Social Media Updates and Marketing Moments – 17th January 2025

17 January 2025

Well, look who’s back for round two! If you thought the weekly update would be just a one-hit wonder, think again! We’re here to stay with your second edition of marketing updates.

This time around we’re serving up even more of the latest industry buzz, standout campaigns, and marketing tips.

So, settle in and let’s look at another week of marketing brilliance.

Social media moments of the week

Meet RedNote: The app ready to steal TikTok’s spotlight

As talks of a potential TikTok ban intensify in the U.S., users are flocking to alternatives, with RedNote leading the way. The concern over TikTok’s Chinese ownership has sparked debates about security and privacy, leaving creators wondering if TikTok’s days are numbered.

RedNote, blending short-form videos, photos, and product reviews with a social-shopping twist, could be the ideal replacement. With its growing popularity and creative tools, it offers an easy transition for users. However, some are questioning its true impact, with Forbes raising concerns about censorship and its influence on youth culture.

The Insta feed update you didn’t see coming

Hold onto your feeds! Instagram’s rolling out a game-changing update: it’s ditching the classic square grid for a taller 4:5 portrait ratio. What does that mean for you? Your posts are about to take up way more screen space. Get ready for some seriously eye-catching content!

Standout marketing campaigns that stole the show

Duolingo doesn’t just move fast, it moves at lightning speed, and it’s a masterclass in how brands should jump on trends. As the TikTok ban looms users are moving to RedNote, and Duolingo spotted the perfect opportunity. When people started talking about learning Chinese to use the app, Duolingo didn’t miss a beat. They jumped in with a tweet, “oh so NOW you’re learning Mandarin,”, within 24 hours, they were trending.

So, how did they do it? Simple, they acted fast. Smaller businesses can learn a lot from this. The key is moving quickly, staying on-brand, and experimenting to see what clicks. If something works, double down and ride that wave.

How to make your marketing relatable

The secret to relatable marketing? Show your audience how your product or service fits into their everyday lives like it was always meant to be there. It’s about connecting as well as selling.

Take Snickers as an example. Their slogan, “You’re not you when you’re hungry,” isn’t just catchy, it’s relatable. It taps into a universal experience we’ve all had- feeling “off” when hunger strikes. By focusing on a shared human experience, Snickers makes their product feel like the perfect solution to a problem we all recognise.

Here’s what we came up with:

Yoga Studio

“Waking up is hard. Our 7 am yoga class makes it worth it.”

Why it works: You’re tapping into the struggle of early morning and flipping it into a benefit.

Coworking Space

“Afternoon slumps become a thing of the past when you’re surrounded by positive energy. Come see for yourself.”

Why it works: You’re addressing a common challenge (midday productivity dips) and positioning your space as the solution.

Stationary Brand

“Your morning to-do list deserves the perfect notebook.”

Why it works: You’re connecting with the everyday habit of planning, turning a simple notebook into a productivity hero.

And that’s a wrap! See you next time!

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