The Marketing Trends Taking Over 2025: What You Need to Know
Marketing trends can be a lot like fashion trends. One minute, hashtags are the skinny jeans of the digital world, and the next, they’re... well, let’s just say they’re “out” — though I’m still hanging on to my skinnies for dear life. As we step into 2025, let’s take a closer look at what’s in, what’s out, and what you need to keep an eye on to stay on top of the ever-changing world of digital marketing.
1. AI Is Everywhere, and It’s Time to Embrace It
Gone are the days when AI was just that mysterious app we used to create wacky face filters. Now, AI is ubiquitous and running the show—or at least helping us plan it. From generating email campaigns in seconds to whipping up content in just a few taps, AI is streamlining marketing like never before. Nearly every platform, from Google to Zoom, now has its own AI assistant or integration.
But here’s the deal: AI is your trusty sidekick, not the main character. Think Chewbacca to your Hans Solo or Watson to your Sherlock Holmes. It can’t replicate your creativity or the ability to read between the lines of certain social situations. And let’s not forget, ChatGPT is not 100% accurate. It’s important to fact-check and edit every output before it goes out to clients or customers. Without a human touch, you risk sending your customers those dreaded “Dear {First_Name}” emails. Yikes!
So, we encourage you to get in there and see what AI can do for you. However, we predict that as everyone embraces their new robot assistance, human-to-human connection and communication will become even more important and desired.
A brief word of caution on using AI: don’t overdo it. As more people lean on AI, the risk of everyone’s writing sounding the same (literally like a robot) is real. Your secret weapon? YOU! Add your unique style to every AI-assisted output. Trust me, that’s what’s going to make your content stand out from your competition.
2. Micro-Influencers: Small but Mighty
If mega-influencers are the A-list celebrities of social media, then micro-influencers are the cool indie band that’s about to blow up. These smaller-scale influencers (think a few thousand followers or even hundreds) have something big influencers sometimes lack: trust. Micro-influencer audiences feel like friends, not fans, which makes their recommendations waaay more impactful. Plus, micro-influencers tend to be more budget-friendly. If influencer marketing has been on your radar, we recommend testing out the waters with a few micro-influencer collaborations.
Note: you’ve seen the social media headlines, so we won’t repeat them here. Please don’t put all your eggs in the social media basket. Prioritize getting fans and followers into your email database STAT, where you can communicate directly without being subject to rapidly shifting algorithms and policy changes.
3. Hashtags Are Out, Keywords Are In
Remember when every post on social media had 30 hashtags crammed into the caption? #Throwback #MarketingTrends #NoFilter. Well, those days are gone, and honestly, good riddance. In 2025, it’s all about keywords.
Think of it this way: hashtags are like shouting random words into a crowded room, hoping someone’s listening. Keywords are like starting a conversation with the exact people who already want to talk to you. So put down the hashtag list and start crafting captions that sound like a real human wrote them. Learning more about SEO best practices is a great way to learn more about keywords! That being said, adding a FEW relevant hashtags to your social posts is still okay, just don’t go overboard!
4. Short and Sweet Content Is the Name of the Game
Attention spans are shrinking faster every day. People are scrolling through their feeds at lightning speed, and if your content doesn’t hook them in the first few seconds, they’re gone. That’s why short-form content is king this year.
Think short TikToks, snappy Instagram Reels, and bite-sized LinkedIn posts that pack a punch. Get to the point—fast. (If you’re wondering if this paragraph is too long, it probably is.) Don’t be afraid to experiment with humor, unexpected visuals, or quirky storytelling to keep people engaged. Just remember: nobody has time for your 12-slide PowerPoint recap anymore.
I’ll Leave You With This
The marketing world is always changing, but 2025 is shaping up to be a year where simplicity, authenticity, and a little bit of tech-savvy go a long way. The most important thing to remember is this: marketing is all about connection. No matter what trends you choose to partake in, always keep your customers at the forefront of your goals.
About The Author
Callie Ward is the Digital Marketing Manager for Kwedar & Co. After graduating from Tarleton State University with a degree in Communications and a minor in Technical Writing in 2019, she has dedicated her career to marketing, focusing on digital media and creative design. She has worked with clients across various industries, including retail, real estate, and service providers, gaining a wealth of experience. Callie excels at designing marketing strategies that help business owners and leaders stand out in a crowded marketplace.
To connect with Callie, please send her an email, or book a consultation.