The Top Branding Trends for Small Businesses in 2024

Small business branding trends are among the most exciting to follow, and even more exciting to implement. The team over at naming service Squadhelp recently unveiled the results of their 2024 Branding Trends Survey, and we’re here to unpack it for you. Let’s take a look ahead at what we can expect to see marketers dishing out in the new year.

Humor

Consumers love to laugh—and it can make them spend more, at least according to research published on Spiceworks.com. In a study conducted by Oracle and Gretchen Rubin, “About 80% of consumers would buy again from a brand that embraced humor, and 80% were more likely to recommend it to others. About 63% would also spend more with the brand.” Humor in branding has always been around to a certain extent, but it took a real foothold during the pandemic when consumers needed a break from the uncertainty and sadness all around them. With careful cleverness, brands can take a seemingly mundane subject and turn it into something hilarious that’s also a real money maker.

Bright and Bold

Data from Squadhelp showed that nearly everyone found bright, bold branding to be inspiring. Drab, muted colors are moving to the sidelines while the vivid shades from the 80s (think yellow, hot pink, cobalt blue) are taking center stage. This trend touches upon what we mentioned with humor: bright colors can make customers happy amidst the chaos of daily life, and that’s what folks want to see when shopping—this marketing strategy helps create a sense of joy, thus instilling a positive brand experience for the customer.

Nostalgia Marketing

Nostalgia can be a powerful tool in branding, evoking emotions and connecting with consumers on a sentimental level—just look at the success of The Barbie Movie in 2023! Small businesses are tapping into this trend by incorporating nostalgic elements into their branding, whether through retro design aesthetics, throwback product offerings, or reviving classic marketing campaigns. Nostalgia marketing has the potential to create a strong emotional bond with customers.

Humanized Branding

This may come as a surprise given the influx of AI into our lives (does anyone know what’s real anymore?), but humanized branding is making a comeback. Small businesses are expected to prioritize genuine connections with their audience in the new year. Authenticity is key, and humanized branding involves transparency, honesty, and a clear representation of the company’s values. Consumers will be more likely to engage with brands that showcase their human side, sharing stories and experiences that resonate on a personal level.

In 2024, your small business can thrive even more by taking these key branding trends and running with them. And as you maneuver the exciting world of marketing, keep ARF Financial in mind for all of your small business financing needs. We can help you secure a revolving line of credit to draw from for extra marketing spend, hiring additional staff, or even refreshing your storefront. With approvals up to $1,000,000, a fixed loan term up to 36 months, and a fixed weekly payment, our products are simply the best.