtag StarbucksCupContest where customers share their creative cup designs.
IKEA also nailed this trend by introducing their augmented reality app. It allows customers to visualize how furniture would look in their homes before buying. Now, if only they could create an app that assembles the furniture too!
Verdict: Definitely not trash! User-generated content is like a free marketing army.
Of course, notable mention is the trend of Meme Marketing and GIF which have become so popular these days and rightfully so.
I mean, who doesn't like a good meme? As you probably saw, even this blog is full of em! Their instant ability to evoke relatability and humor while passing information cannot be overemphasized.
Research shows that most if not all of the above listed marketing trends that are not just passing fads; they're here to stay.
But remember, the key is to FIND WHAT WORKS FOR YOU and adapt these trends to your brand's personality and values.
Think of it as getting on a bus. You wouldn't hop on any shiny bus you see and then worry about your destination much later or would you?
Would you?
I read this somewhere that marketing trends are like fashion trends—some are timeless classics, while others are best left in the past.
Be willing to be flexible and in tune with the timing of the trends you try.
By keeping your finger on the pulse of the marketing world and a healthy dose of humor, you'll always be one step ahead of the curve. Now go out there and make your brand the talk of the town, minus the trashy bits!
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JB Favour is a Ghostwriter who gives voice to the most unreal life stories involving trauma, abuse, suspense and survival in form of Memoirs, Autobiographies & Thrillers. When she is not Ghostwriting, she is running her content, branding and marketing agency FAVES_PEN, where globally sustainable brands are empowered and amplified with content and marketing strategies that place them as industry leaders in their given niches. She shares branding and marketing tips, news and trends on her agency's blog page and loves to write in a signature style that is bold and witty yet educative. She can be contacted via her LinkedIn or email.