How to stay on top of marketing trends

Branding and identity are essential aspects of marketing that help you communicate your value proposition, differentiate yourself from competitors, and build trust and loyalty with your customers. However, branding and identity trends are constantly evolving, influenced by changes in consumer behavior, technology, culture, and design.

How do you stay up-to-date with these trends and make sure your brand is relevant, consistent, and impactful?

Here are some tips to help you keep your finger on the pulse of branding and identity.

Follow industry leaders

One of the best ways to learn from the best practices and innovations in branding and identity is to follow the industry leaders who are setting the standards and pushing the boundaries. You can subscribe to their newsletters, blogs, podcasts, social media accounts, or online courses, and get insights into their strategies, processes, and results. Some examples of industry leaders you can follow are Marty Neumeier, David Airey, Debbie Millman, and Chris Do.

Attend events and webinars

Another way to stay up-to-date with branding and identity trends is to attend events and webinars that cover the latest topics and challenges in the field. You can network with other professionals, get feedback on your work, and learn from experts and peers. You can find events and webinars on platforms like Eventbrite, Meetup, Skillshare, or Udemy, or look for specific events hosted by organizations like AIGA, Brand New, or Creative Mornings.

Red books and magazines

Books and magazines are also valuable sources of information and inspiration for branding and identity. You can read books that cover the fundamentals, principles, and case studies of branding and identity, or books that explore the emerging trends, issues, and opportunities in the field. You can also browse magazines that showcase the latest and best examples of branding and identity across different industries and regions. Some examples of books and magazines you can read are The Brand Gap, Logo Design Love, Branding: In Five and a Half Steps, and Communication Arts.

Join online communities

Online communities are great places to stay connected, engaged, and informed about branding and identity trends. You can join online forums, groups, or platforms where you can ask questions, share your work, give and receive feedback, and exchange ideas and opinions with other branding and identity enthusiasts. You can also participate in challenges, contests, or projects that can help you improve your skills and showcase your creativity. Some examples of online communities you can join are Branding Design, Logo Geek, Brand New, and Dribbble.

Experiment and learn

Finally, the best way to stay up-to-date with branding and identity trends is to experiment and learn by doing. You can try new tools, techniques, or styles that can help you create more effective, engaging, and distinctive branding and identity solutions. You can also take online courses, tutorials, or workshops that can teach you new skills, concepts, or methods that can enhance your branding and identity knowledge and practice. Some examples of online learning resources you can use are Lynda, Coursera, Udemy, or Skillshare.

In summary, staying on top of marketing trends is essential for marketing agencies to meet client expectations, gain a competitive advantage, understand target audiences, leverage new technologies, adapt to industry shifts, and establish thought leadership. It ultimately enables agencies to deliver effective and innovative marketing solutions that drive business success!