Great comedians are funny because they are like mirrors. They reflect ourselves and the human condition back to us in ways that make us laugh, many times, because their observations of our culture, lives and people are so dead-on. As you laugh at their jokes, you’re thinking “that is so true.” Like comedians, astute marketers keep a pulse on pop culture and consumer trends in order to fine-tune marketing and messaging strategies so that they are in-sync with what’s going on in the world. Understanding how people are feeling and thinking – knowing their hopes, fears and values – will give you insights into how today’s consumer mindset may influence their relationship with your brand. The emotional and aesthetic experiences people have with products and services are just as important as conventional measures of quality and performance. We are experiencing socioeconomic conditions and cultural shifts that may have far-reaching marketing implications and we should be in tune with these trends.
Here are the top ten consumer/brand predictions for ’09, according to Sterling Brands:
- For consumers – it’s re-evaluation time
- Brandicide – a trend on the rise
- Brands out of sync are brands out of favor
- Consumer skepticism – now on steroids
- Make it in America…but make it great
- At-home incubating – it’s all the rage
- From frivolity to frugality
- Local – the connection that matters
- Addiction to discounting can hurt a brand
- The next consumer revolution has begun
Is your brand in-sync? Check out the complete report/slideshow at ‘Taking A Pulse ‘09 by Sterling Brands. It may help you seek context surrounding your marketing challenges and discover important marketing implications relevant to your brand.
