Fall and Winter 2025 Pop Culture Events Social Media Marketers Need to Know

black and white images of people, books, and logo

Fall and winter 2025 are packed with pop culture events that present significant opportunities for social media marketers to ride the waves of viral moments, memes, and trends. From award shows to blockbuster movie releases, these upcoming events give you the perfect chance to keep your brand relevant and engaged with your audience.

Pop culture is a constant driver of digital conversations, and staying ahead of these key moments can help elevate your brand’s presence on social media. So, let’s get ahead of the curve with these must-watch moments for the fall and winter seasons.

1. Major Award Shows in Fall/Winter 2025

Award shows are always a massive opportunity for social media marketers. Celebrities, fans, and viewers flood the digital space with hot takes, memes, and moments of celebration. It’s the perfect moment to join the conversation and make your brand part of the pop culture discussion.

Must-Watch Award Shows & Film Festivals:

How to Leverage It:

2. Major Book, Movie, & TV Releases in Fall/Winter 2025

As we move into fall and winter, the entertainment world is filled with thrilling releases—from highly anticipated sequels to binge-worthy series. These events will be front and center in online discussions, so don’t miss out on tapping into that excitement.

Books to Look Out For in 2025:

Movies to Look Out For:

  • Wicked: For Good (November 21): The sequel to the Academy Award-nominated Wicked (2024 film) starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, the musical fantasy film follows the Act Two plot of Broadway’s Wicked.
  • Avatar: Fire and Ash (December 19): Will Director James Cameron reach massive box office success once again with the third installment in the Avatar movie franchise?
  • The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants (December 19)
  • The Housemaid (December 25): The film adaptation of Frieda McFadden’s bestselling psychological thriller novel, The Housemaid, starring Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, and Brandon Sklenar.

TV Shows to Look Out For:

How to Leverage It:

3. Pop Culture Events in Fall/Winter 2025

Fall and winter are filled with not just award shows and movie releases, but also other events that will make huge waves on social media. From fashion events to festivals, here’s what’s on the calendar.

Must-Watch Events:

How to Leverage It:

4. International Awareness Days and Holidays in Fall/Winter 2025

Cultural and social awareness days are opportunities to connect with your audience on a deeper, more meaningful level. These observances spark essential conversations and allow brands to align their messaging with causes that resonate with their community. When done right, they show that your brand cares about more than just products—it’s about making an impact.

October 2025 Must-Know Dates:

November 2025 Must-Know Dates:

December 2025 Must-Know Dates:

How to Leverage It:

5. Major Sports Events in Fall/Winter 2025

Get ready to rumble and start keeping score of these iconic competitions to close out 2025.

Must-Watch Sports Events:

How to Leverage It:

Plan Ahead, But Stay Flexible

Fall and winter 2025 are full of exciting opportunities to engage with your audience through pop culture moments. From major award shows and movie releases to awareness days and global events, staying ahead of these moments allows you to plan timely, relevant, and impactful content.

However, the key to success lies in flexibility. Pop culture trends and moments can change quickly, so your content calendar should have room for agility—this way, you can hop on the latest meme, viral video, or trending topic when it comes your way.

By aligning your strategy with these events, you’ll ensure your brand stays relevant, engaged, and top-of-mind through the last months of 2025.

Ready to take advantage of these pop culture moments? Let’s talk about how we can help you create a content strategy that keeps your brand in the spotlight year-round.

Never miss another moment to show up! When you sign up for our Strategy Mastermind Group with RANDOM University, you’ll get weekly trend insights, done-for-you tools, and practical strategy tips to market your business without second-guessing every post. Designed to help you stay relevant, save time, and post with purpose–without burning out. Join today by visiting randomuniversity.teachable.com. 

What Is a Social Media Audit and How Do You Perform One?

Let’s get right down to business: A social media audit is the process of evaluating your brand’s performance across all of your social platforms. This includes reviewing your profile completeness, assessing engagement metrics, and analyzing how well your content resonates with your target audience. The goal is to identify what’s working, what’s not, and what you can improve.

A social media audit provides insight into:

Why Do a Social Media Audit?

It’s simple. If you want your social media strategy to grow with your business, you need to understand the effectiveness of your current efforts. Performing routine audits allows you to adjust quickly, saving time and resources, all while maximizing return on investment (ROI).

Don’t know where to start? That’s what we’re here for. Here’s how to perform a social media audit for your brand.

Step 1: Review Your Social Media Goals

Before you dive into your audit, take a moment to reflect on your social media goals. Are you looking to increase brand awareness, drive traffic to your website, or generate more sales? Each goal will dictate the key metrics to focus on during your audit.

RANDOM Tip: Align your audit with SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). For example, “Increase Instagram followers by 15% in 6 months” is specific and measurable.

