42 Ways to Use Trends to Grow Your Business

Learn how to use social media trends without chasing clout. Ethical, creative ways for creators to align with what's trending and grow authentically.

May 14, 2025

Heidi DeCoux

Heidi DeCoux is the founder of Cashflowy, an AI-powered bookkeeping platform, and has worked with thousands of self-employed professionals to simplify finances and improve profitability.

Staying relevant doesn’t mean dancing on TikTok, jumping headfirst into every trend, or using every hashtag. You don’t need to mimic viral videos or force-fit your brand into trending audio. But if you're a solopreneur or creator, learning how to use trends in marketing can help you grow your business, connect with your audience, and increase visibility without selling out.

Let’s talk about how to ride cultural waves without wiping out and staying true to your business (and values!)

How trends can help your business grow
The Airbnb cereal box case study
How to use trends in your content without losing authenticity
Trend-Aligned Content Ideas by Niche:
- Graphic Designers & Brand Strategists
- Copywriters
- Business Consultants
- Wellness Coaches
- Therapists & Mental Health Pros
- Travel Agents
- Real Estate Services
- Photographers & Videographers
- Hair Stylists
- Pet Care Providers
- Event Planners
- Tutors & Education Coaches
- Home Care Services
- Babysitters & Nannies
Conclusion

TL;DR – How to Use Trends Without Losing Your Brand

Trends aren’t just for TikTok dances. When used right, they boost relevance, visibility, and connection.
You don’t need to copy viral videos. Instead, align your content with trending themes, emotions, or ideas.
Use trends to educate, entertain, or relate, not to imitate.
You’ll find content suggestions for graphic designers, copywriters, consultants, wellness pros, travel agents, hairstylists, pet care providers, event planners, babysitters, and other local pros.
Case study: Airbnb’s cereal box stunt tied into political news and helped them raise funding, without changing their offer.

Why Trends Matter (Even If You’re Not a Trend-Chaser)

Trends reflect what people are already paying attention to. When used strategically, they can be a powerful way to:

Increase brand relevance
Tap into current conversations
Spark engagement (from the right crowd!)
Open doors to opportunities
Create a real connection with your audience
Show you're plugged into your audience’s world

Jumping on trends without intention can make your brand feel hollow or out of touch. The goal isn’t to “go viral” at any cost; it’s to creatively connect your brand with the world people are living in now.

The Airbnb Cereal Box Case Study: How a Trend Sparked a Movement

Let’s rewind to 2008.

Airbnb was struggling to raise funds (they were actually in debt!) and needed a creative way to get noticed. The U.S. presidential election was dominating the news cycle. So, the founders launched Obama O’s and Cap’n McCain: limited-edition cereal boxes they designed and sold for $40 each during the Democratic and Republican national conventions.

The result?

They generated over $30K in revenue.
They caught the attention of one of the largest VCs in the country (Sequoia Capital)
They built awareness by aligning their offer with a cultural moment, without changing their core mission.

Hear the full story from Brian Chesky, Airbnb Co-Founder and CEO:
The result?

They generated over $30K in revenue.
They caught the attention of one of the largest VCs in the country (Sequoia Capital)
They built awareness by aligning their offer with a cultural moment, without changing their core mission.

Hear the full story from Brian Chesky, Airbnb Co-Founder and CEO:

They didn’t go viral by dancing. They went viral by thinking outside the box

How to Use Trends in Your Content Without Losing Authenticity

Instead of copying what’s trending, interpret it through your brand’s lens. Ask:

Does this trend reflect a feeling my audience is having right now?
Can I draw a parallel between this moment and a lesson in my industry?
Is there a deeper message I can share through this topic?

You're not hijacking (or copying) trends, you’re reframing them to provide context, clarity, and connection.

