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FuturistU > Marketing > Marketing in the Crisis of Authenticity > Module 2 / 4

Marketing Through Co-Branded Influence

Instructor: Gil Haddi
Social Media
Download the Social Media Trend Report
We’ll kick off this module by exploring a Megatrend that can almost single-handedly conquer the disconnect between how brands see themselves versus how consumers view their messaging, particularly when it comes to having an authentic brand message. We’ll dive deeper into how this Megatrend appeals to the Gen Z consumer, followed by a look at the next level of influencer marketing that you may not have seen coming.

When it comes to winning the future of marketing, everyone wants to feel represented and diversity will come into play in a major way. We end this module by looking at how shifting trends within diversity are impacting influencer marketing as well as branding trends more generally.
Related Trend Report: Social Media
Workshop Questions:
1. Are micro-influencers right for your brand? Why or why not?
2. How can you highlight the consumer, rather than an influencer or celebrity, in your marketing?
Get the 2024 Trend Report FREE

Featured Insights

Diversified Ambassador
Brands experiment with brand mascots & ambassadors to create more diversity
Trend - Realizing the need to be more open and inclusive with their audiences, brands are getting creative with their brand mascots and ambassadors. This is particularly the case with brands that shift the existing traditional norms around gender, disabilities as well as incorporating elements of CGI advances.
Workshop Question - How can you diversify your brand representation through the use of more inclusive marketing tactics?
3.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Branded Inclusivity
Big brands shift their marketing to be more inclusive in their messaging
Implications - Brand authenticity continues to be a priority among consumers, and with that, a desire for more inclusive initiatives are on the rise. Showcasing a bolder commitment to inclusivity across various categories, big name brands are adapting their marketing campaigns, packaging and even brand messaging to better reflect people of different genders, backgrounds, and physical ability. These shifts in marketing approaches speak to the growing number of brands working toward not only being more inclusive but also being more transparent and open about it as well.
Workshop Question - In what way could your brand and business speak to the social issues and concerns of your consumers in a more authentic way?
2.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends

Insights by Trend Hunter AI

Intimate Campaign
Brands recruit influencers and creators to share authentic stories
Trend - As brands pivot to more authentic representations of their customers, they're recruiting influencers and creators for campaigns that feel more intimate. Showcasing creators' personal stories through these campaigns creates deeper connections with customers--Gen Z in-particular.
Workshop Question - In what areas could your brand create more intimate connections with its customers?
6.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Intersectional Campaign
Brands adopt a more intersectional approach to diversity and inclusion
Trend - In recent years, brands have adapted to demands for inclusion by incorporating it into their core values. Inclusion is taken even further by brands that are adopting intersectionality into campaigns or business models--offering a more nuanced and thoughtful approach to DEI.
Workshop Question - How could your brand incorporate intersectionality in its efforts toward inclusion?
5.9
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Menstruation Merchandising
Brands are launching empowering products that destigmatize menstruation
Trend - Gen Z-focused brands are launching menstruation-inspired products and campaigns that uplift and empower women, aiming to destigmatize menstruation through wholesome branding and marketing. This helps younger women take more pride in their bodies and not resent the menstruation process.
Workshop Question - How could your brand reimagine its marketing for younger audiences?
5.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Unified Bar
Bars are taking initiatives to bring communities together and support those in need
Trend - Bars are using their platforms as community establishments for social outreach. The companies are creating more inclusive environments through in-house initiatives and branded donations for worthy causes.
Workshop Question - How can your company improve its social outreach?
4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
In-Game Activation
Brands create pop-up experiences in popular video games
Trend - In-game marketing has become increasingly popular, with brands taking it to the next level with pop-up experiences they've curated in collaboration with popular video game brands. Everything from jewelry to personal hygiene brands have featured their products in the virtual world this way.
Workshop Question - What's a more novel way your brand could engage with its customers?
7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Inclusive Jewelry
Jewelry brands become more inclusive in their products and representation
Trend - The North American jewelry industry has historically been relatively exclusive, and in the past that's had an impact on its accessibility for some demographics. Now, more brands in this space are prioritizing inclusion--in everything from LGBTQ+ representation to inclusive internal hiring initiatives.
Workshop Question - How is your brand effectively aligning itself with the values of consumers?
6.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Interactive Branding
Companies are making new products accessible with interactive experiences
Trend - Brands across various industries are finding new ways to introduce their products to consumers through interactive experiences and product workshops. These events make new products more accessible and less daunting to consumers as they provide product knowledge through hands-on learning.
Workshop Question - What resources can your company offer to increase brand and product knowledge?
7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Diverse Content
Media and communications companes accept and promote consumers' creative content
Trend - Media and communications companies are increasingly prioritizing diversity straight from consumers' creations--accepting and promoting crowdsourced submissions that include, art, stories, and videos made by diverse demographics.
Workshop Question - How could your brand better adapt to the push for inclusion?
4.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Poultry Chips
Brands use chicken as a primary flavor or ingredient in packaged chips
Trend - No matter the brand, packaged chips tend to have a diverse range of flavors for customers to enjoy. Now, brands in this space are releasing chips that are made from chicken skin, or flavored like various familiar chicken dishes.
Workshop Question - How could your brand better prioritize novelty?
4.6
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends