??Microtrends ?? Seasonal Strategy ?? More – FLAG THIS

Welcome to Flag This! We’ve got some sly seasonal marketing tips and a roundup of articles to savor over the long weekend. Wondering how to make sense of the rise of microtrends? Sometimes you just need to read an entire newsletter ???

Microtrends: Catching the Wave

Don’t make us say it! We’re not gonna say it. One trend in particular has dominated August, and we bet you know exactly what we’re talking about. By the time you read this, the phrase that’s been used to describe everything from $595 dresses to student debt relief might already be on its way out. But microtrends – those fleeting, hyper-specific cultural moments that are suddenly everywhere all at once – are here to stay, and they’re changing the marketing landscape.

How do you know when it’s time for your brand to catch a microtrend wave? Here are four key questions to consider:

1. Does It Align with Your Brand? This is the big one. If a microtrend fits naturally with your brand’s identity, go for it. A natural food brand, for example, might be a perfect match for a trend that celebrates tasteful simplicity. If a trend feels forced or out of character, steer clear. Your audience will notice, and authenticity wins every time.
2. Is It Relevant to Your Audience? Microtrends are appealing because they resonate with certain groups. Know your audience. If they’re likely to engage with a trend, it could be a great way to deepen connections. But if the trend doesn’t speak to them, it’s probably not worth your time.
3. Can You Act Fast? Timing is everything. If you can’t move quickly enough to join the conversation while it’s still hot, you’re better off sitting it out. A delayed response can come off as out of touch or, worse, as a desperate attempt to stay relevant.
4. What’s the Long-Term Value? While microtrends are short-lived, they can offer insights into larger, emerging trends. Why were so many of us ready for a brat summer? Pay attention to the underlying themes and consider how these shifts might inform your broader marketing strategy.

Microtrends can keep things feeling fresh and relevant, but they aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. The key is to be strategic. Know when it makes sense to be in on the joke – and when your audience has probably had enough of a good thing.??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Seasonal Strategy: Fall Marketing Trends

Something else happened this month: the earliest-ever return of the pumpkin spice latte. We’ve got our eyes on something even sweeter: word-of-mouth marketing. Yep, those casual fall gatherings are golden opportunities for your brand to get in on the conversation – literally.

Think about it. What’s better than a tailgate packed with your brand’s products? How about fans raving about them to all their friends? Fall gatherings are the unsung heroes of your seasonal marketing strategy. Focus on making your brand the go-to for fall fun. The play is to be present and be part of the experience.

??? Football Watch Parties: People are glued to their screens, but they’re also glued to their snacks. Whether it’s wings, chips, or those new sliders you’ve been promoting, make sure your brand is the MVP of the snack table. And remember, the more shareable (and hashtaggable) the better.

??? Tailgating Takeover: Tailgating is all about sharing. Everyone brings something to the table (or the back of the truck). This is where your brand can shine. Think branded coolers, custom grills, or even branded games that get everyone talking and snapping pics. The goal? To become synonymous with good times and great food.

??? Bonfires & Cozy Gatherings: There’s something about a crackling fire that brings people together. It’s also a prime spot for your brand to warm up to new customers. Whether it’s a seasonal drink mix, a cozy blanket or gourmet s’mores kits, make sure your brand is the topic of conversation when the flames are high.

Weekend Reads

If we said, “Few companies have greater influence over what we eat (or wear, or fuel our cars with, or use for personal hygiene),” would you guess we were talking about…Costco? How Costco Hacked the American Shopping Psyche (Ben Ryder Howe: NYT)

Target wishes you had guessed Target. Target to add more than 150 private brand grocery items to fall assortment (Catherine Douglas Moran: GroceryDive)

To read while you sip: Pumpkin spice lattes — and the backlash, and the backlash to the backlash — explained (Rebecca Jennings: Vox)

“You ever go to Chick-fil-A and think, damn, I would love an unscripted, family-friendly show loosely based around this chicken sandwich?” What Will Be on Chick-fil-A TV? (Jaya Saxena: Eater)

TikTok Shop Is Attracting Millions Of Consumers. 7 Facts About Who They Are …and 17.5billion reasons why you should care (the reasons are dollars). (Jenn McMillen: Forbes)

That wallaby just wants you to have a nice time. Wine Snobs, Don’t Let a Cute Critter on the Label Come Between You and a Great Bottle (Lettie Teague: WSJ)

Is that Chardonneigh on the bottle? Beyoncé Officially Launched a Whisky Brand With Mo?t Hennessy — Here’s How to Get It (Karla Alindahao: Food & Wine)

??,

-The Maxwell Crew

P.S. Preparing for some PTO? Don’t be shy about your boundaries! “We’re entering the age of the kiss-off OOO message.”