POV

WHAT'S TRENDING?

 How Taylor Swift's Surprise Setlist Shift Inspires Marketers to Adapt

 

Taylor Swift isn’t just a pop star – she’s a mastermind marketer who has captivated audiences worldwide. One of the prime examples of her marketing abilities is the Eras Tour, a monumental live event that showcased her evolution as an artist. In her recent Paris stop, Swift stunned fans with a setlist shake-up. Not only does Taylor know how to deliver incredible concerts, but she knows how to keep her fans on their toes and engaged. Similar to marketing, trends shift rapidly, demanding adaptability and the ability to pivot. 

As summer approaches, it presents an ideal moment for brands to venture into new avenues, whether it's through product innovation or revamping their social media strategies (which are crucial for staying relevant in today's landscape). By evolving and adapting to changing trends, Swift grew her audience reaching new fans and pleasing the old. As a marketer, you can maintain relevance and capture new audiences while preserving your brand's core identity by evolving authentically and trying new trends and strategies.

 

 

The 2024 Met Gala, themed “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” inadvertently sparked a digital revolution. Celebrities and influencers found themselves under the scrutiny of a digital war on social media following the big event. This backlash went beyond just fashion critiques, striking at the heart of influencer culture's disconnect from reality. It's a wake-up call for influencers and brands, highlighting the need for some change and ample crisis management in the face of heightened online scrutiny. As audiences increasingly prioritize authenticity and connection over superficial displays of wealth, marketers must adapt by crafting meaningful content rooted in awareness and social responsibility. This means brands and influencers now have a commitment to deliver value beyond likes and shares. Marketers need to embrace authenticity, stay informed, delve deeper than surface-level content, and wield their influence online responsibly.

But, even with these efforts, is it ever enough? The recent controversy surrounding the Met Gala invite list raises the question: can digital ever truly win the trust of the people? The limited presence of influencers at the event, and the backlash they faced, highlights the enduring complexity of the influencer-versus-celebrity debate. Both are perceived differently by audiences, serving various purposes in entertainment and marketing, making it a topic that may never be fully understood by everyone.

& 

The Bratz is a brand that is simply killing it in terms of marketing this year.  Once thought of as a brand left behind in our teen years, they've proven they're here to stay. Their ability to react quickly and stay relevant is impressive. Their post-MET Gala Instagram content, which featured recreated iconic looks with Bratz dolls, was a stroke of genius that sparked conversations and drew all eyes to their page. This isn't the first time they've nailed reactive marketing either; their collaboration with Oh Polly earlier this year was spot-on and trendy. Bratz definitely has their finger on the pulse, and we love it.

In light of the recent controversy surrounding Apple's iPad ad, there's a lot we can learn as marketers. First, the ad's divisive nature emphasizes the importance of truly understanding the values and sensitivities of your audience. It's important to carefully consider how your messaging will be perceived and whether it aligns with the beliefs of your target demographic. The widespread backlash against the ad shows the immense influence that social media has in shaping public opinion. 

Marketers must grasp the reality that in today's digital world, even a minor misstep can escalate into a full-blown PR crisis, so you have to be reactive and alert. The reception of the ad serves as a reminder of the need for authenticity in marketing. Consumers want to see branding with genuine connections. Bottom line: know the ins and outs of your audience.

 

 

Breaking away from its traditional means, LinkedIn has introduced three puzzle-based games – "Queens," "Inference," and "Crossclimb" – a bold move beyond its usual professional content-centric focus. This exciting addition is aimed at enhancing user engagement on the platform. We wonder if LinkedIn is trying to reshape itself into more of a social media app, and what the implications of this new update mean. Whether you're a puzzle enthusiast, or need a break from professional networking, these games are a nice new way to unwind while looking like you're doing professional work (right?).