Chasing Trends? Are They Always Relevant for Your Brand?

We live in a world where you often feel "what's trending" is dictating the advertisement world. It feels like every day there’s something that’s trending – a new dance, a new filter, a new challenge and as a brand, you feel this immense pressure to participate, to be seen, to be relevant.?

But there’s one problem with trends - they are very short lived. One minute everyone's obsessed with it but the next moment, it’s gone, almost like they never existed!?

In such a scenario, there is one question that becomes extremely important for any brand to reiterate before they jump on the latest bandwagon - Is this trend really the right fit for their brand or are they just another passing moment in the digital landscape??

Let's find out!

The allure of following the trends?

Let's accept this - we all want to be seen and heard. With digital platforms like Facebook and Instagram gaining popularity in the last decade, we are constantly seeking attention and fame by putting ourselves across the world. Brands too have been taking this opportunity to turn the spotlight on them.?

But as and when the digital landscape expanded, it started to overflow. Thousands of brands are offering similar products and services, all shouting the same messages, turning it into a very noisy place.?

So, how do you break through the clutter and create a unique space for your brand? The answer is quite obvious - riding the wave of trends! It gives you:?

• Instant visibility for your brand and you can become the talk of the town. Isn't that what we all want for our brand????

• Increased engagement with the flood of comments, likes and shares. Wow! That's the kind of buzz that can turn your brand into a community.?

• Enhanced brand perception as people starts seeing you as a brand that understands them, that's part of the conversation, and that's always one step ahead.?

But are these trends always relevant for your brand??

Well like they say – everything has its own pros and cons. While trends can give your brand short–lived fame, what we feel, often, is that trends are like a pattern, and everyone is riding that wave. The same communication, that same target audience and suddenly, it all starts to feel a bit generic. We lose that unique edge, that distinct voice that sets our brand apart.?

SO, to follow the trend or not to – that is the question!?

While there's nothing wrong with seeking a little attention, what needs to be kept in mind is not to lose ourselves in the crowd and end up being a reflection of someone else. Before following a trend blindly, take a moment to ask yourself some crucial questions.?

1. Does it align with your brand values? If a trend doesn’t resonate with your brand’s mission or voice, it’s better to let it pass. Authenticity matters more than temporary popularity.?
2. Is it relevant to your audience? A trend might be widely popular, but if it doesn’t speak to your target audience, engaging with it could result in wasted efforts.?
3. Can you add value or a unique twist? Jumping on a trend is more effective when you can contribute something original or meaningful rather than merely replicating what others are doing.?
4. What are the risks? Consider the potential for backlash or misinterpretation. Some trends may carry cultural sensitivities or hidden pitfalls that could damage your reputation.?

Striking the right balance?

The key lies in finding that sweet spot – riding the wave of trends while staying true to your brand's unique voice and mission. It's about finding opportunities where trends align with your brand's values and resonate with your audience. It's about injecting your own unique flavor into the mix, adding a dash of creativity and authenticity to stand out from the crowd.?

Next time you see a shiny new trend, take a moment to analyze. If you can create a niche for your brand while hogging the limelight – there is nothing like it, trend it on. But if it doesn’t, just let that pass! Something good eventually will crop up that’s exactly meant for you.?

Thank you for reading.??