Step 2: Analyze Your Social Media Profiles

The next step in your social media audit is to review your social media profiles across all platforms. Make sure each profile is fully optimized and consistent with your branding. Use this checklist as a guide:

Graphic of a checklist showing the steps to do a social audit

Social Media Audit Branding Checklist

RANDOM Tip: Consistency is key. All your profiles should reflect your brand identity (colors, fonts, logo). Check for outdated information and update your contact details, location, and other essential sections.

Step 3: Assess Your Content Performance

Now, it’s time to examine content performance more closely. Start by reviewing the types of posts you’ve shared and comparing engagement metrics like likes, comments, shares, and click-through rates.

How to Do This:

RANDOM Tips:

Step 4: Evaluate Audience Engagement and Growth

This part of your social media audit focuses on audience engagement and growth. Are you consistently gaining followers? Is your engagement rate improving?

How to Do This:

Graphic showing the engagement rate calculation

RANDOM Tip:

Step 5: Perform a Competitor Social Media Audit

Don’t forget to check out the competition. Analyzing how your competitors perform on social media can give you valuable insights into industry trends and potential areas for improvement.

How to Do This:

RANDOM Tip: Don’t copy—learn. Note successful campaigns, unique content styles, and engagement tactics, and figure out how to improve upon them. But at the end of the day, stay true to your brand!

Step 6: Track Key Metrics and KPIs

Next, it’s time to dig into the numbers. Key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics will tell you how well your social media efforts are paying off. Depending on your goals, this could include:

RANDOM Tips:

Step 7: Identify Opportunities for Growth

Lastly, a social media audit isn’t just about assessing what’s working. It’s also about finding areas for improvement and growth. Based on your findings, identify what’s lacking and how you can build on it.

How to Do This:

RANDOM Tip: Use social listening tools to stay informed about trends in your niche. Adjust your content strategy to align with what your audience is actively talking about.

It’s Time to Start Your Social Media Audit

A social media audit is a crucial step in fine-tuning your strategy. You can make informed decisions that drive better results by reviewing your content, engagement, and competition.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, a regular audit will ensure you stay on top of the ever-changing social landscape. 

Want to get results and insights without performing the audit?
At RANDOM, we specialize in social media management, digital strategy, and social media audits. Let’s collaborate to analyze your social presence and drive results!

Are Underconsumption Core and De-Influencing Killing Influencer Marketing?

Influencer marketing has dominated the digital landscape for years. Brands have poured millions into influencer partnerships, capitalizing on the ability to reach millions of engaged followers and drive sales. But, as we move into 2025, there’s a growing shift in how consumers engage with influencers and their recommendations. The rise of underconsumption core and de-influencing challenges the traditional influencer marketing model.

What is underconsumption core?

In simple terms, underconsumption refers to the growing trend of scaling back on purchases in response to concerns about sustainability, minimalism, and financial strain. Meanwhile, de-influencing sees influencers encouraging their followers to resist impulse buys and think twice before purchasing. As these trends gain momentum, many question: Is this the end of influencer marketing? Are we witnessing the slow death of a marketing powerhouse, or is this simply the next evolution in how we connect with consumers?

Let’s break it down.

The New Reality: Consumers Are Starting to Resist the Urge to Buy

A shift is happening in consumer behavior, and it’s more than just a passing trend. With issues like climate change, financial instability, and the rising cost of living, more consumers, especially Gen Z, question the value of their purchases. The growing trend of underconsumption has created an environment where people actively choose to scale back, purchase less, and evaluate the actual value of the items they buy.

screenshots of influencers on tiktok with in-video captions

This mindset is shaking up traditional influencer marketing strategies, which typically focus on creating impulse buys. Instead of pushing consumers to purchase immediately, the conversation shifts to mindful spending and authenticity.

Why This Matters:

Consumers are questioning not only the products they buy but also whether they should buy at all. This change is forcing brands to rethink how they market products and how they align with values like sustainability and minimalism. The rise of underconsumption means brands can’t just rely on the classic “buy now” call-to-action; they need to adapt to their audience's changing mentality.

De-Influencing: Turning the Tables on Sponsored Content

Now, here comes the twist: de-influencing. Influencers who once pushed products left and right now tell their followers to resist the urge to buy. These influencers are sharing their honest opinions, calling out over-hyped products, and encouraging their audiences to make more thoughtful purchasing decisions.

screenshots on tiktok influencers talking about deinfluencing and underconsumption
@chelseaspursuit

Shall we talk about deinfluencing 👀 I’m here to remind you that a lot of what we see online is NOT normal. The overconsumption and the casual expensive purchases is personally what just drives me crazy. Today, give yourself a pat on the back, because you are doing great, and you are amazing, living in the normal world is pretty awesome 💗 #vancouverlife #vancouvertok #canadatok #moneytiktok #budgetingtiktok #personalfinance #financialliteracy #deinfluencing #keepingupwiththejoneses

♬ Being a Girl - Jonica

De-influencing is a considerable shift. Rather than pushing products, influencers champion self-awareness and encourage their followers to be more mindful of their consumption habits. Brands that are so used to influencers promoting everything under the sun now have to ask: "How do we remain relevant in an age where being ‘too promotional’ is starting to feel disingenuous?"

