Why is taste important in marketing according to Violetta Bonenkamp?

Taste enables brands to stand out and connect with their audiences on a deeper level by creating unique narratives and experiences that resonate with their audience.

The Importance of Taste in Marketing for 2026: A Skill to Stand Out

Q: Who defines taste as 'the ability to consistently distinguish better from worse within your domain or industry'?

Si Quan Ong, a content marketer at Ahrefs.

Q: Who argues that taste is not an innate quality but rather a skill that can be developed over time?

Si Quan Ong, a content marketer at Ahrefs.

Q: What does Jane Flanagan identify as hallmarks of those with good taste in marketing?

A willingness to consume widely and engage with diverse perspectives, ability to make decisions that demonstrate respect for their audience and cultural awareness, and a willingness to take risks and try new things.

Exploring how taste, a combination of discernment, empathy, and cultural awareness, is crucial for marketing success in an era of AI-generated content.

The concept of "taste" has emerged as a crucial skill for marketers in the adult industry, particularly in an era where AI-generated content is increasingly prevalent. According to recent articles and experts, taste refers to the ability to consistently make decisions that demonstrate respect for one's audience, cultural awareness, and intentional design.

Si Quan Ong, a content marketer at Ahrefs, recently wrote about the importance of taste in marketing, arguing that it is not an innate quality but rather a skill that can be developed over time. Ong defines taste as "the ability to consistently distinguish better from worse within your domain or industry," and emphasizes its significance in creating unique narratives that resonate with audiences.

Another article by Violetta Bonenkamp, published on the Mean CEO blog, highlights the importance of taste in marketing for 2026. Bonenkamp argues that taste is a skill that combines discernment, empathy, and cultural awareness, allowing brands to stand out in a crowded market. She notes that AI has made it easier to produce content, but also emphasizes the need for human judgment and creativity in making decisions about what content to create.

What is Taste?

Taste is often viewed as an innate quality, but experts argue that it can be developed and refined over time. According to Jane Flanagan, a marketing expert who has written extensively on the topic of taste, it is not something that one either innately has or hasn't. Instead, it is a skill that requires practice and dedication to develop.

Flanagan identifies several hallmarks of those with good taste, including a willingness to consume widely and engage with diverse perspectives. She notes that marketers who have good taste are able to make decisions that demonstrate respect for their audience and cultural awareness, and are not afraid to take risks and try new things.

Why is Taste Important in Marketing?

The importance of taste in marketing cannot be overstated. In an era where AI-generated content is increasingly prevalent, brands need to find ways to stand out and connect with their audiences on a deeper level. Taste allows marketers to do just that, by creating unique narratives and experiences that resonate with their audience.

According to Bonenkamp, taste is essential for marketing success in 2026 because it enables brands to cut through the noise and make emotionally charged decisions. She notes that AI has made it easier to produce content, but also emphasizes the need for human judgment and creativity in making decisions about what content to create.

How Can Marketers Develop Taste?

Developing taste requires a willingness to learn and engage with diverse perspectives. According to Flanagan, marketers who want to develop their taste should start by consuming widely and engaging with different types of content. They should also be willing to take risks and try new things, and not be afraid to make mistakes.

Bonenkamp notes that developing taste requires a combination of discernment, empathy, and cultural awareness. She emphasizes the need for marketers to engage with diverse perspectives and experiences in order to develop their own unique voice and perspective.

Key Facts

Taste is not an innate quality but rather a skill that can be developed over time.
Taste refers to the ability to consistently make decisions that demonstrate respect for one's audience, cultural awareness, and intentional design.
Developing taste requires a willingness to learn and engage with diverse perspectives.
Taste is essential for marketing success in 2026 because it enables brands to cut through the noise and make emotionally charged decisions.
AI has made it easier to produce content, but also emphasizes the need for human judgment and creativity in making decisions about what content to create.

Conclusion

The concept of taste is becoming increasingly important in marketing, particularly in an era where AI-generated content is increasingly prevalent. Marketers who want to stand out and connect with their audiences on a deeper level need to develop their own unique voice and perspective, which requires a willingness to learn and engage with diverse perspectives.