Digital Marketing is changing and going through a significant transformation with all the new technologies evolving to become tools to help marketeers stay ahead of the curve. As small business owners, it can be hard to make sure you stay on top of all the trends and see how they fit with your marketing.
Here are some key trends that are set to shape the industry this year, along with practical examples of how businesses can leverage these trends for success.
Social Media’s Evolving Role
Social media continues to be a powerhouse for customer engagement, but the platforms in focus are shifting. Threads and BlueSky are gaining momentum as alternatives to X, offering unique opportunities for brands to engage audiences in new ways. Social media is going back to their roots, looking at community building and original content with an authentic voice, instead of pushing sales messaging.
Practical Example:
A local bakery can use Threads to engage with their community through text-based storytelling, sharing the journey of sourcing ingredients or baking processes. By creating relatable, text-driven content, they can build a strong connection with their audience, potentially increasing foot traffic and sales.
AI Integration in Marketing
Artificial intelligence is revolutionising digital marketing by enhancing efficiency and personalisation. However, avoiding AI fatigue is key – it’s about using AI smartly to complement human creativity rather than replace it. Use it as a tool, enhance it your own tone of voice and what you want to say. It is great for ideation, time saving and being more creative, but it is not the saviour of your marketing, just a tool in a wide toolkit for you to use.
Practical Example:
An online retail store can implement AI-powered chatbots to handle customer queries efficiently, freeing up human staff to focus on more complex customer interactions. This balance ensures a seamless customer experience while maintaining a personal touch.
The Rise of Employee-Generated Content
Employee advocacy is becoming a vital strategy, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, where genuine voices resonate with audiences. It is about the trust factor, allowing people to have a voice and your customers seeing the person behind your company brand.
Practical Example:
A tech company can encourage employees to share their experiences working on projects via LinkedIn. This not only humanises the brand but also enhances its reputation as an employer of choice, attracting top talent and fostering loyalty among existing employees.
Search Marketing Evolution
Traditional search mechanisms are evolving, with social and voice search gaining prominence. Adapting to these changes is critical for maintaining visibility. People search by asking a question, so make sure your marketing includes key words in a way that people are searching. And it is not just about Google, make sure your social media is optimised as well as people use those platforms to look for information.
Practical Example:
A travel agency can optimise its content for voice search by including conversational keywords that align with how people speak when using voice assistants. This approach can help capture queries like “best family vacations in Europe,” ensuring they remain competitive in search results.
Content Marketing Strategies
The importance of combining AI-generated and human-generated content is growing. High-quality, engaging content that utilises both methods can significantly boost engagement. It allows your voice to be a part of the message you put out.
Practical Example:
An educational institution can use AI tools to draft initial outlines for blog posts about student life, which can then be enriched with personal stories and experiences shared by students themselves. This blend ensures content is both informative and relatable.
So what do we need to know?
The digital marketing landscape in 2025 will have numerous opportunities for growth and innovation. By embracing these trends, businesses can enhance their marketing strategies and achieve substantial results. And that is why we are passionate about working with you to give a practical way to enhance your marketing and adapt to the new changes and evolve with them.
A personal, authentic voice, using social media to the best of your abilities, putting your customer at the centre of what you do – these are tried and tested methods that have not changed, regardless of the trends and that is the basis of The Practical Marketing Club.
To delve deeper into these trends and gain practical insights, check our membership page for more information about the Practical Marketing Club.