We're back with one of our full-length discussion episodes. And if you can believe it, a brand new year - 2017! - is only a few short weeks away. 

But before we say goodbye to 2016, we're pausing to reflect. Jessie-Lee and I - in addition to starting this podcast - have learned a lot this year, through projects, conferences and experiences, within our walls, with our clients and beyond. 

So this week, we're taking a deep dive into what content and design trends you should be focusing on in your marketing efforts, as we look ahead to the New Year. From video and the importance of having a "context mix," to flat design and mobile-first approaches, we've got all of the insights you need to start the year off right.

...and there may be a rant or three, thrown in for good measure.

SO, WHAT DID WE TALK ABOUT?

 

• What marketers and others shouldn't be doing with trends
• The fact that people are finally talking about content, and not just content marketing
• How both design and content are moving more and more toward being user-focused
• How design trends are more of an evolution this year
• Moving toward a mobile-first approach in the design world
• Native advertising continues to gain tractoin, but why?
• Why you need to be really, really careful about how you promote content on Reddit (if at all)
• How, why and when you should be using video
• The rise of hand-drawn illustrations
• What is flat design, and why is it used now? Also, how is it changing?
• Terrible "trends" that we've seen out in the wild
• The difference between websites you use vs. websites you explore
• The phrase, "It's just not creative enough," and why it's terrible

 

RESOURCES WE MENTIONED:

 

• Jessie-Lee's 2016 design trends blog
• Target.com
• Holiday Inn Express case study with Buzzfeed
• Episode 10: Is Video Marketing Really That Big of a Deal?
• John's video on the Quintain website
• Game of Thrones website
• "Marketers Are Liars" by Stacy Willis
• Apple Watch website
• FYI: 86 percent of mobile time is spent on apps

 

GET IN TOUCH AND SPREAD THE CREATOR’S BLOCK LOVE

What did you think of this episode? Is there another topic or question you want us to take on? Or do you just want to say hi? Reach out to us on Twitter at @CreatorsBlockHQ or using the hashtag #creatorsblockparty. You can also say hi to me at @naptownpint and Jessie-Lee at @jhyphenl. You can also join us in the Creator's Block Podcast group on Facebook, where you can ask questions and get inspired.

And don’t forget - whether you love us or hate us - we would really appreciate you reviewing our podcast on iTunes! 

…until next week!