We often talk about what marketing achieves and what our goals are. What we don’t often discuss is what might have worked a few years ago or even a few months ago no longer does that trick.  It is important to remember not only what works but what doesn’t. Leaders ahead of 2018 marketing trends have an advantage, in part because they know which are effective and which are not.

With every post you make on various social media platforms, an intricate set of analytics comes along with it.  What might do incredibly well on Instagram may completely bomb on Facebook.  Pinterest might not be the right platform for your business.  Snapchat might be something you want to try!

2018 Marketing Trends: What to avoid

There are so many variables.  So. Many. Variables.

Today, we are going to talk about countering 2018 marketing trends, and what we will be seeing less of in 2018.

1.   Inserting Political Views Into Marketing

If you recall the most recent generation of Superbowl commercials, you will note that there were a whole lot of politics going on.  Even if they weren’t blatantly calling out a candidate, they addressed specific stances on very political issues. In 2018, you will likely see a lot less of that from marketers out of fear of the #Boycott hashtag.  

2.  Sponsored Posts from Influencers – It is always nice to have a “Brand Ambassador” who is passionate about a product.  However, it is not exactly the sincerest thing when their passion reads like an advertisement for the brand.  What you will see more of? Videos of customers enjoying their meals, driving off in their new cars, and endorsements that you will absolutely know are not bought and paid for or worse, bartered for! (If you make this video for us, we will send you a year’s worth of our product free!)  Nope. Customers are too savvy for that silliness.

3.  The Word “Millennial” – Sorry, Millennials.  Your time in the spotlight has come and gone. While they are still a market no different than any other market (ie: Gen X, Gen Y, Baby Boomers), they are not the target market for “youth appeal” products any longer.  By the year 2020, a new demographic, Gen Z, will be the force behind 40% of all consumer sales. These are the kids who have no clue what a CD is. Rest assured, they won’t have anything in common with the buying habits of their older counterparts.

4.  Marketplace Partnerships – Let’s talk about the Superbowl again.  You might have caught that commercial that incorporated Doritos with Mountain Dew and starred Morgan Freeman and Peter Dinklage.  Well, the results are in and while people loved the commercial itself, they didn’t like the “brand partnership” aspect of it. They also didn’t much care for the Tide commercials popping up in the Old Spice advertisements.  People apparently like to keep their brands separated, so make sure you follow suit!

The marketplace is ever changing.  It’s important to keep a finger (or ten!) on the pulse of digital advertising.  Care enough about your brand to hire a company like Jet Media Corp to handle all your digital and traditional marketing needs.  You have enough to do running your company. Let us do what we do best so you can do what you do best.