Maria's PR Tips

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We’ve all seen it, the same sound, the same template, the same “hot take.” For a moment, it feels like everyone’s in on the same joke. But then the magic fades, and what’s left isn’t connection, it’s noise.

In PR and social media, it’s easy to mistake visibility for vitality, but chasing trends just because they’re viral doesn’t guarantee growth, in fact, it can quietly chip away at your brand’s identity.

🌪️ The Problem with “Everyone’s Doing It”

Trend-chasing often works like a sugar rush, it spikes engagement, then crashes your credibility. As Digital Journal explains, many brands try “parasite marketing,” riding on the momentum of other creators or high-traffic platforms. It works, until the host moves on.

This kind of short-term visibility is risky. When every post becomes an imitation, the audience stops associating your brand with anything. There’s no story, just echoes of other people’s voices.

🎯 Strategy Over Symbiosis

The antidote? Intentionality.
Brandwatch notes that strategy rooted in genuine voice and audience understanding always outperforms trend replication. Brands with clear tone and values don’t need to chase, they attract.

Even when you do hop on a trend, make sure your twist is unmistakably yours. The humor, pacing, or message should reflect your core identity, not someone else’s.

🌱 Authentic Voices Grow Slower, But Deeper

Baer PR points out that audiences increasingly trust micro-influencers and niche creators more than flashy viral figures. Why? Because their content feels human, not engineered. They prioritize storytelling over spectacle.

And as Diginomica highlights, authenticity in messaging is what sustains engagement long after a trend dies. Small voices with strong values outlast loud ones without roots.

💡 So, When Should You Jump In?

Ask yourself three questions before joining any viral wave:

1. Does this trend align with my brand’s message?
2. Can I add genuine value or insight to it?
3. Will I still be proud of this post a month from now?

If the answer to any of these is no, skip it. Let everyone else fight for surface-level visibility while you build something real beneath the noise.

💬 Your Turn

What’s a trend you didn’t join, and ended up glad you didn’t?
Drop it in the comments or tag me; I’d love to feature your take in a follow-up post.