And Why Your Brand Should Care .
Social media is a lot like fashion: what’s *in* today could be *out* tomorrow (hello, Myspace).
Staying up-to-date with the latest trends isn’t just about being cool — it’s about keeping your brand relevant, engaging, and ahead of the game.
Let’s dive into how you can stay on top of social media trends and why it’s important for your brand’s success.
Spoiler alert: it's more fun than it sounds!
1. Follow the Right People
Want to know what’s trending? Follow the trendsetters on each platform! Whether it’s influencers, industry leaders, or your competition, tracking the right accounts gives you real-time updates on what’s hot.
For example, the “Rest is Productive” trend is currently all over Instagram, with influencers reminding us that self-care isn’t lazy, it’s essential. Your brand can jump on that by promoting balance and well-being, assuming this is in line with your brand values — who wouldn’t want to associate with a company that encourages taking a breather?
2. Use Social Media Tools
Let’s get techy for a sec. Tools like Google Trends, BuzzSumo, and Hootsuite are your best friends when it comes to monitoring what’s trending.
These tools show you what’s buzzing, how long it’s been buzzing, and, most importantly, when you can jump in. Are “cottagecore picnics” still the aesthetic everyone’s obsessed with, or is it time to shift to something more “Y2K revival”? These tools will tell you.
Before jumping on a trending hashtag, take a moment to search it online using these tools or your search engine of choice. This way, you can make sure it aligns with your brand values and doesn’t have any hidden meanings you might have missed.
3. Hashtags: Your Trend Compass
Hashtags aren’t just for #ThrowbackThursdays anymore — they’re a direct line to what’s popular.
Make sure you’re not only using trending hashtags but following them too. Hashtags like #SoftLife or #VeryDemure can help you see what content resonates with your audience.
And if your brand can hop on a hashtag that’s trending? You’re in the gold mine of organic reach.
4. Social Listening
You know what’s even cooler than following trends? Listening to your audience.
Tools like Sprout Social and Brandwatch let you track conversations around your industry and brand. You’ll get a sense of what people are saying, what they’re excited (or frustrated) about, and how your brand can respond.
Who knows, maybe your next big campaign will come directly from what people are talking about!
5. Test, Rinse, Repeat
Trends evolve, so what works today may flop tomorrow (remember the “planking” craze?).
Try new things, measure your success, and pivot when needed.
Maybe your audience loves *romanticizing their life* through your product — run with that. Or perhaps a *digital detox* post hits a nerve. Experiment, learn, and keep your finger on the pulse.
Why Does This Matter for Your Brand?
Now that we’ve covered how to keep up with trends, let’s talk about why it matters.
First, jumping on trends makes your brand feel more relevant and approachable.
If your followers see you using the same language and references as them, they’re more likely to engage.
Second, trends are like free rocket fuel for your content — they boost organic reach without much extra effort.
Finally, keeping up with trends gives you an edge over competitors who are still posting like it’s 2016.
“By staying aware of what’s happening in the world of social media, you position your brand as timely, responsive, and human.” – Vinny Lanni, Sr. Social Media Manager
A Very Demure Conclusion
See how I included social media trends in my blog about social media trends? Very demure. Very mindful.
