u/Firm_Ride_3374

I know there are threads here and there but the debates seem to get buried in comments on someones product post and it's not really the main event

From my POV, nobody's really breaking down why something is trending, whether it has legs, their hot takes on what's next/other breakthrough trends

I made a subreddit for that kind of discussion where you can chat your thesis around trends, trend cycles, how long things last, early signals vs. hype: r/ProductTrend

Hopefully a place where you can pressure test a niche/product and make more considered calls, hear counter arguments and really explore the why/what behind the trend. From people of all social media "ecosystems" and perspectives. Should hopefully be an interesting place to vibe check and stay updated.

Drop by if that sounds useful: r/ProductTrend

These are (what I thought) very simple ideas. Until an e-com friend said “WOW this is good!!” yesterday. So thought I’d share here :))

I’ve seen 1000+ “winning products” over the past 5 years I’ve worked at thieve.co. We’ll often chat about the patterns we’re noticing for what’s “winning” lately, but I’d say the real basic rulebook has stayed largely the same.

3 incredibly basic signals of winning products:

1. You look at it and think “wait, what is that…? Oh! Oh cool!!” I call this the “wait what” test. It looks peculiar, catches your eye, stops the scroll, that kind of thing. It’s a bit wacky and slightly peculiar. You could sum this up as having “click appeal”Important note: thats not to say that the product shouldn’t be easily understood. There has to be fast resolution for someone scrolling past your ad. But that initial second of “wait what?” is extremely valuable.

As they say, pick a product that makes your job marketing easy

2. It’s novel The “wait what” means nothing unless it’s followed by the “oh! Oh cool!!” The products consistently trending make your customers think “I had no idea this existed / was a thing!!” They’re clever and unique. In other words, it’s unlikely you’d find this product at Walmart.

3. It solves a real issue The “wait what” and “oh, cool!” means nothing if it’s not followed by “I need this in my life”. It’s important not to get trapped into “nice to haves” or upgrade type purchases. Though this is mostly avoided in the “novelty” step. E.g. a chopping board vs. a chopping board with a compartment for waste so you don’t have to keep opening the bin with your foot while you’re trying to cut veges (bad example but hopefully you get what I’m trying to say).

Bonus points if you’re solving an awkward problem (your customer is probably underserved and feels particularly strongly about the issue)

Click appeal (eye catching) > novel (can’t buy at Walmart) > solves a pain point (your customers NEED it in their lives).

What do you disagree with? Would love to hear any hot takes!