Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of modern marketing can be quite the adventure for brands. With competition always on the rise, the search for innovative strategies to captivate consumers never ceases. And that’s where the magic of trendjacking comes into play – the art of aligning marketing efforts with the latest trends and pop culture buzz. It’s all about riding the wave of the moment and placing your brand right in the heart of the conversation. And when you throw influencer marketing into the mix, trendjacking transforms into a true game changer.
What is Trendjacking?
Picture this: trendjacking at its core is like catching a wave – a wave of current trends and events that have captured the public’s attention. By riding this wave of popularity, brands can get a boost. A boost in both visibility and engagement. Imagine using popular hashtags, creating content that goes viral, or linking your brand to a trending cultural moment. The ultimate goal? Weaving your brand into the broader cultural narrative, ensuring that it remains not just relevant, but deeply engaged with your audience.
But this isn’t just about being timely; it’s about strategically positioning your brand right at the heart of those contemporary conversations that everyone is buzzing about.
What’s a Better Way to Start Trendjacking? — With Influencers
They’re like the secret ingredient that adds that extra punch to your trendjacking success. Influencers, with their tuned-in audiences and sky-high engagement rates, have this unique power to sway public opinion and shape consumer behaviors. When an influencer teams up with your brand during a trend, it’s like turbocharging your message. It’s not just about reaching more people, but also about adding a layer of credibility to your brand. Imagine an influencer’s perfectly timed post skyrocketing your visibility, spiking engagement, and even potentially driving more sales.
So, you’re probably wondering: how do you find these influencers? Well, buckle up, because here are three strategies that could lead you straight to influencer gold.
Strategy number one: Make use of influencer discovery platforms. These nifty platforms are like treasure maps for brands, helping them uncover influencers based on specific niches, audience demographics, and engagement rates. Alternatively, you can consider partnering with an influencer marketing agency that’s all about connecting you with a curated list of influencers. Think about it – we’re right here at your service, just like PopStar Philippines.
Strategy number two: Keep a close watch on trending hashtags and conversations across social media platforms. This can lead you to influencers who are already hopping onto the trend train. Engage with or track content using these trending tags, and you might just stumble upon influencers who know exactly what’s hot.
Strategy number three: Look within your own follower base. Your loyal customers might already be mini-influencers with a solid following and a genuine love for your products. Analyze who’s always tagging or mentioning your brand, and you might just discover potential influencer partners organically.
But remember, the goal isn’t just to find influencers with big followings. What’s more important is finding those whose audience, content, and values align seamlessly with your brand’s goals and the specific trend you’re aiming to conquer.
Here’s our PopStar Guide to Finding the Right Influencers in the Philippines for more influencer marketing tips and insights!
Now, let’s dive into something I like to call the ‘Bucket of Money’ concept. Trendjacking is like catching lightning in a bottle – trends pop up out of nowhere and disappear just as fast. So, you’ve got to be prepared and quick on your feet. Having a special budget or a designated “bucket of money” set aside solely for trendjacking is like having a secret weapon. It lets you swoop in on trends as they surface. This fund can be used for partnering with influencers, creating spot-on content, or investing in activities that revolve around the trend. The faster your brand can react, the more it stands to gain from the trend’s momentum.
But wait, there’s more! Let’s talk about strategies for mastering the art of trendjacking like a true pro. While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula for trendjacking, having the right strategies in place is like having a solid game plan for these fleeting moments of fame. In the digital landscape that’s ever-changing, being proactive and staying alert can truly set your brand apart.
- First, stay in the know. Brands looking to ride the wave of shifting cultural trends should always be updated, whether on the pulse of pop culture, social media buzz, and current news. Using social listening tools is like having your own personal trend radar, helping you track the hottest topics in real time.
- Second, choose wisely. Not every trend is your brand’s best friend. It’s crucial to pick trends that resonate with your brand’s identity and actually matter to your target audience. Going for a stale trend might actually do more harm than good. (Trust me, nobody wants to see yet another rendition of the “It’s Corn!” song.)
- Next up, the comments section. Sometimes, all it takes is a clever or cheeky comment on a trending post to get your brand noticed. With a bit of witty banter or a touch of playfulness, you can turn regular social interactions into pure trendjacking gold. Just be cautious when it comes to controversial topics – remember the brand Duolingo’s mishap with a joke on the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard trial?
- Finding your perfect match is another strategy to ace trendjacking. Collaborating with influencers who genuinely align with your brand’s essence and have a devoted fan base can be a game-changer. Their endorsements can increase engagement on any campaign they participate in.
- Now, timing is everything. Trends are like shooting stars – they fade quickly. So, when your brand spots a fitting trend, act without delay. One of the most legendary brand trendjacking moments happened during the 2013 Super Bowl XLVII when a power outage halted the game for 34 minutes. Within moments, Oreo whipped up a viral tweet that’s still being talked about today.
- And of course, track the impact. Keeping an eye on how your campaign is performing gives you priceless insights into its success. These insights shape the way for future trendjacking endeavors.
Final PopStar Tip
So, what’s the way forward? With trendjacking and influencers, you can give your brand a unique chance to connect with consumers in a way that’s both relevant and exhilarating. It’s like forging a deeper bond with your audience, while also cranking up your brand’s visibility and potentially boosting conversions.
But, yes, there’s always a but – it demands careful planning, lightning-quick execution, and, of course, that trusty “bucket of money” set aside for these adventures. While trendjacking comes with its challenges, the rewards it offers make it an avenue worth exploring. In a market that’s getting busier by the minute, trendjacking brings a breath of fresh air – an engaging way to make your brand a part of your audience’s cultural journey. So, go ahead, embrace those trends, join forces with influencers, and let your brand ride the wave of cultural relevance.
Send us a message or contact our Team at contact@pop-star.me for more information on how PopStar can help your influencer marketing here in the Philippines.