Take this video from TikTok creator @chelseapursuit for example. Here we see Chelsea challenging influencer culture that prioritizes constant consumerism. She speaks for those calling for a digital environment where, instead of pushing every new skincare product, creators emphasize mental health and mindful spending. Chelsea is just one creator who reflects the growing desire for authenticity and intentionality in product recommendations.

Are Brands in Trouble?

So, does this spell the end for influencer marketing? Not exactly. The industry is evolving. Influencer marketing isn’t going anywhere but shifting toward a more ethical, thoughtful, and transparent model. While underconsumption and de-influencing are challenging traditional methods, they also allow brands to evolve their approach to influencer partnerships.

Brands that continue to work with influencers like they did five years ago may struggle in 2025. But brands that embrace authenticity and responsibility in their influencer relationships are positioned to thrive.

How Brands Can Navigate This Shift

If you’re a brand wondering how to thrive in this new influencer landscape, here’s the lowdown

1. Focus on Transparency and Authenticity

    Gone are the days of influencers pushing every product under the sun. Consumers—especially younger generations—want to see honest, unfiltered feedback. So, partner with influencers who align with your values and offer genuine reviews, not just sales pitches.

    2. Promote Sustainable and Thoughtful Consumption

    Consumers are more eco-conscious than ever and expect the brands they support to reflect those values. Instead of encouraging followers to buy “more stuff,” work with influencers who promote sustainability and thoughtful consumption. 

    Example: Brands like Patagonia have long championed sustainability, and influencers who align with those values are more likely to create authentic, engaging content that resonates with today’s socially conscious consumer.

    3. Shift the Focus from “Buy Now” to “Consider This”

    Instead of pushing for instant purchases, encourage influencers to focus on educating their audiences. Help them make informed decisions. Use content that helps followers evaluate whether the product is right for them, not just if it’s trending.

    This could mean educational videos, product comparison posts, or reviews that highlight the pros and cons of a product. The goal is to foster a deeper, long-term relationship with the audience.

    4. Embrace the Shift to Mindful Marketing

    In a world where consumers want more than quick fixes, it's time to adopt mindful marketing strategies. Instead of constantly urging consumers to buy, encourage them to invest in experiences, self-improvement, or sustainable products. This approach builds brand loyalty and trust, which is far more valuable than a quick sale.

    The Future of Influencer Marketing

    While underconsumption and de-influencing are challenging traditional practices, they also create new opportunities for brands to focus on authenticity, sustainability, and consumer trust. Influencer marketing isn’t dying—it’s evolving into something more meaningful and impactful.

    Brands that embrace these shifts and align themselves with influencers who prioritize ethics and transparency will be the ones who succeed in this changing landscape.

    At RANDOM, we’re here to help you navigate this shift and create impactful influencer strategies that speak to today’s socially-conscious consumers. Ready to embrace the future of influencer marketing? Let’s chat!

    5 Tips for Marketing Your Online Course on Social Media

    So, you’ve put in the hard work, created a fantastic online course, and now you’re ready to share it with the world. But how do you make sure it gets the attention it deserves? A place to start is on social media. With the right approach, social media can be your best friend in marketing your online course, driving traffic to your site, and converting users into students.

    In this blog post, we’ll break down five essential tips for marketing your online course on social media. These tactics will help you engage your audience, generate buzz, and boost enrollments. Ready to level up your social media marketing? Let’s get learning!

    text and emojis for marketing your online course and an iphone showing social media

    1. Create Teasers and Free Value

    People love a good sneak peek. Teasers and free value items help generate excitement around your course before it even launches. Share snippets of your course content, such as short video clips, worksheets, or even a free mini-course or webinar. Offering free value not only demonstrates the quality of your course but also helps to position you as a credible source for your niche.

    How to Do This:

    Example:

    Conveniently, we’re currently in the promoting stage of a soon-to-be-released product of our own. Check out this teaser reel we posted a while back with behind-the-scenes footage to hype up our audience for what’s coming: 

    View this post on Instagram

    A post shared by That Random Agency (@thatrandomagency)

    (Oh, and if you happen to want to be the first to know when we launch our new product, subscribe to our newsletter.)

    2. Use Paid Social Ads to Boost Visibility

    Paid ads on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok can drastically expand your reach and bring in leads you might not reach organically. Running targeted ads for your online course is a great way to get your offering in front of the right people—fast.

