Insights
No fluff.
Just smart thinking.
This is where we cut through the noise. From trends that matter to opinions that challenge the norm, we share insights to help you make better marketing decisions, faster. We believe the best marketing advice doesn’t need a translations guide. Our insights break down what’s happening in brand, digital and communications, and what it means to you.
Why consumer caution is a brand opportunity
Cautious consumers reward brands that offer clarity, consistency and confidence, not louder messaging or short-term pressure.
Consumer Duty has changed marketing. Many teams haven’t caught up.
Consumer Duty has raised the bar for marketing clarity, forcing teams to focus on understanding not just compliance.
Championing the next generation
Strand is proud to sponsor the Young Achiever Award at the Heart Hertfordshire Hero Awards 2025, recognising under-18s making a difference.
Reddit has overtaken TikTok in UK usage
Reddit’s UK growth shows audiences want depth not just feeds, forcing brands to rethink where influence really happens.
The brief isn’t the problem – the pressure is.
Speed feels efficient but rushed creative underperforms, leading to rework, wasted budget and weaker results.
Why customer loyalty is harder to buy in 2026
Growth isn’t about who you win. It’s about who stays. Retention is the new battleground.
Why brands are pivoting to creator-led social strategy
Brands are shifting spend to creator-led content as social listening and relevance now shape creative and paid decisions
Why social media feels harder than it used to
Social media feels harder as algorithms limit organic reach. Understand the shift, reset expectations and use social strategically.
When ‘we’ll wait and see’ becomes a reputational risk
Delaying communication feels cautious, but silence fuels speculation and erodes trust when leadership presence matters.
Paid advertising works best when it’s boring
Paid media algorithms need stability to learn. Constant optimisation resets performance and reduces confidence in results overtime.
Rebranding without trademark clarity
What leaders should check before investing in a new identity.
Is your brand strategy still fit for purpose?
Revisiting your brand strategy isn’t the same as rebranding.