The world has changed and with it comes a huge change in marketing trends and the needs of our customers. We keep a close eye on marketing here at EI to keep up with the new thoughts and technology, and have been able to come up with some new, old and revamped ideas for marketing your brand this year. Here are some ideas to put on your next marketing discussion agenda. 

•  Marketing is getting in the face of your customers, big light displays, electronic billboards, whole buildings. We have a 100 m high Coke crate man in our waterfront. Big is best but be careful not to abuse the environment. 
• Eco-friendly is also the new requirement. Any marketing that is deemed un-savvy and abusive towards animals or the planet will be tossed. Keep your emails short, print on recycled paper, avoid waste and reuse stuff. 
• Shock is the new black, Marketing and getting us to sit up and look. We see more naked bodies, blood, horror and big bang sort of stuff, but it is just enough to attract our attention and not offend. Very clever but a dangerous place to play if you are not skilled and without a lawyer on call.
• Technology is the new norm. We use it, wear it , eat it and play with it. If your brand is on something I carry with me at all times or use to better my relationships, it will be top of mind. Ride the Facebook and Twitter wave this year, it may not last forever.
• Retro is also here again. We have seen a call back to the past memories of our childhoods. Disney characters, old music, movies and retro design is all the new trend. Break out the poncho and knitted blanket and hit the streets, you will fit right in.
• With all the advancements, simplicity I still the number one requirement. Make it easy and simple and people will use it. Throw away the long instruction manual and techno talk. Speak plain English, make it convenient and simple and your products will fly off the shelf.
• And last of all, gratification. Fill the need of the inner man with both your marketing and your product and you have a winner. Work out what your customer needs and then wants, meet these and bob’s your uncle.