    How to Do This:

    Example:

    We discussed offering free value, such as hosting webinars, to attract potential students and demonstrate your skills. This is a great opportunity to start running paid ads! For instance, here’s one of the many ads we ran to promote a free webinar we previously hosted:

    3. Engage with Your Community Through Interactive Content

    Social media is a two-way street. To truly engage your audience, you need to create content that encourages interaction and participation. Polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions are perfect ways to connect with potential students and spark conversations around your course.

    How to Do This:

    Example:

    To inspire you, check out this LinkedIn poll post by Teachable, a platform for online course creators, where they ask their audience about preferences to better serve those interested in their offerings:

    4. Use Social Proof and Testimonials

    Social proof is powerful. When potential students see that others have taken your course and loved it, they will likely trust your brand and be more inclined to enroll. Highlighting testimonials, case studies, and success stories from your previous students will help build trust and credibility.

    How to Do This:

    Example: 

    Sharing testimonials may look different for everyone. But sometimes it's best not to overcomplicate it, after all, the words speak for themselves! Check out this simple yet effective way this small business owner shared quotes from one of her clients:

    5. Consistently Post Valuable Content

    Consistency is key when marketing your online course. Regularly posting valuable content related to your course topic keeps your audience engaged and attracts new followers. By consistently providing educational tips, behind-the-scenes content, and insights, you position yourself as an authority in your field, which ultimately drives course sign-ups.

    How to Do This:

    Example:

    Neil Patel shares valuable SEO tips and digital marketing strategies consistently on his Instagram and YouTube channels. His educational posts keep his audience engaged, leading them to sign up for his courses.

    View this post on Instagram

    A post shared by Neil Patel (@neilpatel)

    Marketing Your Online Course Is All About Connection

    Marketing your online course on social media is about creating genuine connections with your audience, building trust, and showcasing your expertise. These five tips can boost your course’s visibility and enrollments.

    Social media is a powerful tool for growing your online course business. So, what are you waiting for? Time to get out there and turn those followers into students!

    Need help crafting a social media strategy for your online course? At RANDOM, we can help you create a strategy that engages your audience and drives enrollments. Let’s get started! 🚀

    15 Instagram Post Ideas to Increase Engagement

    woman scrolling on phone looking for instagram post ideas

    Instagram is one of the most powerful platforms for connecting with your audience, but with so many brands posting daily, how do you stand out? Whether you’re looking to increase likes, comments, shares, or follows, the secret to boosting engagement is creating posts that resonate with your audience, spark conversations, and encourage interaction. But don't worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are 15 Instagram post ideas to take your engagement to the next level in 2025.

    1. Behind-the-Scenes Sneak Peeks

    People love seeing what goes on behind closed doors. Sharing a behind-the-scenes look at how your products are made or what goes into a photoshoot can create a sense of exclusivity and connection with your followers.

    Why It Works:

    It humanizes your brand and allows followers to feel like they’re part of your inner circle.

    See It In Action:

    This post from Arctic Glacier Premium Ice™ is a simple example of this, showing candid photos of their employees working hard (and too busy to pose for the camera):

    View this post on Instagram

    A post shared by Arctic Glacier Premium Ice (@arcticglacierice)

    2. User-Generated Content (UGC)

    Repost your followers' content, whether they’ve tagged your brand in a post or used your product. UGC not only increases trust but encourages others to engage with your brand too.

    Why It Works:

    People love seeing their content featured. Plus, it shows you appreciate your audience, which builds loyalty.

    See It In Action:

    Sam’s Fresh Salsa consistently utilizes UGC, sharing different recipes created by their followers:

    3. Polls and Questions in Stories

    Instagram Stories offer great engagement opportunities with polls, quizzes, and questions. Create interactive polls or ask thought-provoking questions to get your followers talking.

    Why It Works:

    It’s easy for followers to engage with these quick, interactive features, and they make your audience feel heard.

    4. Customer Reviews and Testimonials

    Sharing a glowing review or testimonial from a happy customer can be a great way to build trust and credibility. It’s social proof in action.

    Why It Works:

    Testimonials build credibility and show potential customers that others love your products or services.

    See It In Action:

    This post from Trasca & Co. Eatery is a great example of a testimonial post in action; a simple copy and paste from a Google review, with a graphic overlay on a video, is a simple way to create an engaging, credibility-building post:

    5. Limited-Time Offers or Flash Sales

    Offer a limited-time discount or promotion to create urgency. Make it exclusive to your Instagram followers so they feel like they're getting a special deal.

    Why It Works:

    The fear of missing out drives action. People are more likely to engage when they know time is running out.

    6. Product Demos or Tutorials

    Show your followers how to use your products in fun, engaging ways. Create tutorial videos or demos that help your audience see your product in action.

