What We’re Really Thankful For in Marketing This November
Thanksgiving’s around the corner (yes, we eat turkey AND talk strategy), so we compiled our “Things We’re Thankful For” list, not the sappy kind, the real‑deal marketing wins we’re seeing right now.
Here’s what’s worth raising a glass to:
1. “Human” Tone That Actually Sounds Human
We’re done with robotic factory‑output voice. The brands doing it right are saying things like “We messed up. Here’s how we’ll fix it.” vs. “We continue to uphold our mission statement…”.
👉 Why it matters: People smell AI‑generic bullshit from a mile away and scroll past it like yesterday’s meme.
2. Snackable Stories, Not Mega‑Novels
Less “3,000‑word blog” unless you’re already a thought‑leader titan. More 10‑second Reels, quick stories, behind‑the‑scenes “we’re messy and real” moments.
👉 What’s working: 70% of people say they don’t read long content anyway. Make it fast. Make it fun. Make it feel like a conversation.
3. Value That Doesn’t Ask For Something Immediately
You can’t just pop in with “download our eBook” every two posts and expect magic. Give value. Free. No catch. Then watch trust build.
👉 Remember: Trust isn’t earned with loud sales dives, it’s earned with consistent help.
4. Data That Drives Messaging, Not Just Vanity Metrics
Likes are nice, but are they moving anything? We’re grateful for brands that dig into what matters: open rates, replies, conversations, actual behaviour change.
👉 Pro tip: One meaningful comment > 100 “Nice pic” reactions.
5. Micro‑Communities Over Mass Audiences
Broadcasting to everyone used to work. Now? If you’re trying to be everything to everyone, you’re nobody to somebody.
👉 Pull your tribe in. Talk directly to them. Let the rest wander off.
6. Brands Making Real Stands (Not Just Posting Flags)
Yep, it’s risky. But if you believe something, mean it. The market’s smarter than you think, and they’ll spot the performative from a mile away.
👉 Good: “We’re hiring from the region we serve.”
👉 Bad: “We support so‑and‑so movement” (and then ghost when asked for specifics).
7. Real‑Time Flex Over “Always On” Rigid Calendars
Campaign locked in for next quarter? Fine. And then… events happen, market shifts, opportunity knocks. Brands that flex win.
👉 Adapt. Don’t just post scheduled stuff while the world catches fire.
8. UGC & Creator Collabs Done Right
Stop treating creators like “cheap labor.” They bring authenticity, not just reach. Smart brands partner with creators to co‑create content, not just “Here’s your script.” Use the real faces that are in the places.
👉 That means a split of voice: theirs + yours = something fresh.
9. Showing Results (And Brutal Transparency)
People love seeing “behind the curtain.” What worked. What didn’t. Show the wins AND the fails.
👉 Builds credibility. Humanizes. Makes you a brand people root for, not just buy from.
10. Quiet Brands (Doing Loud Things)
You don’t have to shout to stand out. The brands sitting back, grinding, delivering results… They’re quietly dominating.
👉 Don’t always broadcast. Sometimes just deliver. And let your work speak.
If you’re spinning your wheels with “social media content output” that looks like everyone else’s, stop. Gratitude in marketing means appreciating what actually works, not what’s safe.
Happy Thanksgiving (early) from the WOOF Social crew.
