Total Merchandise is now closed for the Easter weekend – our team will be back to assist you from 8.30am on Tuesday 22 April.

How to Keep Up with Marketing Trends: Part 1

This happens to lots of businesses around the world every day: you go to work and realise that your marketing strategy is pretty dated and is not keeping up with current digital and social trends. It can feel frustrating when you’ve spent hours planning how you can best target your audience, down to final details such as the days and times that you’ll be posting your content on social media. The truth is that technology is constantly evolving and we need to be able to adapt and evolve with it. However, this can feel a little daunting - where do I even start?! We’ve started this article series to pinpoint some of the basics of keeping up with marketing trends.  

Social Media

Keep a close eye on social media because a lot of valuable marketing information is on there. For instance, new video streaming services on major social media platforms have been developed, and a lot of companies now go ‘live’ to showcase an event or even a new product. Follow industry leaders from your business social media and see what they’re discussing and doing - they will likely be sharing some useful tips that you can take for are for your own marketing purposes. Look at the trending topics on social media and if it’s relevant to your industry then get discussing them!  

Attend Trade Shows

Trade shows are a great space filled with industry leaders and promotional merchandise. You can go round different businesses spaces and see what they’re doing in terms of digital marketing, and also what is being developed in the pipelines.  

Set Up Google Alerts

These are so handy. You can set up an alert to go to your inbox from industry influencers, social media terms or trends. In this way, you can stay up to date on marketing trends in real time. Ensure you select your region and frequency carefully, depending on how much content you want to receive and how often. The regular updates you receive will be helpful to your own content, as you can see when influencers you have chosen post content specifically to the industry that you are in.  

We’ll continue on with our top tips for staying up to date with marketing trends later this week. 

If there’s one thing we know for certain it’s that people want information as quickly as possible. Because of this desire for rapid efficiency, we’ve enhanced our website quotation system so that now you can attach your artwork to our new quote system and receive accurate printing prices within one working hour! Check it out! 

Written by

Katie Reed | Product Manager & Head of Artwork

With 13 years of experience in the promotional merchandise industry, Katie speaks with true authority about all matters related to promotional products. Her attention to detail and creative flair ensure that product details, prices, imagery and descriptions are accurate and answer all our customers' questions. Her articles and other product-related content have become truly trusted sources of information and inspiration for anyone deciding on their next promotional product order. In another life, Katie would have been a star Quidditch player.

Connect with Katie Reed on LinkedIn Connect with Katie Reed on LinkedIn

How To Use Promotional Products Effectively To Boost Your Business

How To Use Promotional Products Effectively To Boost Your Business

If you've never ordered promotional products before, it can feel a little overwhelming. After all, there are countless product options out there and it can be hard t

Why Promotional Products Work: The Value Of Merch For Your Brand

Why Promotional Products Work: The Value Of Merch For Your Brand

Okay, we might be biased but there really is no denying it: promotional products are an incredibly powerful tool for any UK business. Whether you're a start-up looki

Colour Guide: Everything You Need To Know About Blue Promotional Items

Colour Guide: Everything You Need To Know About Blue Promotional Items

With Blue Monday in sight, there's no better time to take a moment or two to think about the colour blue in all its glory. Because it's really not all bad, despite the n

Our Best Selling Promotional Items: Umbrellas

Our Best Selling Promotional Items: Umbrellas

Promotional Umbrellas have long been one of our most popular promotional items. They are a great giveaway opportunity that offers a large imprint area with high visibility and c

Just In: The Promotional Merchandise That Will Be Trending In 2022

Just In: The Promotional Merchandise That Will Be Trending In 2022

For 2022, we predict the promotional merchandise that will be trending is UK-made products. Why? Read on to find out... READ MORE:

Go Green with Over 600 Eco-Friendly Merchandise Ideas

Go Green with Over 600 Eco-Friendly Merchandise Ideas

With climate change and environmental responsibility increasingly hot topics around the UK - and the globe as a whole, for that matter - it makes total sense for your business t

Promotional Merchandise Statistics: What’s Working in 2025?

Promotional Merchandise Statistics: What’s Working in 2025?

As digital marketing channels become more saturated, branded merchandise continues to stand out by offering something tangible and lasting. Whether given away at events, sent in

10 Exciting New Merch Ideas To Have On Your Radar This March

10 Exciting New Merch Ideas To Have On Your Radar This March

As we step into March, it's the perfect time to refresh your promotional strategies and stay ahead of the curve for the upcoming spring season. Whether you're pr

The TM Edit: 9 Must-See Spring 2025 Merch Ideas For Your Brand

The TM Edit: 9 Must-See Spring 2025 Merch Ideas For Your Brand

The days are getting longer, the birdsong is getting louder and one thing is becoming increasingly clear - spring is nearly here. If you're looking for a Q2 refresh