    Why It Works:

    It educates your audience while showcasing your product’s value. Plus, videos are super engaging and shareable.

    See It In Action:

    Hootsuite gave viewers a brief tutorial on how to schedule posts on their platform:

    7. Fun Memes or Pop Culture References

    Everyone loves a good meme, and when it’s relevant to your brand, it’s a fun way to show off your personality. Tie in pop culture references or trending memes that fit your brand’s voice.

    Why It Works:

    It’s shareable and relatable content. Plus, tapping into trending topics gives your brand a voice in current conversations.

    See It In Action:

    You probably see this all the time, varying in any content type! But to spark some inspiration, here’s a meme Later.com shared using notable moments from the 2025 Oscars:

    8. Instagram Reels for Quick, Engaging Content

    Create Reels that show off your products, and services, or just have some fun with trends.

    Why It Works:

    Reels get priority in Instagram's algorithm, meaning more people will see your content. Plus, they’re highly engaging and fun!

    9. Contests and Giveaways

    Who doesn’t love free stuff? Running a contest or giveaway is one of the most effective ways to increase engagement. Make it simple, like tagging friends or sharing the post to enter.

    Why It Works:

    It incentivizes followers to interact with your content, and people love the opportunity to win something.

    See It In Action:

    This is a common tactic for a reason! Here’s how Alani Nu tapped into this post idea to help celebrate their birthday:

    10. Share a Customer Success Story

    People love hearing stories about how your product or service has made a positive impact. Share a customer success story highlighting how your brand helped solve a problem.

    Why It Works:

    It shows your product’s real-life value and builds emotional connections with your audience.

    11. Flashback or Throwback Posts

    Throwback posts (TBT to #TBT) offer a nostalgic look back at your brand’s journey. Share milestones or early photos of your product, services, or team.

    Why It Works:

    It sparks emotions and shows how far your brand has come while paying homage to its history, making it more relatable and authentic to followers.

    12. Do An Instagram Takeover

    Allow an employee of yours or partner with an influencer to take over your Instagram account for a day. They can share their experience with your brand or product and engage with your followers directly.

    Why It Works:

    People love people! They like to engage with people and see real people on their feeds. Plus, it’s a fun and fresh way to engage followers by shaking things up and putting a new face or spin on your content.

    13. Share Fun Facts or Tips

    Position yourself as an expert in your field by sharing valuable tips, fun facts, or industry insights. It could be anything from quick life hacks to deep industry knowledge.

    Why It Works:

    People love learning something new and valuable. Sharing this type of content establishes your brand as a trusted resource.

    See It In Action:

    Check out this post where we show best practices for email subject lines:

    14. Showcase Employee Stories or Profiles

    Share short employee spotlights to introduce your team to your audience. This will humanize your brand and build trust by showing the faces behind your business.

    Why It Works:

    It creates a personal connection with your audience and shows the real people who make your brand happen.

    See It In Action:

    We love this post from Architectural Digest, where they spotlight one of their AD 100 Designers, even asking him to share his answers to some common questions:

    Carousel posts are great for sharing multiple images, tutorials, or product showcases. Use this feature to tell a story, show off several product angles, or share educational content step by step.

    Why It Works:

    Carousels encourage people to swipe through, keeping them engaged longer. Plus, they allow you to share more in one post without overwhelming your followers.

    Use These Instagram Post Ideas to Increase Engagement

    There you have it—15 Instagram post ideas to increase engagement and connect with your audience in 2025. From interactive polls to behind-the-scenes content, there’s no shortage of ways to create posts that grab attention and keep your followers coming back for more. The key is consistency, creativity, and staying true to your brand’s voice.

    Need help with creative Instagram post ideas or your social media strategy? Let RANDOM help you create engaging content that stands out. Reach out today!

    5 Women in Business Making a Difference | International Women’s Day 2025

    faces of multiple women with blog title

    In 2025, we are witnessing an exciting and much-needed shift in the business landscape. More women are stepping into positions of power, successfully leading companies, and making their voices heard across various industries. They're using their influence to support other women and foster more inclusive workplaces. This International Women's Day, we recognize notable figures demonstrating that business success and social responsibility can go hand in hand.

    As a women-owned business founded by Lauren Patterson, RANDOM recognizes the importance of empathy, inclusion, and driving meaningful change. We take this topic seriously and enthusiastically embrace the celebration of International Women’s Day. In honor of this year’s theme, "Accelerating Action," let’s highlight some incredible women leaders. These female entrepreneurs use their influence to empower others, break barriers, and create lasting positive impacts.

    Selena Gomez Celebrates the Beauty of Acceptance

    When Selena Gomez launched Rare Beauty, she didn’t just create another beauty brand; she aimed to make a difference. Rare Beauty's mission is centered around self-acceptance, inclusivity, and celebrating diversity. Selena wanted to create a space where “beauty is not about the perfect image; it’s about being unique.”

