Instead of jumping on every new trend, think about what real problems people face and how you can help them out. Fixing pain points is a lot more valuable than riding on viral buzzwords that won't last.
Shirin Niasati
Author
Shirin Niasati is a Product Owner and Website Developer at Persisca Technologies, specializing in digital solutions.
Why Following Trends Isn’t Always the Best Idea
Everyone loves the latest trend. It's exciting, it's new, and it seems like everyone is talking about it. But here's the thing—trends don't last forever. They come and go, and by the time you jump on one, it could already be over. If you keep chasing trends, you're going to end up always a step behind.
In business, especially marketing, it’s tempting to ride the wave of viral buzzwords or hot topics. But if you don’t focus on the real problems that your customers are facing, those trends won’t bring you much long-term success. Instead, you'll just be playing catch-up.
What Really Matters in Business?
What actually matters? Helping people. When you fix a problem, you become valuable to your audience. People appreciate it when you take the time to address their needs rather than just trying to be trendy.
Think about the most successful businesses—they aren’t just jumping on trends. They focus on real issues and solve them. Whether it’s offering a service, a product, or even just advice, the businesses that last are the ones that help their customers with things that really matter.
The Problem with Chasing Trends
Trends come and go. One moment it’s all about TikTok marketing, and the next it’s something else. If you focus all your efforts on these trends, you risk ignoring the bigger picture. You might have the latest viral idea, but if it doesn’t actually help your audience or fix something for them, it won’t matter in the long run.
Let’s take a look at some reasons why chasing trends can hurt your business:
- They’re short-lived: Trends often have a very short lifespan. A lot of time, money, and effort go into them, but after a few months, they fade away. If you're not fixing real problems, you're left with nothing when the buzz dies down.
- They’re unpredictable: You can’t always predict what will become a trend. Sometimes it seems like everyone is on board with a new idea, but other times, things flop hard. Betting your business on something that’s unpredictable isn’t the best plan.
- They distract you from real work: When you're busy chasing trends, you might miss the chance to actually work on things that matter. Instead of figuring out what your customers really need, you’re jumping on the bandwagon of the next viral moment.
Why Solving Real Problems Wins Every Time
Now let’s talk about what really works. The best businesses are the ones that focus on solving problems. If you listen to your customers and figure out what they need help with, you’re going to be way more successful than if you just focus on what's trending at the moment.
Here’s why solving problems is a smarter move:
- People always have problems: No matter what happens with trends, people will always have problems that need solving. If you’re the one who can fix them, you’ll have a steady stream of business.
- You build trust: When you solve someone’s problem, they start to trust you. This trust makes them more likely to keep coming back to you. If you’re just riding trends, it’s harder to build that same trust because people know you’re just following the crowd.
- Long-term results: Solving problems gives you long-term success. While trends might bring quick attention, it’s solving real issues that keep your customers coming back and referring others.
- Less competition: There’s usually less competition in areas that focus on problem-solving. If you can get good at fixing the tough stuff that others aren’t addressing, you become a go-to solution in your industry. Trends, on the other hand, usually have a lot of competition since everyone is jumping in on the latest thing.
How to Focus on Solving Problems
So, how do you get started? How do you focus on fixing problems instead of just riding trends?
- Listen to your audience: Take the time to really understand what your customers need. Whether it’s through surveys, conversations, or just paying attention to feedback, knowing what they want and what they’re struggling with is key.
- Be patient: Solving real problems takes time. It’s not about quick fixes or jumping on the latest viral idea. It’s about building a solution that works long-term. Don’t expect immediate results. Focus on the bigger picture.
- Think about what’s missing: Sometimes the best solutions come from realizing what’s missing in the market. What isn’t being done? What isn’t working for your customers? If you can find that gap, you’ve found an opportunity to create real value.
- Stick with what works: Once you’ve figured out what problem you want to solve, stick with it. You don’t need to keep jumping from one thing to another. Build a strong solution, and focus on getting better at it instead of hopping to the next trend.
Trends Aren’t Everything
In the end, the real secret to long-term success isn’t about jumping on the latest trends. It’s about solving problems that matter to your audience. When you can focus on that, you’ll build a loyal following that appreciates what you do. That’s way more valuable than just following the crowd.
So, stop chasing trends. Start helping people by fixing real pain points, and you’ll see better results in the long run. Forget about the next viral buzzword, and focus on what your customers truly need. That’s how you build a business that lasts.