At bicom, we aim to identify opportunities to align our client’s activations with the pulse of these trends, adapting and integrating them into our PR initiatives. Our commitment lies not only in understanding these trends but also in actively leveraging them to enhance your presence and resonate more deeply with your audience. Here are 7 communications and industry trends on our radar lately:
1. The New Sales Funnel
“Consumption today is an infinite loop of inspiration, exploration, community and loyalty. Gen Z is grappling with the fact that their primary marketplace — social media — is also their entertainment centre, social hub, learning platform, and news source, making shopping a medley of influences and mindsets.” – Vogue
2. Founder-Ambassadors
Key decision-makers of a business who also serve as the faces of the brand. Brands are increasingly using their internal leaders as spokespersons to add a personal touch to their marketing efforts, leveraging the credibility and authenticity of the founders. Founder-ambassadors offer a unique perspective and deeper understanding of the brand’s core values, resonating with consumers and building trust while also humanizing the brand image.
3. UGC
Content created by consumers rather than the brand, for the brand’s platforms. An increasingly leveraged tactic due to the added authenticity, credibility, and relatability. Users tend to trust content created by their peers more than they do traditional brand messaging, making UGC a cost-effective way to engage with audiences, build trust, and foster a sense of community.
4. Co-Created Collections
Collaborations between brands and influencers or celebrities to develop exclusive product lines. This tactic is gaining popularity because it allows brands to tap into the unique styles and personalities of influencers and celebrities, using their sense of community to better engage potential consumers. .
5. AI Influencers
Virtual personas created using artificial intelligence technology to look like real-life influencers. These digital creations can interact with audiences, create content, and promote products the same way humans can. Some brands are using AI influencers as a tactic to engage with younger, tech-oriented audiences, stand out as pioneers in saturated social media spaces, and experiment with more control over messaging, content creation, and consistency.
6. Creative Freedom
More creative freedom is being given to influencers in today’s saturated social media sphere as it allows for authentic and engaging content creation. Flooded with ads, consumers are drawn to genuine and relatable content. Empowering influencers to express themselves creatively ensures a messaging that resonates with their audience, resulting in higher levels of engagement and trust, while fostering a collaborative feeling between the brand and its ambassadors.
7. Multiplied & Deepened Connection Points
Influencers are increasingly using podcasts to deepen connections with their audiences, resulting in highly engaged listeners and increased trust in promotions. In-person events have regained popularity post-COVID, creating memorable, immersive brand experiences. Live streams on platforms like TikTok and Twitch are rising, allowing real-time interaction and engagement, while Gen Alpha’s use of Roblox and its live voice chat feature denotes their inclination for online connectivity formats.
In a constantly evolving marketing landscape, staying ahead of the curve is essential to building meaningful and lasting impressions on your audience. At bicom, we understand the importance of recognizing trend shifts and have the experience to strategically tailor our client’s activations accordingly. Whether it’s through the authenticity of user-generated content, the influence of founder-ambassadors, or the innovative world of AI, we’re committed to helping our clients lead. By aligning our approach with these industry trends, we ensure that your brand’s story not only resonates, but thrives.