    Rare Beauty goes beyond simply selling makeup; it’s a community where women feel seen and valued for who they are. They're redefining beauty standards, emphasizing mental health, and creating a supportive environment for those who struggle with self-esteem. By doing so, Rare Beauty has quickly established itself as an industry leader.

    Image of Selena Gomez, CEO of Rare Beauty, one of five women being recognized for International Women's Day

    Rare Beauty's success lies in its community-building approach. By prioritizing mental health and inclusivity, Selena Gomez is fostering an empowered and engaged community that reflects the diversity of the world around us.

    Michele Buck Empowers Change From Within

    At the helm of The Hershey Company is Michele Buck, a powerful advocate for internal change agents. As the first female CEO in the company’s history, she has championed initiatives that empower her team and cultivate a culture of inclusivity in the workplace. Under her leadership, Hershey's approach to women in leadership has evolved, earning recognition as one of America’s most female-friendly corporations. Michele’s influence extends beyond reshaping corporate culture; she has positioned the brand to embrace sustainability, employee welfare, and community outreach more meaningfully.

    In an interview with Harvard Business Review, Michele emphasized the importance of empowering employees to act as change agents. She believes fostering a culture of responsibility can drive internal transformation, leading to a more engaged workforce and tremendous success.

    Image of Michele Buck, CEO of Hershey, one of five women being recognized for International Women's Day

    Michele Buck has shown how powerful it can be to empower people from within a company. And with her approaching retirement, it’s clear that her efforts will continuously influence Hershey's and modern business changes.

    Melanie Perkins Made Accessibility to Design a Reality

    Melanie Perkins, founder of Canva, is another excellent example of female entrepreneurs turning an idea into something truly revolutionary. What began as a small startup has become one of the world's most popular online design platforms. Melanie’s vision was straightforward: to make design accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level. Her strategy has paid off, as Canva is now valued at over $40 billion.

    In an interview with Entrepreneur, Melanie shared her journey of turning her idea into reality, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and belief in one’s vision. Canva exemplifies female leadership that empowers users, simplifies complex tasks, and democratizes creativity. 

    Image of Melanie Perkins, CEO of Canva, one of five women being recognized

    Melanie's inclusive approach and commitment to making a positive impact transformed Canva into one of the most beloved companies worldwide. (Just ask our specialists!) Her story proves that innovation and inclusivity can go hand in hand.

    Mary Barra Remains Resilient in a Male-dominated Industry

    Mary Barra is one of the most prominent female CEOs in the world, having led GM (General Motors) since 2014. Her leadership has been pivotal in advancing GM’s commitment to sustainability, including the company’s goal to transition to an all-electric future. Under her guidance, GM has made strides toward promoting workplace diversity, gender equality, and environmental responsibility.

    In an exclusive interview with Forbes, Mary discussed her focus on creating a culture of innovation. She supports empowering employees to make bold decisions and aims to ensure sustainability remains at the core of GM’s mission.

    Image of Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, one of five women being recognized

    Mary Barra’s leadership at GM demonstrates how female CEOs bring unique perspectives to industries traditionally dominated by men. She drives positive change in the automotive sector by emphasizing innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability.

    Lauren Patterson Upholds Her Values

    At RANDOM, we’ve built our business on the values of empathy, curiosity, and inclusion. Our founder, Lauren Patterson, aimed to create something unique in digital marketing. She yearned to create an agency that prioritized genuine connections with clients and stakeholders over mere profit margins. RANDOM was since established as a female-founded leader in digital innovation. We're driven by a commitment to empower clients, support businesses, and make a positive impact in the lives of everyone we work with.

    Lauren’s journey from the traditional agency world to founding RANDOM was fueled by her passion for developing authentic, human-centered marketing strategies. As a team, we take great pride in ensuring our clients, partners, and team members experience a brand built on these core values.

    Image of Lauren Patterson, CEO of That Random Agency

    Lauren’s leadership exemplifies the profound impact that steadfast personal values and beliefs can have at a company's core. Regardless of the brand's size or the team, a genuine and heartfelt approach can create meaningful change and inspire others to follow suit.

    The Future is Female: Supporting Women Entrepreneurs on International Women's Day

    From Fortune 500 companies to startups, female entrepreneurs and CEOs are creating more inclusive, sustainable, and empathetic business cultures. These women are using their positions to empower others, drive action towards gender equality, and make a lasting impact in their respective industries.

    As we celebrate the power of women in leadership this International Women's Day (and every day), let’s recognize the value that diversity and inclusive leadership bring to business. Women entrepreneurs are changing the world for the better.

    At RANDOM, we are proud to be a women-owned business that strives to lead with vision, passion, and empathy. By embracing these values, we can build meaningful connections with our clients and partners and inspire others to do the same. Let’s continue to empower one another, break down barriers, and build a future where women lead the charge.

