Trends come and go faster than we can anticipate. For brands, it’s not just about keeping up with the latest PR trends; it’s about ensuring your brand is trendsetting. From lasting themes to micro-cores, keeping up with the latest trends in PR, marketing, and communications is vital.
Here’s a look at strategies for brands to become trendsetters and current trends to be aware of.
How to kickstart the trend
Innovative storytelling
Creating a compelling narrative that resonates with the target audience is essential for trendsetting. A well-crafted narrative connects emotionally with the audience, fostering a deeper relationship and encouraging brand loyalty. By focusing on authenticity and relevance, brands can create stories that not only capture attention but also inspire and motivate their audience, setting the stage for trendsetting influence.
New platforms and formats
Embracing new platforms and formats helps brands to reach audiences in fresh, new ways. TikTok, for instance, has proven valuable for brand engagement through short, fun videos. Experimenting with formats such as BTW videos, live sessions, and user-generated content campaigns helps brands engage diverse audiences continuously.
By staying open and adaptable to new technologies and marketing and PR trends, brands can reach broader audiences, continuously engaging their community with innovative content.
Culture of creativity
Thinking out of the box takes an entirely new form with trendsetting. Encouraging creativity within an organisation is key to generating unique ideas and setting trends. Fostering an open-minded work environment, promoting collaboration, and investing in creative talent can lead to innovative concepts that distinguish a brand in the marketplace. A creative culture helps generate novel concepts that can both align with and set PR trends.
Active listening and engagement
Actively engaging with audiences and listening to their feedback provides insights into industry needs and consumer preferences. Social listening tools and direct social media engagement allow brands to respond quickly to audience trends, anticipate shifts in behaviour and adapt strategies accordingly.
Sometimes, breaking away from the crowd can lead to becoming the shepherd, not the sheep, in creating trends. Prioritising authenticity, creativity, and engagement allows brands to develop a distinctive voice that stands out in a crowded marketplace. In the race to stay relevant, it’s the bold and the innovative who set the pace.
Current PR trends to be aware of
Influencer partnerships
Social media influencers have become crucial for brand marketing, helping to raise awareness for consumer growth. More brands are now working with influencers to target audiences, with notable examples like the Pretty Little Thing and Love Island influencer partnership. Micro and nano influencers, despite smaller followings, offer high engagement and authenticity, appealing to a broader audience that values trust and relatability.
Authenticity and transparency
Consumers are increasingly desiring genuine, transparent interactions with brands. This trend emphasises honest storytelling and open communication in PR strategies, as authenticity fosters stronger connections with audiences.
Visual and video content
Visual and video content have become indispensable in marketing, with platforms like YouTube, TikTok and Instagram Reels driving engagement. Short, engaging videos enable brands to showcase products and tell compelling stories, enhancing audience connection and marketing impact.
By leveraging visual and video content, brands can effectively promote their products, tell compelling stories, and establish deeper connections with their audiences.
Want to hear more about how Wild Card’s PR agency services and how we ensure that brands are trendsetting? Get in touch here or email us directly at hello@wildcard.co.uk!