Trend-Aligned Content Ideas by Niche (No Lip Syncing Required)

Graphic Designers & Brand Strategists

Trending Aesthetic Breakdown: “What Barbiecore Teaches Us About Color Psychology in Branding”
Use trending visual styles as a way to discuss design strategy and client-facing applications.
Design Audit Series: “If [Trending TV Show] Were a Brand, Here's What Their Logo Would Look Like”
Create speculative rebrands using pop culture as inspiration to show creativity and process.
Mini Rebrands: Reimagine outdated logos from trending companies or newsmakers.
Share quick redesigns of logos gaining attention, and explain the strategy behind them.

Inspiration: girl in blue studio

Copywriters

Pop Culture Language Lessons: “What Beyoncé’s Album Rollout Can Teach You About Sales Page Hooks”
Break down how artists use storytelling and emotional cues to influence audience action.
Trend-Focused Swipe Files: “Subject Lines Inspired by Trending Tweets”
Share examples of compelling copy pulled from what’s trending and translate them into brand messaging.
Viral Script Breakdowns: Analyze the storytelling structure of high-performing viral videos.
Educate your audience on what makes something go viral from a copy perspective.

Business Consultants

Trend Forecasts: “3 Small Business Trends to Watch Based on [Recent Headline or Report]”
Interpret macro-trends into actionable insights for small businesses or solopreneurs.
Leadership Lessons from Celeb Mishaps: “What Business Owners Can Learn from the Balenciaga PR Crisis”
Break down cultural or corporate controversies and extract leadership lessons.
Bite-Size Trend Audits: Weekly 60-second posts analyzing whether new tools (like AI or Threads) are worth adopting.
Help clients assess what’s worth their time versus what’s hype.

Wellness Coaches

Reframe Viral Wellness Trends: “What the 'Hot Girl Walk' Gets Right (and Wrong) About Mindful Movement”
Break down popular trends and reframe them with science-backed insight.
Seasonal Challenges with a Trendy Twist: “7-Day Reset Inspired by Fall Aesthetic Vibes”
Use seasonal aesthetics and online trends to anchor your own branded challenge.
Wellness Lessons from Pop Culture: “What Ted Lasso Teaches Us About Mental Resilience”
Draw emotional wellness takeaways from popular TV shows or characters.

Therapists & Mental Health Pros

Decode Trending Behaviors: “Why ‘Main Character Energy’ Is Everywhere—And What It Means Psychologically”
Break down the emotional drivers behind viral mental health language.
Normalize Therapy Through Pop Culture: “What the Jonah Hill Therapy Conversation Got Right (and Wrong)”
Use celebrity therapy moments to normalize and educate with nuance.
Myth Busting via Trends: “Boundaries Are Trending, But Are We Using the Word Correctly?”
Clear up misconceptions while staying in the conversation.

Travel Agents

Trending Destinations Roundup: “Where to Travel If You Loved [Viral Movie/Show]”
Tie travel inspiration to pop culture buzz.
Battle of the Trendy Trips: “Italy vs. Bali: Which Viral Vacation Is Right for You?”
Compare two trending destinations with pros/cons and travel tips.
Micro-Cation Guides: Quick getaways inspired by small business travel trends.
Promote short, budget-conscious travel with a trend-savvy spin.

Real Estate Services

Trend-Based Property Features: “If Barbie Bought a House in [City], Here’s What She’d Want”
Tap into aesthetics to describe home features creatively.
Housing Market Hot Takes: “What TikTok Thinks About Buying in 2024. And What’s Actually True”
Debunk or support viral housing opinions with expert insight.
Local Trend Spotlights: Share what’s trending in your local real estate market.
Help potential buyers/sellers understand what’s gaining value and why.

Photographers & Videographers

Aesthetic-Inspired Shoots: “Book a Barbiecore or Cottagecore Mini Session This Month”
Use trending aesthetics to pitch themed mini sessions.
Behind-the-Scenes Glitches: “When a Drone Crashed at the Wedding, and Why the Couple Laughed Anyway”
Show human moments during shoots to highlight resilience and humor.
Before/After Visual Reels: Use trending music or visuals to show editing process.
Give people a peek at the transformation your work creates.

