Social media has changed the way garden brands interact with their customers. One-way dialogues are out, and two way conversations are in.

With this change, brands have the opportunity to ask for more from their customers.

In 2014, Garden Media's Garden Trends Report sees "demanding brands" as a big home, garden, and lifestyle trend for the new year.

Below are marketing tips to show how and why your garden business should be a demanding, eco-superior brand in 2014.

Sustainability Matters

Photo Credit: HSBC

80% of Americans are eager to safeguard the future of their health and that of the environment and society around them.

Sustainability and a continued focus on organics has shown that customers remain interested in shrinking their carbon footprint.

Shoppers are looking for brands, products, and activities that will make them feel good for the impact they're having on the planet in 2014.

Demanding Brands

Photo Credit: George Wiegel

A demanding brand is, in short, a sustainable and socially-responsible brand that asks their customers to contribute to their mission.

When marketing a demanding brand, make your mission known! Share it across all social media channels, blog about it frequently, and inspire your loyal customers to help make your mission a reality.

Being a demanding brand does not mean you need to act demanding. Ask a lot from your customers, but ask them in the right fashion.

• Don't lower the bar.
• Don't lower your standards.
• Stick by your eco-superior goal
• Do everything you can to generate a buzz about your company's mission.

The key for success when marketing a demanding brand is to do it in a way that attracts and does not isolate. While people are interested in sustainability, they may think taking a reusable grocery bag is enough.

Your job as a demanding brand is to be kind, to inspire your customers, and to be the expert that helps them on their sustainable journey.

Eco-Superior

Photo Credit: GoFiddleHeads

Being an eco-superior brand pairs extraordinarily well with demanding brands.

An eco-superior brand is one that is better than the polluting alternative company--by eons. Eco-superior brands actually leave a positive impact on the planet in every single way.

When your garden brand creates an experience that makes for a better planet, that's a story that will resonate with the media and your customers.

Discover the Other Biggest Home, Garden, and Lifestyle Trends in 2014 with the 2014 Garden Trends Report Below!

A special thanks to i-MediaConnection for the demanding brand image!