how i stay on top of marketing trends (and you should too)
Keeping up with trends is no longer optional, it’s essential. Whether it’s the latest social media craze or an industry-specific shift, knowing what’s on-trend (and what’s not) can make all the difference in creating a strong marketing strategy.
So, how do you stay in the know? For me, I rely on some practical tools to help stay current with trends, whether they’re specific to social media, marketing or the industries my clients work in.
the how
Google Trends
Google Trends is one of the easiest ways to track what people are searching for. It offers real-time insights into what’s trending across various regions and industries. Whether I need to identify new trends in the beverage industry or see what’s gaining traction globally in the real estate space, this tool gives me a clear snapshot of what’s trending. It’s simple, free, and helps guide data-driven decisions.
Pinterest Trends
For industries driven by design, lifestyle, or aesthetics, Pinterest Trends is a valuable resource. It shows which ideas, products, and visuals are currently popular, providing insight into what’s gaining momentum. This helps me align creative strategies with what’s visually resonating with target audiences, particularly in fashion, home décor, or wellness businesses.
LinkedIn News
LinkedIn is more than just a professional networking site—it’s a vital hub for industry updates across industries like real estate, hospitality, wellness, and technology. I regularly follow LinkedIn News to stay on top of broader business trends and key shifts affecting industries like healthcare, e-commerce, and digital marketing. Additionally, I engage with LinkedIn Groups specific to my clients’ industries, such as groups for real estate agents in Boston or wellness professionals in Cape Cod. These groups are excellent for real-time discussions and insights from other professionals. By participating actively, I gain valuable knowledge that keeps me informed about what matters most to my clients’ industries and enhances my ability to deliver effective marketing strategies.
Reddit may not be the first place you think of for trendspotting, but it’s an underrated tool. Reddit forums, or subreddits, often highlight conversations and niche topics before they hit mainstream platforms. By following subreddits relevant to my clients’ industries, I can see what consumers are discussing and where their interests are headed. It’s a raw and honest source of information that offers insights you won’t always find on more polished platforms. But keep in mind that not everything on Reddit will be perceived as relevant and are oftentimes controversial. When using this tool, err on the side of caution.
Email Newsletters
I subscribe to a few key email newsletters that offer quick, digestible updates on what’s happening in marketing and tech. Newsletters like Morning Brew, Marketing Brew, and The Hustle provide summaries of important trends and industry changes. It’s an easy way to stay informed without needing to comb through a dozen different sources each day.
Google News Alerts
Setting up Google News Alerts is another simple yet effective way to get relevant content delivered directly to your inbox. I create alerts for specific industries such as real estate, wellness, hospitality, and retail, as well as geographic locations like Greater Boston, Nantucket, and Cape Cod. This allows me to receive a curated list of news articles focused on trends, developments, and insights that matter to my clients. By targeting specific sectors and regions, I stay informed about both general trends and niche developments, ensuring that my strategies are always aligned with the latest market insights.
the why
Staying on top of trends is key, especially as a marketing strategist at Blue Seven. We create content on a monthly basis, allowing us to plan ahead and ensure we have evergreen material ready to go. However, it’s equally important to recognize that much of our content needs to be created on the fly to stay relevant and engage in important conversations within our clients' industries, such as real estate, hospitality, wellness, and e-commerce.
Trends can shift very quickly, influenced by factors like cultural events, emerging technologies, or changes in consumer behavior. By staying in-tune with what’s relevant, we can create timely content that resonates with our audience and addresses current issues or interests. This proactive approach enhances our clients' visibility and positions them as thought leaders who are actively participating in meaningful discussions.
For example, if a new trend in sustainable marketing or digital transformation emerges, being quick to develop content around that topic allows us to tap into existing conversations and connect with audiences who prioritize these values. This ensures that our marketing strategies are not just reactive but also forward-thinking, maximizing engagement and driving conversions.
In sum, staying on trends helps us maintain relevancy, foster connections, and ultimately achieve better results for our clients in an ever-evolving marketing landscape.
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