Nobody knows for sure what lies in the year ahead. But knowing trend strategies is a great way to connect with your audience. The start of a new year is a great time to look ahead and consider ongoing trends to make your marketing more impactful. Let’s explore what’s shaping 2025 and trendy promo products to make the most of the momentum.
Emphasis on experiences
Experiential marketing continues to be a powerful way to connect with audiences. Brands are investing in immersive experiences that create lasting memories and leave a digital impact that resonates. A brick-and-mortar retail store could host a performance or guest speaker to bring new people through its doors. Offer trendy promotional products, like rope caps or plush blankets, to the first 10 customers who register.
Plan experiences with shareability in mind. Photogenic scenes and attractive backdrops can give visibility an organic boost. Giveaways also can invite customers to produce social media content. A small business might offer weekly or monthly raffles for selfie-worthy prizes like vintage chic sunglasses and cuff beanies. Don’t forget to imprint them with a relevant hashtag and remind wearers to tag your brand.
Focus on footprints
Businesses and consumers continue to pay attention to how commerce impacts the planet. There’s growing interest in “circular economies,” where reused products and materials and recycled resources create a closed-loop system to reduce waste and minimize environmental impacts. Companies can participate by providing and encouraging the use of items like compost bins and reusable snack bags. Reusable gifts, like Hydro Flask® bottles and sweatshirt totes, are sure to be appreciated by employees, customers and volunteers. These trendy promo items can get daily use—and provide daily visibility for your brand.
Micro-influencers make a difference
The increased involvement of marketing influencers is expected to continue through 2025. What’s newer, however, is the rise of the micro-influencer—an influencer with a smaller following but high engagement rate within a specific community. A coffee shop, bar or restaurant can enlist a micro-influencer to visit the business and create content about it. Increase engagement when you offer prizes, like a coffee French press or a wireless ear buds, for social shares or other interactions.
A retailer can harness a micro-influencer’s power with a livestreamed unveiling of new products or services. Invite customers to the event and give trendy promotional products, like puffer belt bags and Stanley® mugs, to those who purchase the newly unveiled goods.
User-generated content counts
The authenticity of user-generated content remains a powerful force for many brands. That’s not likely to change in 2025. A gym or fitness center can encourage members to become brand ambassadors, whether it’s by sporting branded gear at public races and competitions or regularly posting social content. Give dad caps and puffer vests to reward these future micro-influencers.
Build a monthly schedule of promotions that incentivize online engagement. Include a scavenger hunt, where your business hides branded wireless speakers or power banks in public places. Offer clues and ask the winner to provide a shareable selfie with their hard-earned prize.
Strategies with staying power
Movements and trends sometimes come and go at warp speed. But some popular concepts—like experiential marketing, interest in reusable items, involvement of micro-influencers and incorporation of user-generated content—connect to strategies that can work now. And they’re likely to remain powerful tools throughout the year. Pair these ideas with trendy promo products, and 2025 could be a big year for your brand.
Trademarks
HYDRO FLASK is a registered trademark of Helen of Troy Limited, Bishop’s Court Hill, Suite 1, The Financial Services Centre, St. Michael BARBADOS BB14004
STANLEY is a registered trademark of PACIFIC MARKET INTERNATIONAL, LLC, 2401 ELLIOTT AVENUE, 4TH FLOOR, SEATTLE, WASHINGTON UNITED STATES 98121