You’re falling behind on trends in Creative Strategy. How can you catch up?

Make sure to have one main content type for your brand and then use trends to amplify that content strategy. if your whole strategy is based on trends then you won't be able to catch everything. So this is what I do: 1) Observe what sticks to you when you use social media and take note of that. 2) Use social media news articles and publications or AI tools to update you with the latest marketing information. 3) Learn from unrelated topics. For example, many times I learn some important marketing lessons by watching movies that might seem irrelevant to your business.

Follow some popular meme pages on social! Along the lines "observe like a consumer," Meme pages offer a good synthesis of what's happening real time in pop culture. Depending on your brand, you may be able to play on a trend and extend it into a cultural moment (only if it makes sense).

Revive your Creative Strategy! Don't chase fads, focus on the core message. 1) Research industry publications & influencers. 2) Attend webinars & conferences (online/offline). 3) Analyze competitor tactics (learn, don't copy!). 4) Conduct audience surveys (understand their needs). 5) Experiment with new formats (e.g., video, audio). Remember, consistency is key!

Be a consumer. Write down your observations. At the end of each day, write down the media moments you remember and are top of mind. Don’t try too hard to remember everything. Consumers remember next to nothing so if that moment didn’t stick with you, it’s not worth writing down. Reflecting on your day is about reflecting on the winners. What captured your attention? Why did you remember it?

To catch up on trends in Creative Strategy, focus on a mix of learning and observation. Start by subscribing to industry newsletters and following thought leaders on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. Attend webinars and virtual conferences related to creative strategy and innovation. Dedicate some time each week to read articles and reports from reputable sources in the field. Engaging in online forums or communities where professionals discuss the latest trends can also provide real-time insights. Lastly, experiment with new ideas in your projects to apply what you learn and see what works best in practice.

Networking and collaboration are essential for staying on the cutting edge of digital marketing and SEO. By engaging with peers and thought leaders, you can gain insights into emerging social media trends and lead generation tactics. This is not just about keeping pace with the industry; it's about fostering a community that thrives on shared knowledge and experiences. As a digital marketer, tapping into diverse perspectives can spark innovative ideas for content strategies and campaigns, ensuring that your online presence remains dynamic and effective.

Engaging with online communities, going to relevant events, and getting advice from experienced people are great ways to learn and grow. Networking and collaborating with other professionals give us chances to improve. These interactions help us see things from different perspectives and get better at what we do. By connecting with like-minded people and joining meaningful discussions, we can learn new things. Also, going to events and getting advice from experienced people can help us get even better. Taking advantage of these opportunities can help us grow personally and professionally, and keep getting better.

Get off the hamster wheel of your daily delivery and find some time every week to find inspiration through reading. Challenge yourself to come up with a "big idea" every week based on what you learned. You only need one or two of these ideas to land to make a huge impact on your strategy and organization.

By trying different things, people learn what works for their audience and make their work better. This helps them keep getting better and try new things. It's important to be open to new ideas and try new ways of doing things to keep up with what's happening in the industry. It's also important to look at the results, learn from mistakes, and make changes based on feedback. This helps us see what we're good at and what we need to work on, so we can make better decisions in the future.

I learned this from my time working at Twitter. Have multiple social accounts—personal and then based on interests. So, I use my marketing account to follow only marketing/AI, and then the content served is relevant to that interest. I'm always finding gems of inspiration.

One effective strategy I recommend to clients for staying updated with trends is to follow industry leaders on social media platforms, saving content that grabs their attention, and then attempting to recreate with their spin on that post. This approach is particularly beneficial for platforms like Instagram Reels and TikTok. If a certain audio or video format is trending, there's no need to reinvent the wheel! Make sure to set aside time each day to review what others in your industry are posting and consider creating your version of a trending post.

As a digital marketer, I can't stress enough the importance of seeking diverse inspiration and constructive feedback. Immersing oneself in creative work from various industries can reveal unexpected connections and innovative approaches that can be applied to digital marketing campaigns. Moreover, actively engaging with your audience and peers for feedback is crucial; it provides insights into what resonates with your audience and highlights areas for SEO optimization and lead generation improvement. This practice is a cornerstone for staying relevant and effective in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

To keep growing and being innovative, we need to not only do our own thing but also check out different creative stuff. By exploring cool things from different industries, genres, and cultures, we broaden our horizons and get better at what we do. Also, it's important to stay up to date with what's happening in our field. Reading blogs, listening to podcasts, and checking out magazines that showcase creative stuff helps us stay inspired and learn new things. And we can't forget to get feedback from our audience, clients, colleagues, and mentors. It's super helpful to hear what they think and get different perspectives. It helps us improve our ideas and make our work even better.

It's super important to stay curious and open-minded in this ever-changing world. Taking courses, programs, or getting certifications can help improve your skills and expand your knowledge. Reading books, articles, and blogs on relevant topics can give you valuable insights and new perspectives. We can't also underestimate the power of hobbies and interests that spark creativity and make you feel good. These things can really help you come up with new ideas and find personal fulfilment, which is key to overcoming challenges and achieving your goals.

My feeling is that keeping your fingers on the pulse, being personally aware of what is happening in society, the marketplace and the environment surrounding you is important. Feeling for yourself what changes are taking place, and listening to your gut feeling always helps, to understand what trends are not just taking place right now, but what is coming. I believe in trying to always remain one small step ahead. The best creative approaches come from understanding the environment and the audience you are planning to target, and serving up something genuinely extraordinary. The best part about this, is that it doesn't always require huge funds - Being brave often helps!

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, continuous learning is not just beneficial—it's essential. As a digital marketer and social media strategist, I've found that immersing oneself in the latest SEO techniques, understanding new algorithms, and adapting to fresh lead generation tactics can significantly enhance one's creative strategy. By committing to lifelong learning, you ensure that your skills remain sharp and your strategies relevant, allowing you to deliver consistent value to your clients and stay ahead in a competitive market.