The right way to use trends for your brand.

A trendy brand gets you nowhere.

Trends are there to have fun with, experiment with and use just because. But only if they form a very small part of your brand and marketing strategy. While we love taking part in fun reels, trending visuals and content, we always know there is a time and place.

If your brand relies on trends to gain followers, increase your reach and grow your social platform, while that may work for those metrics, it's not actually doing your business any favours. When you rely on trends, you're diluting your message, your story and your brand.

So, how to take your brand from trendy to true:

Have a Clear Vision

Always have a clear vision and mission statement. Know inherently what you want to achieve and how you're going to get there. This will allow you to steer clear of trends and you won't fall into the trap of doing what everyone else is.

Question Your Existence

Know why you exist. Your purpose for being is more than just to make money. Lean into this purpose and always keep it front of mind. This will keep you focused on your own goals. You'll do things because they're aligned to your purpose.

Your Values!

Lead with your values. Know what you stand for and why and come back to these with every post, every thought, every video or blog.

Brand Strategy

Invest in a brand strategy for your business. Your brand strategy outlines all of this and more, to make sure you're attracting and resonating with the right audience in the right way. This will keep your content focused on achieving your goals and establishing emotional connection with your dream audience.

Your Dream Audience

Keep your audience front of mind, and provide value through storytelling, tips and guidance. Become the resource your audience didn't know they needed. Your audience is key to the success of your business. Always keeping them in mind with your content, your direction, your brand, you'll be moving forward with intention and trends won't impact what you're doing.

In saying all of that, trends and their purpose in your brand and marketing strategy shouldn't be discredited. Trends help you reach more people and show your relevance in the social media world. Use them sparingly and make sure they're aligned to your business and brand strategy. Your audience may resonate with them, you get to try something new and it could open up new experiences, new doors — who knows! Remember though, your business is unique and you don't want to be left behind by those who are standing out from the crowd. So use trends intentionally and with purpose, only if it's for the right reasons.