Navigating the World of Marketing: 2025!

2025 brings additional digital marketing opportunities and challenges in the marketplace. The myriad of new Applications (Apps) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) pose for exciting resources for marketers and small businesses alike. However, at the core, customer connections and in-person outreach remain as vital methods of engaging in such grassroots strategies. Here are ways to stay ahead in 2025:

Community Engagement

Small-to-mid size businesses can really flourish by keeping local community at the forefront. While digital connections are important, small businesses can utilize social media as a way to increase community engagement. Building a strong customer base around the brand is critical in today’s marketplace. Hosting internal and external events, sponsorships, or participating in strategic community initiatives that align with the mission and vision. Use customers drawn to the brand via social media, and ensure their return using various grassroots methods to engage and build community. 

Utilize AI Effectively

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the landscape of marketing. On a small budget, AI can help with creative content and images with remarkable precision. Tailored content will resonate with consumer needs and preferences. The crux is finding the right balance between automation and authentic connection. So many times, we have witnessed social media captions that might be AI generated and miss the mark. An effective caption might look like this: “know their customer is going to love their brand versus know your customer will love your brand”. 

Short Videos or Reels

The rise of short videos is more popular than ever before. The ease of creating content from iPhone and quickly posting on META stories, YouTube, or even Tik Tok are essential! The more authentic, real-time, and engaging the videos, the more small businesses or entrepreneurs can see immediate return. The bite-size formats are effective, but if not done with brand strategy, alignment and vision in mind, it can draw viewers away from the message. Plan ahead as much as possible, know your audience and be flexible, genuine and most importantly … consistent!

Personal Connections 

Digital marketing is thriving, but small businesses will need to maximize customers with personal relationship building and establishing ongoing connections.  Look at media tools to send customers a personalized video message, schedule a special online sale or demonstration, send frequent shopper discounts or "behind-the-scenes" look into the business. Find ways to make it personal with private shopping hours, send an email on the customer’s birthday, or even a hand-written thank you note (I must say that I recently received a hand-written note from a winery owner, and it secured my membership for 2025!)

This is an exciting time for marketers but it can also become cumbersome for small or mid-size business owners. The key is to have a strategic marketing plan, understand your customers, and have the right people to help implement the strategies. Remember that a genuine, consistent and authentic approach will typically bring results.

Jennifer Bushong, MA is the owner of JBe Marketing Group, LLC., a full-service marketing and communications firm in Washington State. Bushong earned a Master of Arts in Journalism with a concentration in public relations from Kent State University and graduated cum laude with a communication degree from the University of Washington.  To connect, email jennifer@jbemarketinggroup.com or visit www.jbe-marketing.com