    How Brands Can Speak Their Audience's Love Language in 2025

    hands in shape of a heart to represent love language

    In a world where consumers are bombarded with endless content, how do brands ensure they truly connect with their audience? The answer lies in understanding and speaking their love language. In 2025, it’s no longer enough to simply sell a product or service; brands must cultivate emotional connections, making their customers feel valued and understood. Just like in personal relationships, when brands speak their audience’s love language, the bond grows stronger, leading to loyalty, trust, and higher conversions.

    But what does this "love language" mean for marketers? And how can brands use it to enhance their digital strategies in 2025? Let’s break it down.

    1. Words of Affirmation: Speak to Their Hearts with Meaningful Content

    In the age of personalization, customers want to feel validated. Words of affirmation are all about using language to uplift and encourage. This love language is key for brands that want to inspire their audience and establish a deeper emotional connection.

    How Brands Can Use This:

    Example:

    Brands like Ben and Jerry’s have mastered this love language with empowering messages and speaking out on issues their customers care about. Ben and Jerry’s inspires action and confidence, making their audience feel capable and affirmed. In 2025, brands can take note of this as users are increasingly caring about company transparency and values. 

    2. Quality Time: Be Present Where It Counts

    Quality time is about meaningful engagement. Customers appreciate when a brand makes time for them, listens to their needs, and shows up when it matters most.

    How Brands Can Use This:

    Example:

    Duolingo has done a brilliant job of creating a fun, interactive community. They engage with their social media  followers in witty, relatable ways. Duolingo’s “community time” comes in the form of playful posts, memes, and prompt responses, making followers feel like they’re part of an inside joke or club.

    In 2025, using interactive features like polls, live sessions, and user-generated content will help brands build stronger communities and drive consistent engagement.

    3. Acts of Service: Going Beyond the Transaction

    When it comes to acts of service, customers love when brands go the extra mile—without asking for something in return. This love language is about showing care by providing exceptional experiences that don’t feel transactional.

    How Brands Can Use This:

    Example:

    Glossier is a master at this love language. Their seamless shopping experience, fast shipping, and top-notch customer service team show an exceptional level of service that keeps customers coming back. Brands can learn from this by prioritizing the process, offering personalized support, and constantly looking for ways to enhance the customer experience. 

    4. Gifts: Thoughtful, Unexpected Tokens of Appreciation

    Everyone loves receiving a gift, especially when it feels personal and meaningful. In 2025, brands can use this love language to reward loyalty and delight customers with unexpected, thoughtful gestures.

    How Brands Can Use This:

    Example:

    Sephora has nailed the art of gift-giving with their Beauty Insider loyalty program. Not only do they send personalized rewards based on customer preferences, but they also surprise customers with special gifts, like birthday freebies. In 2025, brands should incorporate this love language into their campaigns by offering surprise digital downloads, personalized product samples, or exclusive offers for social media followers.

    5. Physical Touch: Connecting Through Visual and Sensory Content

    While physical touch may not seem immediately applicable to digital marketing, sensory experiences play a crucial role in emotional engagement. In the online world, this translates into the powerful use of visual content and sensory-driven experiences.

    How Brands Can Use This:

    Example:

    Apple does an incredible job of showcasing sensory experiences in their digital marketing. Their product launch videos are designed to create an emotional connection through visuals, sounds, and even how the product feels. Apple’s use of cinematic storytelling makes the brand feel tangible, even through a screen.

    In 2025, brands can use similar strategies with AR, VR, and immersive experiences to allow customers to interact with their products in meaningful ways.

    Speak Your Audience’s Love Language and Watch Loyalty Grow

    In 2025, how you make your customers feel is just as important as the actions you want them to take. . Speaking  your audience’s love language will forge deeper connections and help build a loyal, engaged community.

    As a brand, understanding and embracing these love languages allows you to create authentic relationships and differentiate yourself in an oversaturated market. So, what’s your brand’s love language? The key to standing out and driving customer loyalty in 2025 is speaking it fluently.

    Ready to connect with your audience in a whole new way? Let Random help you develop a strategy that speaks directly to their hearts. Reach out today, and let’s turn your brand into a love language they’ll never forget. ❤️

    Random Round-Up: Social Media Updates and News, November 2024

    stack of electronics to simulate social media updates and title of blog post

    As we move into December, it’s time to dive into the latest social media updates from November, so here’s an early present for you: 

    A Brief Summary of Social Media Updates and News from November 2024:

    1. Say goodbye to following hashtags on Instagram.

    It’s official: Instagram will remove the option to follow specific hashtags of interest, meaning those posts will no longer appear on your feed. And, you can probably guess why…

    notification from Instagram about a new update

    The removal of this feature strongly correlates with the effort to combat “hashtag spammers.” Hashtags have been spammed since the beginning of time, with trending hashtags collecting unrelated content due to spam accounts adding irrelevant hashtags to their posts to get more reach.
    But are we surprised? After all, hashtags have been on the downfall for a while now…

    Read more about the removal: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/instagrams-removing-option-follow-hashtags/733155/

    2. You thought that was the only Instagram update? Sike.

    Instagram also announced that they are testing a way for users to “hit the reset button.”

