The Danger of Jumping on Social Media Trends: When Following the Crowd Hurts Your Brand

Written By Lauren Beeching

We’ve all seen it. A brand suddenly posts about the latest TikTok trend—think dancing executives or random "challenges"—and it just feels… off. Sure, trends can bring in engagement, but is it worth cheapening your image for a few extra likes?

The Risks of Trend-Chasing:

  • Inauthenticity: Nothing says "we’re trying too hard" like your accountant lip-syncing to a Drake song. People can tell when a brand is forcing a trend.

  • Backlash: Some trends seem innocent—until you dig into the comments section. And suddenly, your brand is tied to something controversial.

  • Reputation Damage: Jumping on every viral challenge makes your brand look desperate. No one wants to work with the digital version of the guy who crashes every party.

Trends come and go, but your reputation is long-term. Instead of hopping on every bandwagon, take a step back and ask yourself: does this align with who we are? If the answer is "no," maybe sit this one out.

Lauren Beeching
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