Stop Chasing Old Trends: The Real Future of Marketing Starts with Solving Mass Problems

Like many marketers, I have Google Alerts set up to keep an eye on what’s happening in the marketing world. And like many of you, I’ve been through my fair share of deep, thought-provoking conversations around all things cutting-edge. So, when I get a notification about “marketing trends” articles, I can’t help but hope for some groundbreaking insight. But, time and time again, these articles leave me underwhelmed.

Take this recent article by Brand Equity for example—just another rehash of “data-driven marketing” and “AI is taking over.” It’s the same so-called “trends” I’ve been hearing for the last five years. Yes, data-driven marketing is essential, but is it still a trend if it's the default for any marketer worth their salt? Yes, AI is transforming industries, but that’s no longer a novelty—it’s a tool we use every day. The only point that struck me as relevant to the future was the warning to "adapt or perish." And that’s where the real discussion begins.

The Problem with Vague Trends

Most articles like this one present trends that are too vague, too safe. They don’t push boundaries or challenge businesses to do anything new. You can’t solve a problem by repeating what everyone else is already doing. If a “trend” doesn’t give you a tangible way to differentiate your business or solve a major problem that affects millions of people, then it’s not a trend—it’s noise.

What we should be focusing on are trends that address real, mass-scale problems. This is why I believe the true trend right now isn’t just about AI, or data-driven marketing, but rather how you position your business to solve a universal challenge: attention.

Attention: The Real Mass Problem

Every business today is fighting for one thing—attention. And not just any attention, but meaningful, engaged attention that can be converted into long-term loyalty. The problem is, we’re relying on massive conglomerate algorithms to do this for us. And these algorithms are not your friend—they’re constantly changing, pushing up the cost of customer acquisition, and making it harder to organically grow your business.

If you’re just using data and AI to optimize ad spend and marketing messages, you’re playing a game where the rules aren’t in your favor. So how do you take control of the game? You build, own, and nurture your own audience. But how do you really do that? Here’s where the next frontier in marketing comes in: Web3 and NFTs.

Why Web3 and NFTs Are Real Trends

Web3 technology is not a buzzword; it’s the evolution of how we interact with the internet, business, and customers. One of the most powerful tools in this new space is NFTs (non-fungible tokens). If you’ve only heard of NFTs in the context of digital art, you’re missing the bigger picture. The real power of NFTs lies in their ability to transform business products, processes, and ownership models.

Think of it this way: NFTs allow businesses to turn their offerings into digital assets that can be bought, sold, and traded, but more importantly, they allow businesses to create direct-to-consumer relationships without relying on middlemen like social platforms or search engines. NFTs help businesses build communities, offer exclusive value, and create new revenue streams—all while bypassing the gatekeepers of traditional marketing channels.

And platforms like MAGNETIQ, Inc. are making it possible for businesses to easily create these digital assets. With Magnetiq, you can turn your business processes, marketing content, or even your customer loyalty program into an NFT—giving you ownership of your audience and allowing you to interact with them directly, without the interference of algorithms.

The Trend We Need to Be Paying Attention To: Mass Solutions

The reason AI is as prevalent as it is today is that it solves a mass human problem: it cuts down on time spent on mundane, repetitive tasks. It's a relatable issue, and AI solves it at scale. But as businesses, we’re facing another mass problem—the fight for attention—and NFTs offer a mass solution to that problem. They allow businesses to take back control, create their own digital assets, and directly engage with their audience in meaningful, lasting ways.

Building and owning your audience through Web3 isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity. The future of business is in decentralized relationships, where brands are no longer held hostage by platforms but can directly interact with and reward their most loyal customers.

How to Stay Ahead: Start Using NFTs Now

So, what’s the actionable takeaway here? You need to stop waiting for the next vague “trend” and start taking tangible steps to position your business ahead of the curve. Here’s how:

1. Evaluate your business processes and products: What could be transformed into a digital asset that your audience would value? Is it access to exclusive content? A membership or loyalty program? A unique service offering? For instance, I used to create downloadable eBooks through the Market Movers Program, designed to equip startups with essential marketing tools and insights to help them cut through the overwhelming noise. Now, I transform all my training materials into NFTs, allowing me to directly connect and grow a thriving community.
2. Use Magnetiq to create NFTs: Magnetiq’s platform makes it easy to create, manage, and distribute NFTs, allowing you to take the first step into Web3 without needing a tech background.
3. Own your audience: Use these NFTs to build a direct, engaged community that you control—not the algorithms. Offer exclusive benefits, early access, or special rewards that drive loyalty.

By taking these steps, you’ll not only stay ahead of the competition—you’ll be building the kind of business that can thrive in the future, where control over your audience is the true currency.

It’s time to stop chasing old trends and start setting your own. Welcome to the future of marketing.