8 Emerging Digital & Visual Brand Trends To Keep Your Business Competitive In 2018

It goes without saying that your branding is what sets you apart from your competitors. Your brand may consist of a logo paired with a recognizable color scheme but it should be much more than that. It’s how your customers feel when they interact with your business, how they perceive your products, and whether or not they remain loyal. If you want to stay competitive, it’s worth paying attention to emerging brand trends.

01. Personalization and Authenticity

Branding trends mentioned below are influenced by consumer behavior, the entrance of Generation Z into the workforce, and the rise of new technologies. With an ever-growing number of brands out there wanting to be heard, it’s no longer enough to get your message out and wait for customers to come to you. Instead, you need to find a way to differentiate yourself from the pack and show the values that your brand stands for. In other words, you need to establish a personal relationship with your audience by showing them they are not just dollar signs. Engage with your customers by sharing and listening to feedback and by acting like a human. A brand that makes great use of this strategy is Geico  (below)  that show even “boring” industries like insurance can spice up their brand by adding a human element.

02. Immersive Interactions

 It’s not a secret that millennials dominate the internet scene. However, Generation Z is now entering the workforce and interacting with brands. Both generations being technically savvy, they base their buying decisions on marketing messages they see on social media. Your brand needs to evolve and adopt marketing techniques that offer immersive interactions with consumers.  A few examples include using:

• A chatbot that allows consumers to interact with your brand and get targeted relevant messages directly to their messaging inbox.
• A live chat option on your site that offers help and advice as they browse your site.
• Using social proof that shows real-time purchase activities with an app like Proof.

However, keep in mind that immersive interactions aren’t limited to an online world. They can begin on a social media channel where your audience hangs out and continues in the real world. Consider the Campari masterclass event (below) during the London Design Festival, where the brand used an improvised pop-up bar.

03. Video growth Using Facebook Live, Instagram Stories, and YouTube present a great opportunity for your brand to grow and connect with your audience instantly. Brands like Intel (below), Rebook, Dove, Facebook, and others have been using video to share their tips, connect with their audience, and provide value for their consumers with inspirational and uplifting stories that generate interest and show how their products can be used to change everyday experiences.

The use of video has been on the rise and it continues to grow.

04. branded communities

Big brands recognize this as an opportunity to connect with their audience. It’s also a way to create a space where they can share their passions and interests. It’s also a great way to learn more about your customers and get valuable feedback from them on your current offering as well as shape new products and services. It allows you to position yourself as an authority, but do keep in mind that a great branded community is structured as a place where everyone is equal. This removes the pressure from your consumers while still allowing you to share a promotional message without coming off as too sales-y. PlayStation Community (below)

05.  influencer marketing

Thanks to social media as well as the popularity of blogging, it’s easier than ever to establish yourself as an authority in a certain field and influence the decisions of many. This leads to a natural rise in importance of influencer marketing which is why many brands are turning to finding and collaborating with brand ambassadors in an effort to market their products. Brands like GAP, and others are investing in working with influencers and making use of user-generated content not only on Instagram but on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms.

06.  purpose and activism

According to Digial Branding Institute, 91% of millennials would rather endorse a brand that stands up for a cause. Showing your brand cares for a cause is crucial to making a connection with your customers and clients. It humanizes your brand, shows your company’s values, and makes it easier to align with the values of your target audience. It helps your customers understand the reason behind your product or service and how their money will be spent. Partnering with local charities, non-profit organizations or simply voicing your opinion on current events is a great way to give your brand a voice, value, and purpose.

Showing your brand cares is crucial to making connections with customers.

07.  vibrant colours and bold typography

Many companies are going back to using strong primary colors. Others are experimenting with bright gradients, color overlays, double exposure, and different photo saturations. Thanks to libraries like Google Fonts and Adobe Typekit, designers are no longer limited to the same selection of fonts from 20 years ago.

08.  simple and minimalistic design

Even though the colors are brighter and the fonts are bolder, many brands favor simple and minimalistic design and whitespace. Logo designs have been simplified, in some cases reduced to nothing more than typography. The rest of the branding collaterals offer minimal text and focus on imagery. This trend is even more obvious when you look at company’s websites such as Ontraport or Uber.

 

From bold colors and typography to simplified designs and more immersive interaction with your customers, there are plenty of ways to keep your brand relevant. Keep in mind that following brand trends doesn’t mean you have to undergo a complete rebrand. Rather, it means you should find ways to incorporate these trends into your existing brand identity and strategy. NEED HELP TO CONNECT WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS?