Branding Strategy blog published a month ago a list of 11 branding & marketing trends for 2011 that I cut to my top 3.

1. They’re Talking to Each Other Before Talking to the Brand- Customers check every brand online, they read reviews, they discuss it in the forums, they share with others long before they they will make a purchase decision. That's why online branding matters. Read more about why branding online matters on BrandOmni. 

2. Engagement is Not a Fad  To succeed brands need to engage the customers, out-dated brand awareness programs such as: logo on employee uniforms, on vehicles, on buildings, the online-brochure style website don't engage customers. Brands need to find different strategy, if customers are engaged they become brand ambassadors and influence friends.  

3. Friends recommendations will be the most valuable. Influence by friends will also increase, people trust friends not the paid ad. Community advise will play a big role in driving customers to the shops for purchasing a particular brand. Check how strong can be a community opinion on the product they love- Insego smarts expats about iPad

Check all 11 Branding And Marketing Trends For 2011