    Screenshots showing a new update on Instagram

    In other words, they will allow users to reset their existing content recommendations that decide what they see in Explore, Reels, and Feed.

    To us, it sounds like Instagram is finally understanding that sometimes we all just need a fresh start. And, let’s be honest, the algorithms can truly be so unforgiving. You look hippos up ONCE…

    Want a reset? Learn how: https://about.instagram.com/blog/announcements/reset-instagram-content-suggestions

    3. Ads are (potentially) coming to Threads next year.

    Surprise, surprise. It’s been uncovered that Meta might bring ads to its Threads platform as early as next year. From the sound of it, this will be a slow rollout of the new feature, giving select advertisers access to the opportunity starting in January.

    Threads platform loading page

    Given a large portion of Meta’s revenue is from advertising, this doesn’t come as a surprise. So, we’ll see how long it takes for all brands to have access to ads on Threads! 

    Get more information: https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/13/24295735/threads-ads-rumor-2025 

    4. (Bluesky is reaching new limits.) coming to Threads next year.

    Bluesky isn’t the first social media platform to try to enter the already saturated space. However, last month, Bluesky made waves with a reported spike in new user activity, reaching over 20 million users.

    Bluesky social media platform account page

    Where are these users coming from, you ask? First, we’ll let you take an X-tremely educated (or even an uneducated one, really) guess.

    Bluesky recently welcomed millions of new users with open arms. The platform witnessed an increase of over 2.5 million new users just in the week following the election. It seems the countless platform changes, paired with Elon’s well-known political involvement, drove X users to find another place to interact.

    Will you be adding Bluesky to your social media rounds? Learn more about the spike in users: ​​https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2024/11/20/what-is-bluesky-user-count/76451731007/ 

    5. Netflix appreciates the little things, like Moments to be shared.

    Technically, this happened at the very end of October, but most people didn’t find out until November, so it still counts. Right?

    We all know and love our movies, shows, and whatever else you stream on your TV. And Netflix knows it, too! Moments, a new mobile feature that launched globally, allows Netflix users to easily save and share their favorite Netflix scenes.

    Screenshot of Netflix's new update for social media being used

    Learn more about how it works: https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/netflix-moments 

    6. Pinterest got even more personalized.

    Pinterest just gets it. Honestly.

    Struggling to find that perfect gift for your best friend? Is your mom asking what’s on your Christmas list again? Well, Pinterest just made it easy for users to find inspiration for their holiday wishlists and even easier to shop what they previously saved.

    With Pinterest’s new gift guides from well-known celebrities like Paris Hilton, Emma Chamberlain, and more, users can explore thousands of curated gift guides spanning 27 categories. And when anyone saves a pin from one of those gift guides, it’ll be saved directly to their very own shoppable wishlist.

    Paris Hilton's gift guide on Pinterest

    We know you didn’t ask, but we will absolutely be using this feature. Learn more about it: https://newsroom.pinterest.com/news/why-pinterest-is-the-go-to-place-to-shop-holiday-gifts-this-year 

    7. Snapchat launches its first Sponsored Snaps campaign.

    Thought Snapchat became irrelevant? Yeah, us too. But not for lack of trying!

    Snapchat launched its first-ever Sponsored Snaps campaign, sending sponsored content directly to users’ inboxes as if they received a snap. And their first promotion? A DM video message to promote the new movie Wicked.

    Screenshot of Wicked's snapchat ad

    We won’t go into too much detail here, but all we know is that if Sponsored Snaps escalate and start to overrun Snapchatters’ inboxes, well, we’re not sure that will be received all too well. 

    See the snap: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/snapchat-announces-sponsored-snap-campaign/733270/#:~:text=After%20announcing%20Sponsored%20Snaps%20back,the%20new%20movie%20%E2%80%9CWicked%E2%80%9D. 

    This is not a platform update, but it's definitely news to know. Despite criticism of the proposed bill, the Australian government has officially moved forward with its proposed restrictions on social media usage. The restrictions will effectively ban users under the age of 16 from social media apps. 

    Some key takeaways if you don’t want to read the article:

    Learn more about the ban: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/australia-pushes-ahead-teen-social-media-ban/733662/ 

    That’s it! See you next month.

    Need expert guidance on the latest social media updates and trends? You’re in the right place. Get in touch with us today!