By Joshua Stewart
It’s no secret that the digital marketing landscape is evolving faster than ever, making it difficult for small businesses to keep up with the latest and greatest trends. Keeping up to date on the newest tech and consumer preferences is essential for the success and growth of small businesses. Below are some key trends shaping digital marketing strategies for small businesses this year:
Utilizing AI
When you hear the term “AI,” you probably have one of two reactions: you either love it and have adopted it into your digital marketing practices, or you roll your eyes and can’t wait for this fad to be over. If you are part of the latter group, I have good news and bad news. The bad news is that AI is here to stay. The good news is that AI is immensely helpful for digital marketing.
For small businesses, AI offers an array of benefits, from automating routine tasks to analyzing vast amounts of data to help you make the most informed decisions much quicker than before. With AI tools, small businesses can deliver more personalized content and experiences to customers, streamline customer interactions online with chatbots and virtual assistants, and increase the overall efficiency of digital marketing campaigns. In turn, this all leads to increased customer engagement, stronger loyalty, and higher conversion rates.
Social Media Shops and Video Content
Social media is no longer just a place for posting selfies and pictures of your dog. Today, it is a digital marketing paradise. Small businesses can even sell their products directly on their social media pages. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have integrated shopping features, enabling small businesses to showcase their products directly on social feeds and customers can buy products without having to stop scrolling.
Short-form video content is still dominating all other content trends. Short-form videos, like TikTok videos and Instagram Reels, are ideal for engaging audiences with creative, bite-sized content that doesn’t take a full day to create. Not only does this content help spread brand visibility, it also allows small businesses to form more meaningful connections with their audience.
Micro-Influencer Partnerships
Big brands aren’t the only ones partnering with influencers to sell their products or services. Small businesses are starting to jump on that train by partnering with micro-influencers. These influencers generally have less than 100,000 followers and usually have a more niche audience.
One major benefit of partnering with a micro-influencer rather than a larger influencer is cost-effectiveness. These influencers often charge only a couple hundred dollars for a sponsored post. Sometimes, they will do it in exchange for a handful of products or a free subscription to whatever service the small business provides. Also, since these micro-influencers have more niche audiences, small businesses can more effectively and efficiently target these markets.
Embracing the Future
The digital marketing trends of 2025 highlight the importance of authenticity and innovation. By incorporating AI-powered tools, leveraging social commerce and video content, and building relationships with micro-influencers, small businesses can compete effectively in the current digital landscape. These trends aren’t just opportunities. They’re the key to growth, customer loyalty, and success.
Are you new to small business marketing? Check out our Small Business Owner’s Digital Marketing Handbook to help elevate your brand and online presence.
Don’t have the time to upgrade your digital marketing strategies on your own? Learn more about Marketer on the Run’s Digital Content Marketing services and book a free call with our team today!