Summer ’24/’25 Marketing Trends: How To Stay Ahead Of The Curve

Summer 2024/2025 is coming in hot, and so are the latest marketing trends. If you want your brand to bask in the spotlight rather than get burned by the competition, it’s time to shake up your strategies. From immersive tech to eco-conscious moves, these trends will help you ride the summer wave while keeping your marketing activity as fresh as a spritz on a hot day. Ready to stay ahead of the curve? Let’s dive in!

1. The Rise of Augmented Reality (AR)

AR is taking marketing to the next level, transforming how consumers interact with brands. This summer, AR is your ticket to wowing your audience by blending the virtual with the real.

• Try before you buy: Let customers virtually try on that pair of sunnies or a new lipstick from their couch. Sephora and IKEA have nailed it, and now it’s your turn to sprinkle a little AR magic.
• Interactive ads: Who needs basic billboards? Create ads that let consumers play with your product through their phones.
• Event marketing goes sci-fi: AR at events? Yes, please. Create interactive displays that’ll have attendees staring at their screens—and your brand—all day long.

2. Influencer Collaborations: Keep it Genuine

This summer, the influencer game is all about authenticity. Consumers are seeking real connections, not just picture-perfect posts. To win big, focus on working with influencers who truly align with your brand’s story and values.

• Values matter: Partner with influencers who genuinely connect with your brand’s mission. It’s not just about follower numbers; it’s about shared values and real connections.
• Long-term vibes: Building ongoing partnerships with influencers creates a more natural fit and allows for deeper, more meaningful engagement with their followers.
• Creative freedom: Let influencers bring their personal flair to the table. The more natural the content feels, the more it resonates with the audience.

3. Sustainability is Essential

Sustainability isn’t just trendy anymore—it’s a lifestyle. And now, more than ever, consumers are shopping with their morals as much as their wallets. If your brand isn’t eco-conscious, it might get left out in the cold… even if it’s 40 degrees outside.

• Be transparent: Consumers want to know where your materials come from, how you make your products, and why they should care. Give them the green light with clear communication about your sustainability efforts.
• Package it pretty (and eco-friendly): Say goodbye to plastic and hello to biodegradable packaging. Not only will your brand look good, but it’ll do good too.
• Get local: Partner with environmental causes to show you’re not just talking the talk—you’re walking the (sandy) walk.

4. Personalisation Hits the Sweet Spot

This summer, it’s all about personalising the experience for your customers. Whether it’s through data-driven insights or a super-tailored email, making consumers feel like you know them is the key to their hearts (and wallets).

• Divide and conquer: Use customer data to split your audience into segments that actually make sense, so you can serve them messages they’ll care about.
• Dynamic content for the win: Why send the same old email when you can tailor it to exactly what each customer needs? Serve personalised offers like you’re their personal summer concierge.
• Behavioural targeting: Watch what they do, and then swoop in with the perfect recommendation—before they even realise they need it.

5. Social Commerce Takes Over

In 2024, social media isn’t just for selfies—it’s for sales. Social commerce is a trend you can’t ignore, and if your posts aren’t shoppable, you’re missing out on some serious money.

• Shoppable posts: Make it easy for your followers to snag that beach towel, bikini, or sunscreen with a single tap.
• Live shopping: Host a live shopping event and watch the magic happen. It’s like window shopping—except your customers can buy in real time.
• UGC frenzy: Encourage your customers to show off their purchases with a tag and a smile. Their content is basically free marketing with a healthy dose of FOMO.

6. Video Marketing: Short and Sweet

Video content is still the reigning king of marketing. But in 2024, shorter is sweeter. If you can’t capture their attention in under 30 seconds, you might as well pack up your beach towel and go home.

• Keep it brief: Snackable content is the way to go. Get in, wow them, and get out.
• Tell a (quick) story: Use storytelling to connect emotionally with your audience. Whether it’s a brand origin story or how your product saves summer days, keep it heartfelt and punchy.
• Get interactive: Polls, Q&As, or interactive features keep your audience engaged and make them feel part of the action.

7. AI: Your Summer BFF

Artificial Intelligence is your new marketing BFF—always there when you need it. Whether it’s handling customer service via chatbots or tailoring recommendations, AI is making sure your customers get what they want without the fuss.

• Chatbots on duty: Keep customer service fast and friendly with AI-powered chatbots that are basically the lifeguards of your marketing activity.
• Spot-on recommendations: AI can analyse customer behaviour to suggest products before they even know they want them. It’s like reading their minds—without the creepy factor.
• Predict the future: With AI-driven analytics, you can anticipate your customers’ needs and stay ahead of the game.

Summer 2024/2025 isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving. From AR to AI, influencer authenticity to sustainability, it’s time to embrace creativity and make meaningful connections with your audience. Stay ahead of the curve, and let your marketing do the talking!

Thinking about your next marketing campaign? We’re here to help! Contact the team at B Brand Marketing today.