6 Predictions That Will Shape Small Business Marketing in 2025
As we start the new year, I'm really noticing how quickly the landscape is changing for small business marketing in 2025. Social media is evolving, AI is becoming a bigger player, and there's more competition than ever!
It's definitely an exciting time, but we can’t just sit back and react to trends. We need a solid strategy to navigate this new environment. As a marketing strategist and a small business owner myself, I've been thinking through what that means for my own plans and for my clients.
The bright side is that all these changes bring fantastic opportunities for growth, connection, and innovation. So, what are my top predictions for the coming year?
Prediction 1: Social Media’s ROI Will Continue to Decline
Prediction 2: AI Will Empower Small Businesses That Use It Wisely
Prediction 3: Authenticity and Storytelling Will Be Essential for Connection
Prediction 4: A Wave of New Small Businesses Will Intensify Competition
Prediction 5: Paid Marketing Strategies Will Expand Beyond Social Media
Prediction 6: Partnerships and Collaborations Will Be the Fastest Way to Scale
What’s behind my thinking, and what can be done about it? Let’s dive into six predictions I’m making for small business marketing trends in 2025 and share actionable tips that can help your business not just survive, but truly thrive in the changing landscape.
Prediction 1: Social Media’s ROI Will Continue to Decline
Social media’s return on investment (ROI) just isn’t what it used to be. It’s not just about the money anymore; it’s about how much time, energy, and focus you’re pouring into it. After all, as a small business, time *is* money. With rising ad costs and shrinking organic reach, it can be tough to justify those investments (and frustration). A Harvard Business Review study found that lots of marketers are actually spending less on social media because the results just don’t seem to match the effort.
But, that doesn’t mean you should totally ditch social media! It still plays a crucial role in building awareness and engaging with your audience. However, relying solely on it isn’t the way to go anymore.
Diversifying Beyond Social Media
So, what’s the game plan? It’s time to diversify! Look into other channels like email marketing, hosting events, or utilizing marketplaces. These avenues give you more control and help you forge direct, long-lasting relationships with your audience. Plus, they let you reach people without constantly worrying about those pesky algorithm changes.
Here’s a pro tip: while you keep your social media presence alive, make sure to focus on building assets you own, like your email list or getting found organically on search engines. Those will be way more sustainable for your business growth in the long run!
Prediction 2: AI Will Empower Small Businesses…That Use It Wisely
AI is really becoming a game-changer for businesses these days, especially for small business owners! It’s great for brainstorming fresh ideas, streamlining your daily tasks, and digging deep into data analysis. When you use it the right way, it’s like having 4 hands, two brains and more! AI can save you tons of time and boost your productivity. But there’s a catch: if you lean on it too much or for the wrong things, you might start losing that special touch that makes your business unique.
A lot of businesses make the mistake of over- and mis-using AI, which can lead to generic content that feels pretty impersonal—yes, like overdoing the 🚀 emoji (IYKYK). Customers are looking for real connections, and if you lose your authentic voice, you risk undermining the trust you’ve built with them.
Using AI Without Losing Authenticity
So, how can you use AI effectively? First off, get a good grasp of how to ask the right questions when using tools like ChatGPT. Make sure you have a solid foundation: really understand who your ideal customer is, define your brand voice, and make sure your AI use fits into your bigger strategy.
Here’s a pro tip: think of AI as a tool to enhance your creativity—not to take over. This way, you can tap into its potential without losing that human element that sets you apart.
Prediction 3: Authenticity and Storytelling Will Be Essential for Connection
Authenticity is really the name of the game when it comes to winning your audience's trust these days. People are fed up with those overly polished social media feeds and cookie-cutter captions. What they really crave is a connection with real people and genuine stories. Whether you're running a personal brand or a small business, being your true self is what helps you build those deeper, lasting relationships.
In today’s social media scene, it’s all about your story—not just filters or perfectly edited videos—that keeps followers engaged and coming back for more. Embracing who you are, your brand and your journey really helps create that "Know, Like, Trust" factor, which is crucial for driving connections and sales.
