Gearing up for digital marketing in 2025, we each made a prediction for a major theme to look for in the new year and how these topics can revolutionize your marketing efforts.

Engagement

From Nicole’s desk:

Going into 2025, the digital landscape is more crowded than ever. With social media algorithms prioritizing paid posts and AI generating a constant stream of content, standing out has become a challenge for businesses of all sizes. Amid the digital noise, one thing remains clear: authentic audience engagement is the key to breaking through.

Engaging with your audience is about more than likes and comments—it’s about building genuine connections that foster trust and loyalty. When you actively interact with your followers, respond to their questions, and share content that resonates with their needs and values, you position your brand as relatable and human. This authenticity not only helps you stand out but also strengthens your relationship with your audience, turning casual followers into lifelong advocates.

This year, make engagement a cornerstone of your marketing strategy. Focus on conversations, not just conversions. Show your audience that behind the brand, there are real people who value their input and experiences. 

By prioritizing authentic connections, your business can rise above the digital noise and leave a lasting impact in 2025.

Experiment

From Tori’s desk:

2024 was the end for the first era of social media marketing (or so I’m proclaiming). Lasting for 15 years and pioneering a new technological phenomenon, the O.G. era will be remembered as a time of simple tactics (i.e. hashtags), successful organic reach, and minimal content strategy execution.

2025 is the start of the next gen.

Looking at Instagram alone, 2025 will bring an array of potentiality. Carousel posts, Stories, Reels, collaborations, influencer marketing, paid ads, messaging automation, AI search– and these are just the broad considerations.

Outside of the Instagram app, there is TikTok, BlueSky, Pinterest, LinkedIn, podcasts, YouTube, webinars, email marketing, Spotify ads, Reddit, and the start of AI integration.

This is an unrivaled opportunity to experiment with the possibilities. Possibilities such as trying new features, pivoting brand strategies, and expanding audiences through collaborations will allow businesses and brands to engage more authentically.

Through experimentation, brands can find innovative marketing solutions that revolutionize their business. Like the Stanley cup that was once for blue collar workers and outdoorsmen, through a well-calculated strategy experiment, the Stanley cup became a must-have accessory for millennial women, skyrocketing Stanley sales from $70 million in 2019 to $750 million in 2023.

Throw out what you thought you knew about social media marketing. Do your research and experiment in 2025. You won’t know until you try.

Storytelling

From Jenna’s desk:

In the ever-changing world of social media, one of the most effective ways to engage and connect with your audience is by focusing on emotion and storytelling.

Sharing authentic stories about your brand’s journey, successes, and challenges helps build trust with clients. Stories allow your audience to see real-life examples of how things work, creating an emotional connection that isn’t possible through facts and information alone.

Whether it’s the success of a product, the impact of a community initiative, or the journey of your business, storytelling humanizes your brand and builds trust with your followers. Real-life proof of something working makes your message more authentic and memorable.

At the end of the day, social media isn’t just about delivering facts, it’s about building relationships. By focusing on storytelling and relatable content, you’ll be able to captivate your audience, keep them coming back for more, and foster a community that feels truly connected to your brand.

Differentiate

From Jamie’s desk:

Last year, I called for disruption. This year, with increased access and ability to generate AI words, pictures, and videos that feel uncomfortably real, there’s never been a more critical time to differentiate your company by telling your business’s story in an authentic and approachable manner. Showing your positive impacts on your customers through story, displaying your products’ benefits, and engaging in conversation with your community, partners, and even your critics, will help you stand out amongst the content landscape.

Instagram has announced plans to blend AI-generation into the main feed in 2025. Mainstreaming AI into content creation tools will make it harder for your consumers to distinguish between illusion and illustration. One clear way to set yourself apart is to foster conversations on your platforms and feature real people sharing real stories.

It’s also critical to prioritize a healthy platform mix for publishing content in 2025. For example, make sure you start your year with at least one quarter of planned content strategy that covers email marketing, content marketing, ad campaigns, organic social media on platforms relevant to your business and target customers, and other audio and visual platforms. We’re anticipating, and already seeing, a strong return to blogging as a response to the suffocating algorithms of Meta.

While AI can offer ways to streamline your content generation and planning efforts, it shouldn’t be your main strategy. Make sure you have a strong set of humans helping you stand out in 2025.

Need a partner? 

strategysmith marketing is ready to work with you and your business on a digital marketing strategy in 2025.

Ready to chat about your marketing efforts? Reach out to us here.