The digital marketing landscape is shifting and evolving faster than it ever has. For decades, we only had radio and television, and though there were innovative ideas and memorable advertising spots, overall it was pretty much a one-trick system.
With advents and advances in AI, direct marketing, social media, augmented reality and more, it’s never been more critical for your company to get on top of the trends as they emerge. Being a leader instead of a follower when the marketing landscape changes can be hugely beneficial to your brand and set you apart from your competitors.
Digital marketing trends for 2025 include:
- 1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in Marketing
- 2. The Rise of Voice Search and Voice Commerce
- 3. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
- 4. The Continued Dominance of Video Content
- 5. Personalization at Scale
- 6. Emphasizing Human Stories in Content Marketing
- 7. Ethical Marketing and Sustainability
- 8. Advanced Measurement Tools
- 9. TikTok’s Continued Influence
- 10. AI-Powered App Marketing
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in Marketing
AI is everywhere now, whether you’re on a webpage, blog, social media account — or you’re trying to make a cup of coffee. While it can be gimmicky, it does have practical applications that are widely useful, including:
- Gathering customer data and making personalized recommendations on products and ads
- Filling the role of a customer service agent in a way that traditional digital artificial programs cannot via chatbots
- Identifying trends in your niche and helping you pivot in real time to change and update your campaigns
Getting involved with AI, including hiring AI experts or training yourself and your staff on AI will be critical moving forward. A small investment in AI for your digital marketing can make sure you’re not left behind as new models of AI emerge in the coming months and years.
2. The Rise of Voice Search and Voice Commerce
Voice search and voice commerce are something right out of a ’50s sci-fi movie. With Amazon Alexa, if you realize you are out of toilet paper, you can ask a robot assistant to order you some that is shipped directly to your door – if that doesn’t feel amazing, it really should. More people have access to a voice commerce/search robotic device than ever in history, whether it’s Alexa, Siri or some other robot butler.
This is actionable in that your search phrases in your marketing and on your websites can be more conversational. Nobody tries to make their requests to Alexa function like SEO; you simply ask it a question like you would a person and it gives you an answer. Modeling your copy to be more conversational while still keeping important keywords intact can help you show up in voice searches more often.
3. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
Augmented reality is a service that takes the world around you and overlays digital changes, allowing you to see how Sephora’s makeup or Zenni’s eyeglasses would look on your face, for example. It’s a useful high-tech feature that will only get more popular as it gets more polished.
Virtual reality can provide you with an immersive experience in a museum, landmark, store or more without ever leaving your couch. This gives access to those who otherwise can’t get to these places but it also allows you to shop remotely in a way that feels like shopping in person.
Jumping on the AR/VR train with your product makes the process of buying online feel more satisfying and allows a greater sense of customer satisfaction and trust. If a person can see how clothes would look on their body or actively “pick” the products they want from a real-time shop remotely, it feels incredible and will have them coming back again and again.
4. Digital Marketing Trend of Video Dominance Persists
Short-form video content provides engaging information in a way that can be addictive and enticing. TikTok, Reels and Youtube Shorts all allow you to present a problem that your product solves in a format that allows people to see the benefits without getting bored and scrolling away. If you’ve not started short-form video content, the time to jump in was yesterday.
5. Personalization at Scale
Personalizing your customer’s experience at scale allows you to save time and engage more thoroughly with shoppers. AI does a great job of this, often figuring out customers’ pain points and solutions before the customer realizes them. Leverage companies like Marketo and Hubspot to get this into your campaigns, on your blog and everywhere else you interact with customers.
6. Emphasizing Human Stories in Content Marketing
While we love AI for some things, human stories definitely win people over. AI is great for gathering data at large scale and helping you use it well, but human storytelling in marketing hooks customers. Engage in storytelling to help sell your brand’s message and to show customers that their needs are something you actually care about.
7. Ethical Marketing and Sustainability
Again, while we appreciate AI, it can be a sore topic for many creators and consumers. Ethical marketing is not just about ensuring your work and brand are sustainably produced, but also that you’re transparent with how you market to consumers. Be clear when you’re using AI, scale up green initiatives, and help consumers understand that you care about more than just your bottom line.
8. Advanced Measurement Tools
Mix marketing models (MMMs) can help you get a very close, granular look at data to help you better target your ideal audience. Real-time analytics can aid in the pivoting of your business marketing plan to stay on top of trends and let go of stuff that is no longer serving your brand’s best interests as quickly as possible.
9. TikTok’s Continued Influence on Digital Marketing
With TikTok’s U.S. ban delayed, the platform still dominates the marketing landscape, with a format and algorithm that are second to none. Engaging with micro-influencers who can actively attest to your brand’s usefulness, sustainability, ethics and story is often more popular and useful than massive brand deals with celebrities because it feels authentic.
10. AI-Powered App Marketing
While we’ve already discussed the broad power of AI, consider bulking up the strength of your app with AI to help your customers in real time without having to resort to customer service agents. Time is money and if someone cannot get useful assistance quickly, they will go to a competitor. AI can help bridge that time gap by offering chatbots and in-app solutions that keep your customers from wandering off.
Marketing in 2025 and Beyond
VR/AR/AI, sustainability, transparency and personalization are all gaining importance, so it’s critical to jump on these digital marketing trends now. As AI and other tech become more polished, if you already know how to use it effectively, you’re miles ahead of the competition,
Ready to take your marketing to the next level? Contact Yankee Custom Marketing to find the right marketing strategy for you.