This year, we proudly present our 2020’s Christmas hosts! During December, they will light up your days with their latest trendspotting for 2021, a top-three Christmas-list, and their thoughts and tips for making great influencer marketing now and in the future.

You will get insights from: ⁠

The second week of December, Sam Foroozesh shared his insights with us.

Sam, what trends on social media and influencer marketing can you spot in 2021?

Once upon a time, the founder of H&M, Erling Persson, talked about that their stores should be located where the shopping bags are strolling. In other words, the streets where their audience is walking. Today, the locations where the shopping bags are strolling are on Social Media, e.g. Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Pinterest, etc. In 2021, it’s more important than ever for us as consumer brands to adapt this and put a significant majority of our focus to make sure that we are visible here. Our main storefronts should be here, it’s here we are building our brand and awareness, and it’s here where our customers open their eyes to us.

On top of that, those spaces have become way more crowded during 2020, and research from e.g. Edelman says that 62% of consumers are more likely to trust messages from people rather than brands. Our main question for 2021 should be – how do we make sure that we present our brand in a trustworthy way in the locations where the shopping bags are strolling in 2021.

There’s no doubt that there will be an unusual Christmas this year. What are your best tips to make the Holiday season as good as possible when it comes to spending time at home and succeeding with influencer marketing activations?

If you are in my shoes and actually have the privilege to celebrate Christmas this year again (even if it’s not like you planned), let’s be happy and thankful.

When it comes to brand trust, Edelman’s survey shows that 70% say trusting a brand is more important today than before the pandemic outbreak. If you are planning to do any marketing during the holidays, make sure to adapt to your customers’ needs and give them the opportunity to grow their trust in your brand.

We need inspiration! Can you share your top three list of activities to do at home this Christmas?

First of all, just let yourself land and relax. Second, spend as much time as possible with your loved ones, even if it needs to be digital. Do stuff together, lots of possibilities online as well; play games (I will try to beat my dad in Backgammon), take walks (with them in your ears or FaceTime if needed), etc. Finally, prepare yourself for the upcoming year by reading The 2021 Social Media Trend Report written by my talented colleague Frida.

Wishing you all the merriest Christmas ever. 2021 is around the corner – Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas Sam!