Hair Stylists

Trend Tutorials: “How to Ask Your Stylist for the Viral Butterfly Cut (and Who It Works For)”
Educate clients on how to use trends thoughtfully with their hair type.
Style Mood Boards: “2025’s Trending Cuts and Colors, Butterfly Cut to Auburn Luxe”
Use mood boards to showcase your expertise and current style awareness.
Reaction Videos: Respond to viral hair fails with professional advice.
Join the conversation by gently correcting misinformation in a fun way.

Pet Care Providers

Pet Lifestyle Trends: “Should You Try Dog Ice Cream? Trending Pet Treats Reviewed”
Test or break down viral pet products in your niche.
Day in the Life Reels: “What Pet Sitting Looks Like When Your Clients Are Extra Fancy”
Use humor and behind-the-scenes peeks to build connection.
Themed Pet Content: “Spooky Pup Photo Ideas for October (Inspired by Viral Dog Costumes)”
Create seasonally relevant, trend-inspired content for pet lovers.

Event Planners

Theme Guides: “How to Plan a Bridgerton-Inspired Garden Party: Down to the Pastel Tablescape”
Capitalize on popular aesthetics to show your creativity.
Celebrity Event Breakdowns: “What You Can Steal from Sofia Richie’s Wedding Style”
Use public events to inspire your clients and show your attention to detail.
Viral Party Trends Explained: “What’s a Disco Cowgirl Bash and Should You Host One?”
Define and elevate trending event ideas for your market.

Tutors & Education Coaches

Pop Culture Lesson Hooks: “What [Viral movie/series] Can Teach Kids About Identity and Storytelling”
Use relevant themes to make learning engaging and culturally aware.
Study Hacks Inspired by TikTok: “3 Viral Memory Tricks That Actually Work (and 1 That Doesn’t)”
Teach through debunking and validating what's popular online.
Test Prep Reels: Make quick, punchy videos using trending audio to teach core concepts.
Stay visible while educating your audience.

Home Care Services

Hack Reviews: “Are TikTok’s Cleaning Hacks Worth It? We Tested Them So You Don’t Have To”
Evaluate what’s trending in home cleaning with professional expertise.
Seasonal Prep Tips: “Fall Gutter Cleaning, But Make It Aesthetic”
Add visual flair or humor to everyday services.
Before/After Mini Vlogs: Highlight transformations using trending music or formats.
Show your work and get found via trending hashtags.

Babysitters & Nannies

Activity Ideas Based on Kid Trends: “Crafts and Games Inspired by [Trending Movie]”
Blend entertainment and education through what kids are already excited about.
Funny Sitter Stories (With Boundaries): “When They Told Me the Dog Was ‘Just Like a Kid’ And They Weren’t Lying”
Lighthearted storytelling helps build personality and trust.
Safe Trend Remixes: Adapt safe, fun versions of TikTok trends for kids.
Show you’re aware and responsible with what’s popular.

Viral Isn’t the Goal, Connection Is

You don’t need to be the loudest voice online. You just need to be the most relevant and relatable for your audience.

Smart marketers don’t chase trends, they translate them.

By aligning your message with what your audience is already seeing, feeling, and reacting to, you position yourself as the voice that gets it.

And when your brand resonates on a cultural and emotional level? That’s when growth really begins.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I use trends in marketing without losing authenticity?

Focus on the meaning behind the trend. Use it as a launch point for conversations your audience already cares about.

What’s the best way to tie pop culture into content?

Look for parallels between a trending topic and your niche. Think metaphor, not mimicry.

Can local or offline businesses use social media trends?

Absolutely. In fact, they often get more engagement when they tap into cultural moments with a localized or personal twist.

What if I don’t want to make videos or be on camera?

You can still use trends through writing, visuals, or storytelling. Blogs, carousels, and newsletters are all effective when well-timed.

Is it possible to go viral without trending audio or dances?

Yes. Many viral videos go big because they’re insightful, clever, or deeply relevant. Use social media trends as inspiration—not instruction.

Let me know if you’d like to repurpose this into a downloadable PDF, Instagram carousel, or lead magnet!

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