Savour the Slow: Why Meaningful Moments Matter
Posted - 25.06.25
In a world racing for clicks, some brands are hitting pause – and it’s paying off. Our research reveals 51% of consumers are craving deeper, more meaningful connections beyond the algorithm (ChannelX, 2024).
This isn’t about turning everything into a slow roast. It’s about knowing when to simmer, when to sizzle, and when to serve up something that actually sticks.
Fast isn’t always flavourful. Smart pacing? That’s the real secret sauce.
For more insights just like this, download our trend report – it’s packed with the freshest notes on what consumers are really hungry for.
Download the trend report for the full scoop. (ADD LINK)
From quick clicks to meaningful bites
People are hitting pause on the scroll. They’re getting pickier about what they consume online, setting screen-time limits, and curating their digital diets to protect their peace (and sanity). As Megan Clarke, Social Media Strategist at Ride Shotgun, puts it:
The most effective social strategies now recognise that followers aren’t just potential customers – they’re community members seeking genuine connections. Brands that take the time to build these relationships through thoughtful, value-driven content are seeing not just better engagement metrics, but the kind of authentic advocacy that drives long-term growth.
The shift from convenience to connection is reshaping how people choose what to buy. Consumers now favour brands that feel local, purposeful, and rooted in community – real over rapid, and meaning over metrics.
Know your audience’s content preferences
One brand tapping into this cultural current is White Fox, whose meteoric rise wasn’t built on trend-chasing, but identity-centric marketing. While its business model draws valid criticism for following fast fashion norms, its social strategy is unflinchingly modern: unapologetically aspirational, nostalgia-driven, and deeply embedded in Gen Z’s digital language. From Hotmail-style emails to influencer-backed campus ambassador programs, White Fox has turned its audience into a grassroots marketing engine.
Their approach shows that today’s consumers – especially Gen Z – don’t necessarily want more content; they want content that feels like them. While many marketers still chase virality via algorithms, White Fox grew by creating what could be called ‘emotional virality’: content that doesn’t just trend, but sticks.
Tap into generational nuances
Younger audiences aren’t here for the airbrushed brand act – they want the weird, the real, the relatable. They embrace brands that make them feel seen, heard, and part of something bigger. While Boomers still prefer straight-to-the-point formats, Gen Z is willing to spend time with content that feels immersive and culturally aware.
Across all generations, there’s a desire for brands to show up regularly – with purpose. But regularity without resonance only breeds noise. For brands with scale and legacy, the opportunity lies in slowing down, listening harder, and showing up not as broadcasters, but as collaborators in the conversation.
Authenticity, after all, isn’t about doing what’s popular; it’s about doing what’s real for your audience.
Ready to slow down and stand out?
At Ride Shotgun, we help brands create meaningful moments that drive deep engagement and lasting loyalty. Our Joined-Up Brand Journey approach ensures every touchpoint connects with your audience in a way that feels personal, relevant, and real.