How to Tell Your Story
So, how do you tap into this shift? Start by sharing the ‘why’ behind your business, maybe talk about a challenge you’ve faced, or give a sneak peek into your day-to-day behind-the-scenes. Those personal, imperfect moments often resonate far more than any fancy polished reel ever could. Oh, social proof goes a long way, too.
Here’s a pro tip: Don’t feel like you have to go big right away. Just start small! Record a reel or write a post that shares something real about you or your business journey. Remember, people aren’t looking for perfection—they’re looking for a genuine connection.
Prediction 4: A Wave of New Small Businesses Will Intensify Competition
With all the layoffs happening and companies bringing folks back to the office, I’m going to predict that 2025 is going to be a big year for new small businesses. For a lot of people, this is their chance to finally chase that dream they've been holding onto. But with more businesses popping up, the market could start to feel a little different or even a bit crowded!
Standing Out and Getting Ahead
So, how can you make your small business stand out in the crowd? First off, take a moment to think about what truly makes your business unique. Is it the products you offer, the way you do things, or the vibe and personality you bring? Once you nail that down, really lean into it and build on your strengths.
Here’s a pro tip: do a quarterly check-in on your niche and the competition. Keeping track of how things are changing will help ensure that your brand stays clear, compelling, and memorable. Don’t forget, if you’re feeling stuck, bring someone on board to help you make sense of how to get ahead now so you can fast forward to progress!
Prediction 5: Paid Marketing Strategies Will Expand Beyond Social Media
When it comes to marketing, there’s so much more than just digital ads! Think about it—sponsoring events or getting featured in niche newsletters can be just as effective, if not more so, than some social media ads. The secret sauce is really knowing your audience and figuring out where they like to hang out.
To make this work, do a little digging to understand where your audience goes for info and what really sways their decisions. With the right insights, you can find cool ways to connect that they might not expect but will definitely appreciate.
Awareness vs Conversion Strategies
Don’t forget to differentiate between awareness and conversion. Awareness strategies help people recognize and trust your brand—like sponsoring an event or teaming up with a micro-influencer. On the flip side, conversion strategies are all about making the sale, like offering a limited-time deal, email nurturing or even using retargeting ads. Having clear goals for each of your efforts can help you spend your time and budget wisely.
Here’s a pro tip: Map out your customer journey! Align your marketing tactics based on where your audience is in their buying process. For example, getting onto a podcast could boost awareness, while a focused email campaign might just seal the deal. It’s all about strategy!
Prediction 6: Partnerships and Collaborations Will Be the Fastest Way to Scale
If you’re looking to grow your business in 2025, collaboration is going to be key. Partnering with other businesses is a fantastic way to widen your reach, build trust, and give back to your community. There are so many fun ways to team up—think co-hosting events, running joint promotions, or even creating content together!
Platforms like Instagram are making it super easy to collaborate. With tagged collaborations, you can introduce your audience to your partner’s followers and vice versa. It’s like a win-win because you both get to share your brands with fresh eyes!
Getting Started with Collabs/Partnerships
If you’re not sure where to start, just take baby steps. Maybe co-host a giveaway or tag a business you really admire in your stories. Those small collaborations can really gain traction and lead to more significant partnerships down the line.
Here’s a pro tip: try to find partners that naturally align with your audience and goals. When a collaboration feels organic, it not only benefits you both but also adds real value for your customers!
So, what’s next?
As we approach 2025, it's important to adapt to evolving trends with thoughtful and intentional strategies. Whether you need to address changes in social media, leverage artificial intelligence, or build valuable partnerships, you don't have to navigate these challenges alone.
Follow Mise en Plan on Instagram for actionable tips, or consider joining me for a Get It Done Day for a more in-depth strategy session to help you get ahead. If you're unsure where to begin, schedule a free strategy consultation, and we will outline your best next steps together.
Let’s make 2025 your breakthrough year!
