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10 Things I Learnt At LEAD 2024

Alex Bodini
Alex Bodini

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Spin recently had the pleasure of sponsoring LEAD 2024, an event hosted by the AA, IPA and ISBA. It brought together the worlds of politics and advertising in a dialogue that was both timely and necessary. The event certainly surpassed our expectations, so I thought I’d share the ten key takeaways from the day:

  1. 2024 is a critical year. Over 2 billion people will be voting in elections this year, which has huge ramifications for the future of democracy.
  2. The UK isn’t in the best light at the moment, despite a 0.8% growth forecast, 90% of UK firms feel that the UK is a negative place to invest. Yes - you read that right.
  3. We are, however, the second-largest exporter of services in the world - something which I think often gets overlooked when we look at our key industries.
  4. Immigration, when viewed through a commercial rather than political lens, is a big issue - and many businesses are very worried about the new salary thresholds coming in April.
  5. The UK is one of the most ‘highly intense’ advertising markets in the world - very competitive and arguably over-saturated.
  6. “If you can’t charge a premium, you don’t have a brand” is a good way of summarising why advertising and brand matters, with point 5 in mind.
  7. Advertising, despite some negative impressions, is an essential cog in the free market to keep prices down (when all other prices are going up), allowing us access to news, content, and journalism.
  8. The UK ad market grew by 6% last year - worth noting in a time when it felt like budgets were being cut across the board. 
  9. Gordon Brown, a man who I thought was dour, and to be honest, depressing politician, was probably the best public speaker I have ever seen in my life. Practice makes perfect.
  10. Creative industries are growing at twice the rate of the rest of the economy - so let’s give them more credit.

Reflecting on LEAD 2024, it's clear that this year marks a significant moment for the advertising industry. The discussions underscored the importance of not only driving economic prosperity but doing so in a manner that is trusted, inclusive, and sustainable.

As Spin, we're proud to have been part of such a forward-thinking event. Our commitment has always been to ensure that we contribute positively to the industry's evolution. Here’s to a year of embracing change, driving innovation, and building a future where advertising is a cornerstone of a prosperous, equitable society.

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The Roadmap to Winning on Social

What Is the Future Trend Roadmap?

The Future Trend Roadmap is designed to help businesses and brands navigate the evolving landscape of consumer behaviour and cultural dynamics, with a healthy dose of social-first thinking. Whether it’s new tech disrupting the status quo or an unexpected cultural shift, this roadmap helps you plan for what’s coming, rather than scrambling to catch up. It’s the secret ingredient behind strategies that make brands stand out, win followers, and drive meaningful engagement.

What Makes It a Must-Have?

Consumer Behaviour Analysis

What’s driving your audience today? What might inspire them tomorrow? The roadmap dives deep into these questions, decoding purchasing patterns, lifestyle shifts, and even the memes that somehow turn into movements.

Technological Innovations

From AI-assisted creativity to the next big social platform (yes, it’s probably not just Threads), staying ahead of technology trends keeps brands nimble. Think AR shopping experiences or gamified ad formats that make the scroll-stopping experience even more dynamic.

Cultural Context

Social media doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s a reflection of—and a driver for—broader societal changes. Whether it’s sustainability, inclusivity, or the rise of anti-trends like ‘digital detoxing’, understanding this context gives brands the edge in staying authentic.

Market Shifts

From algorithm updates to shifting economic tides, it’s about being ready for anything. Your social media strategy should adapt as quickly as TikTok’s trends page—and with just as much creativity.

Why This Matters for Social Media

Social media is the ultimate cultural snapshot, and if your brand isn’t keeping up with trends, it risks falling out of relevance faster than yesterday’s viral dance. By embedding trend analysis into your strategy, you move from reactive posting to proactive planning. That’s how you create content that doesn’t just perform—it leads conversations.

Proactive Strategy

The brands that win on social don’t just follow—they lead. With insights from the roadmap, you can set the tone for what’s trending, rather than just hopping on it.

Audience Connection

In the fight for attention, understanding what your audience cares about (and where they spend their time) is non-negotiable.

Staying Agile

Trends move at the speed of a double-tap, and your campaigns should too. But agility doesn’t mean chaos—it means being prepared to pivot with precision.

At Spin Brands, we live and breathe this roadmap because it’s the foundation of smart, impactful social strategy. Whether you’re building a TikTok presence from scratch or planning a campaign that redefines your brand voice, knowing what’s next is the key to standing out. The future isn’t just something to adapt to—it’s an opportunity to create.

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Spin Wins Culture 100 Award 2024

Spin is thrilled to announce that we have been recognised as one of the UK’s top companies in the prestigious Culture 100 Awards for 2024. This award highlights our commitment to building a people-first workplace that prioritises flexibility, inclusivity, and personal growth.

The Culture 100 Awards celebrate organisations that are redefining what it means to be a great place to work, and Spin is proud to be counted among them. Our culture is built on lifting each other up, fostering strong relationships, and ensuring that every team member feels recognised and valued.

Our CEO, Alex Bodini, commented, "This recognition reflects our dedication to creating an environment where our team can thrive, both professionally and personally. At Spin, we believe that a strong, supportive culture is key to driving creativity and innovation."

Spin's commitment to mental health support, continuous professional development, and an inclusive, collaborative atmosphere were key factors in our selection. We will continue to champion a culture where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work and achieve their full potential.

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Social Trends vs. Brand Values: How to balance reactivity with authenticity

In the fast-paced world of social media, staying relevant is essential, but how can brands jump on the latest trends without losing sight of their core values? At Spin, we understand the importance of maintaining brand integrity while navigating the ever-changing social media landscape. Here’s how your brand can strike that balance effectively.

‍Trying Something New
Brands sometimes need to step out of their comfort zones to stay relevant. One of our clients, Ann Summers, faced this challenge when they decided to experiment with the ‘Breaking Dishes’ trend. While this approach was a departure from their usual content, we recognised that the trend had the potential to reach a new audience segment.

The decision-making process involved a thorough evaluation of how the trend could be tailored to reflect the brand’s values. We asked critical questions: How can this trend be adapted to reflect our brand’s voice? Is the trend consistent with our long-term brand strategy? The result was a video that successfully captured the trend’s momentum without compromising the brand’s identity.

The video achieved 87k organic views when their content normally averages around 2-4k.

‍Key Considerations for Brands
‍For brands looking to engage with social media trends while staying true to their values, here are a few considerations:

1. Not every trend will suit your brand. Assess whether the trend aligns with your brand’s message and audience expectations.

2. Modify the trend to fit your brand’s voice and aesthetic. It’s about integrating trends into your brand’s narrative, not just mimicking them.

3. Will this trend enhance your brand’s reputation, or could it potentially dilute your core message? Consider the long-term implications of participating in a trend.

4. If you’re uncertain, start with a small-scale test. Gauge audience reaction and adjust your strategy accordingly.

‍Be Brave, Thoughtful & Authentic?
Jumping on social media trends can be a powerful way to stay relevant, but it’s essential to do so in a way that remains true to your brand. By carefully evaluating trends and adapting them to fit your brand’s values, you can engage your audience meaningfully and maintain brand integrity. At Spin, we’re here to guide you through this process, helping you stay both current and authentic in the ever-evolving world of social media.

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