Content Marketing Trends Chapters Can Use in 2025–2026

When you think of marketing trends, you might imagine big companies with big budgets creating flashy campaigns. But here’s the truth: trends aren’t just for big brands—chapters can adapt them too.

By keeping up with what’s working in marketing today, your chapter can stay relevant, connect with members in fresh ways, and show sponsors that you’re forward-thinking. The good news? You don’t need expensive tools or a marketing degree to benefit from these trends. A smartphone, free platforms, and a little creativity are all it takes.

Here are four trends shaping 2025–2026 that your chapter can start using right now.

Trend 1: Short-Form Video (Reels, TikToks, LinkedIn Clips, YouTube Shorts)

Short-form video continues to dominate the internet—and that’s not changing in 2025 or 2026. Quick, vertical clips under 60 seconds are now one of the most effective ways to capture attention and boost engagement.

How your chapter can use it:

• Record a quick selfie invite from the chapter president: “See you Thursday at our coatings demo!”
• Share a 15-second recap from an event with one or two takeaways.
• Ask a speaker to record a 30-second tip to post before or after their presentation.

Pro tip: Don’t overthink it. Authentic phone videos with captions are more engaging than perfectly produced ones.

Trend 2: Authentic > Overproduced Content

Audiences today want content that feels real, not overly polished. A behind-the-scenes snapshot will often outperform a perfectly staged graphic.

How your chapter can use it:

• Share a candid photo of members networking at an event.
• Post a volunteer’s quick “thank you” video after helping set up.
• Highlight a student or early-career member with a casual Q&A post.

Pro tip: Let members see the people behind the chapter. It builds trust, relatability, and a sense of belonging.

Trend 3: AI Tools to Save Time

AI-powered tools are now mainstream. They won’t replace your chapter leaders, but they can save valuable time and reduce the workload.

How your chapter can use it:

• Draft event reminder emails with an AI writing assistant (then edit for tone).
• Use auto-captioning tools for videos so they’re accessible to everyone.
• Experiment with simple chatbots for answering common questions on your chapter website (if supported).

Pro tip: Always review AI-generated content before sharing. Think of AI as your assistant—not your replacement.

Trend 4: Personalized Member Communication

Generic, one-size-fits-all content doesn’t cut it anymore. In 2025–2026, people expect content that feels relevant to them. Even small touches of personalization make a difference.

How your chapter can use it:

• Add a “Students Corner” or “Volunteer Spotlight” section in your newsletter or website.
• Post targeted social content: “Are you a student? Here’s your next step with AMPP.”
• Use LinkedIn or Instagram polls to ask members what content they’d like to see.

Pro tip: You don’t have to segment everything. Start by adding just one personalized section or poll to see what resonates.

Practical Examples for Chapters

Here are a few easy ways to put these trends into action:

• A selfie-style video invite before your next event.
• An AI-drafted email reminder (reviewed and customized by you).
• A LinkedIn or Instagram poll asking members what topics they want at future meetings.
• A behind-the-scenes photo of volunteers setting up a room.
• A mini-spotlight on a scholarship recipient or new member.
  

Quick Win Tip

Don’t try to adopt every trend at once. Instead:

1. Pick one trend this quarter.
2. Test it with a simple example.
3. Measure results (Did more people engage? Did event attendance increase?).

Small experiments can lead to big insights—and they won’t overwhelm your chapter’s bandwidth.

Final Thought

Marketing trends don’t just belong to the big players. By embracing short-form video, authentic content, AI tools, and personalization, your chapter can create communications that feel modern, relevant, and impactful.

Start small. Try one trend at your next event and see how members respond. The future of marketing is about connection—and your chapter already has the most important ingredient: great people and great stories to share.

Have question or need help getting started? Reach out to chapters@ampp.org. We are here to help!

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