The world of marketing is a fast-moving beast. Trends pop up, vanish, and sometimes even come back around in a whole new way. It’s our job at Point to help you navigate this ever-evolving landscape, and that’s why we put together our latest report: Fads & Futures | July Edition

We’re talking about everything from the rise of AR jobs (like, real jobs in the metaverse, folks!), to the comeback of good old-fashioned brand-building, and even how Taylor Swift is single-handedly changing the game of, well, everything.

The Future is Now (and it’s Kinda Wild)

You might be thinking, “AR jobs? That sounds like something out of Ready Player One.” Well, it’s not that far-fetched anymore. Ikea recently launched a bunch of AR jobs at their Roblox store, giving people the chance to work in virtual retail settings. This is a huge deal for people who might struggle to get jobs in traditional retail, especially if they live in remote areas.

Performance? Brand? We Need Both, Okay?

Performance marketing has been all the rage for a while now, but it seems like brands are starting to realize that short-term gains don’t always lead to long-term success. Tik Tok’s new marketing guide is urging brands to focus on building strong brand identities, something that feels like a return to marketing fundamentals. We’re seeing more and more marketers say “performance AND brand,” which is a super smart move.

Swiftonomics: The Taylor Effect

It’s no secret that Taylor Swift is a marketing powerhouse. Her “Eras” tour has had a huge impact on everything from air travel to NFL sponsorships. It’s a perfect example of how one brand can create ripples across different industries, a trend we’re calling “Swiftonomics.”

Beyond the Technology: The Power of Ideas

We’re obsessed with shiny new technology, but sometimes the best ideas come from simple places. A recent Spotify campaign used a spreadsheet to create a music video, proving that even “old” technology can be used in innovative ways. It’s all about thinking outside the box and coming up with truly creative solutions.

Sludge Content: The New Chaos

While we’re loving all this innovation, we’ve also got to talk about the dark side of the digital world: “sludge content.” Think Tik Tok videos with multiple split screens, random audio, and a whole lot of weirdness. It’s like a digital sensory overload. We’re not saying it’s bad, but it definitely shows how overwhelmed we are by the constant stream of content we’re bombarded with.

AI: Your New Best Friend (and Marketing Assistant)

AI is changing the game. From Figma’s AI-powered design features to new tools that help us analyze data faster, AI is becoming a powerful force in marketing. It’s opening up opportunities for everyone, making it easier to create, innovate, and bring ideas to life.

So, What’s Next?

The future of marketing is full of exciting possibilities. We’re seeing a shift towards immersive experiences, personalized content, and a deeper understanding of consumer needs. And at Point, we’re ready to help you navigate it all.

Stay tuned for more insights from our Fads & Futures report, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!