There are many ways to accomplish this through consistent content creation. And then there are the exciting moments to capitalize on an existing consumer trend. I was part of the 3-man Champion team who launched the idea of creating Champion locations where customers could fully personalize their gear. We noticed a consumer people decorating their Champion gear at home, so we gave them a branded location to customize our pieces with us. You can see these stores all over the world today.
In this modern business world, the voice of your target audience has never been more crucial. Companies, brands, that actively listen to their customers can significantly increase revenue and elevate their brand’s image.
Listening to Customers: The First Step to Growth
Active listening involves more than just hearing customer feedback; it requires analysis and action. We used social media and watched closely for how consumers were interacting with our products (you can also gather feedback from surveys and encourage open dialogue through customer service channels, but for this project we had enough information through other means). Data is invaluable for understanding customer needs and pain points. You should look to collect quantitative and qualitative insights because people rarely communicate the underlying meanings.
Trend Integration: Staying Ahead of the Curve
Staying relevant means staying updated with trends. This can be tough because there are so many little trends out there and you never want to be a trend chaser. That is not the goal. However, you should be analyzing each trend for its relevance to your audience and assessing how your brand could lean into it naturally and authentically. If you are searching for trends, or don't know how to pick them out, here are a few examples of trends as of early 2024 that you can pick up from social media, trend reports, watching consumer behavior, or even by shopping:
Little Treats and Treating Yourself moments
The blue hues - for makeup, clothing, aesthetics, nails, etc.
Artists collaborating across different mediums (see the Champion video from 2018 up above!)
AI (obviously)
Bridge the gap digitally with AR, VR, and ever more connected omnichannel experiences
Social platforms as search engines
Photo dumps of life lately are still in full swing
Personalization and Customization are still hot
This can be done by actually offering customization or by creating personalized experiences with your brand for each customer (i.e. content based on past behavior, perfectly time content that feels designed for them, relevant communications at just the right moment, using the right channel, etc.)
Growing demand for sustainable products
and countless more...
Think about how your business could creatively lean into each of these trends. HINT: you do not have to be in a specific industry to capitalize on a trend! You just have to show the relevance of leaning into it.
Why It Works: The Power of Personal Touch
Personalization works because it makes customers feel valued and understood. Remember the Coke cans that rolled out with first names? People would seek out Coke just to be able to snap a pic of a can with their name on it. It was mass-produced but felt personal. This type of marketing transforms a generic transaction into a meaningful interaction. When customers see that a brand is responsive to their needs, preferences, interests, uniqueness, etc., they are more likely to become repeat buyers and brand advocates.
The Bottom Line: By listening to customers, integrating trends, and personalizing experiences, businesses can foster a loyal customer base, stand out in a crowded market, and increase revenue. The trifecta!
Remember, in a world where customers have endless choices, the brands that listen and respond with empathy and innovation are the ones that thrive.
Ready to talk about how to put this strategy to work for your brand?