7 marketing tips for small businesses in 2025

With 2025 just around the corner, it’s time to plan your marketing strategy for the year ahead. Staying on top of emerging trends will help you keep up with the competition and connect with your audience in fresh ways. Here are 7 marketing tips to help your small business thrive next year.

Short-form videos on platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts are hugely popular and show no signs of slowing down. These quick, engaging videos are perfect for grabbing attention and sharing your message. If you’re not using video in your marketing yet, now is the time to start.

AI is transforming marketing by automating repetitive tasks and providing insights into customer behaviour. In 2025, using AI to optimise your campaigns and personalise content will save you time and improve efficiency, helping you target the right audience more effectively.

Voice search is becoming more common with the rise of virtual assistants like Alexa and Siri. Unlike traditional search, voice queries tend to be longer and more conversational. Update your SEO strategy to reflect this shift and improve your visibility in voice search results.

Social media remains one of the best ways to connect with your audience. Stay ahead by exploring new platforms and trends. For example, Twitch has evolved into a space for niche content and community-building, giving businesses a chance to reach younger, engaged audiences.

Paid media—like Google Ads and social media ads—helps you reach the right people at the right time. With machine-learning tools becoming more advanced, ads are becoming even more targeted. Consider partnering with influencers to extend your reach and build trust with your audience.

Mobile marketing is becoming more personalised with better targeting based on location, preferences, and behaviours. Creating custom offers for your customers and delivering them via mobile devices will help you stand out and drive engagement.

Interactive content like polls, quizzes, and games is a great way to engage your audience and keep them coming back. Whether it’s through social media or your website, gamified content can build loyalty and make your brand more memorable.

The key to success in 2025 is staying adaptable and open to new trends. Short-form video, AI, voice search, and personalised marketing are all areas to focus on. And if you’re looking to invest in these strategies, a small business loan might be the right move. At mcl finance, we can help you secure the funding you need to make the most of the year ahead. Let’s get ready to grow! Apply now!