As we enter the new year, it’s time for small and medium-sized business (SMB) owners to rethink their marketing strategies to stay ahead of the curve.
The marketing landscape is constantly changing, and what worked last year might not cut it in 2025. This article will explore the top marketing trends SMB owners need to know to succeed in 2025.
Mobile Search is Where It’s At
First up, mobile search is the way to go. 80% of Gen Z, 62% of millennials, 66% of Gen X, 35% of Boomers, and 52% of the general population use mobile search to find what they’re looking for (HubSpot State of Marketing Report, 2023). This means that SMB owners need to optimize their websites and content for mobile devices. It’s time to get mobile-friendly, folks!
Your website needs to be responsive and easy to navigate on a mobile device. This includes having a clear and concise menu, easy-to-read text, and fast loading times. Your content needs to be optimized for mobile search, including using relevant keywords and phrases people search for on their mobile devices.
Blogging is Back (and Better Than Ever)
Regular blogging is a must for SMB owners who want to attract and engage with their target audience. Companies with blogs produce an average of 67% more monthly leads than those without active blogs (DemandMetric). But, we know that developing a content strategy can be tough. That’s why AI-powered tools are here to help you generate ideas and improve your content workflows.
But what makes a good blog post? For starters, it needs to be well-written and engaging. It should also be optimized for search engines, including using relevant keywords and phrases. It should be visually appealing, including using high-quality images and videos.
AI is Not Just a Buzzword
AI is here to stay, and it’s changing the marketing game. A staggering 75% of marketers believe that AI-enabled search engines will positively impact their blogs, and 68% predict that their site will get more traffic (HubSpot State of Marketing Report, 2023). So, why not give AI a try? It might just become your new BMFF (best marketing friend forever).
What are the advantages of using AI in your content strategy? It can help with content generation, suggesting topics and writing entire articles. It can also help with social media management, including scheduling posts and responding to comments. Plus, it can even help with customer service, including answering frequently asked questions and providing personalized support.
Short-Form Video is the Way to Go
Short-form video is very popular, and for good reason. It’s the top leveraged media format in marketers’ content strategies (HubSpot Marketing Trends Report, 2024).
Keep your videos short and sweet – under 10 minutes. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, try experimenting with videos between one and three minutes long (HubSpot State of Marketing Report, 2023).
What makes a good short-form video? For starters, it needs to be engaging and attention-grabbing. It should also be informative and provide value to the viewer. It should be visually appealing, and include high-quality images and graphics.
Social Media: Where to Focus
Social media is still a crucial channel for SMB owners. About 60% of the world’s population uses social media (DataReportal, 2023), and one in four marketers list Facebook as one of the most effective platforms for building community on social media (HubSpot Social Media Trends Report, 2023). For B2B lead generation, LinkedIn is the dominant platform – 89% of B2B marketers use it to generate leads (Sprout Social, 2023).
What can SMB owners do to succeed on social media? Create engaging and relevant content that resonates with their target audience. Use social media analytics to track their performance and make data-driven decisions. Experiment with different social media platforms to find what works best for their business.
Texting: The New Normal
Finally, consumer communication trends are shifting towards texting as a primary communication channel. 60% of consumers prefer messaging over email or phone calls (Spectrum, 2023). It’s time to adapt and use messaging platforms to engage with your customers and provide personalized support.
There are several things SMB owners can do to succeed with texting. Use messaging platforms to respond to customer inquiries and provide support. Send text messages with personalized promotions and offers to their customers. Experiment with different messaging platforms to find what works best for their business.
Make 2025 Your Year
There you have it – the top marketing trends that SMB owners need to know to succeed in 2025. By optimizing for mobile search, regular blogging, leveraging AI-powered tools, using short-form video, and adapting to consumer communication trends, you’ll be well on your way to attracting and engaging with your target audience. Don’t let your competition get ahead of you – make 2025 your year.
