Where Is Marketing and Advertising Going in 2025?
Nobody can predict the future. But we can take an educated guess. Here at Mandel Marketing we’ve been in this game for decades, and we’ve watched the transition from traditional to digital media go full force. However, there are still important marketing principles that will always work: focusing on what your customers want, being in the right place at the right time, and have a great value proposition that you communicate clearly to your audience.
The rest of it is up in the air–and this will have a major impact on SEO, business development, and your bottom line. So we asked our network of experts and leaders: “What is one prediction you have for marketing and advertising in 2025? Please be as specific as possible. Could be about how businesses market, or the industry itself.”
Here’s what they had to say.
Reading Will Make a Comeback
Reading is making a comeback. Short form videos have their place, but social medias are getting crowded with nonsense and garbage. People want something that took a little bit of thought, some time, and show off expertise.
It’s no wonder that big companies are reinstating (or instating for the first time) their blogs. It builds a much better connection and trust… not to mention the SEO perks for getting found in organic searches.
Blogging once a week can still position a business well in front of their competition, but as the “trend” catches on, it will be harder and harder to get ahead of the curve.
Scott Sery, VP of Awesome, Sery Content Development
Contextual Advertising Will Dominate
Marketing in 2025 will become much more personal and interactive, especially with AI shaping social shopping. On platforms like Instagram and TikTok, people will be able to chat directly with brands and get product suggestions that actually match their needs. These recommendations might be based on browsing habits, previous purchases, or even posts they’ve liked. Online shopping will feel less pushy and more meaningful.
Google’s Privacy Sandbox seems to be on shaky ground. There’s a lot of doubt around tools like the Topics API and Attribution Reporting API, with many marketers questioning their fairness. If these tools fail, businesses will likely start exploring alternative ways to target audiences and measure success, moving away from heavily relying on Google.
With privacy concerns growing, contextual advertising is likely to play a bigger role. Instead of relying on personal data, ads will focus more on the content people are already engaging with. AI will help make this approach smarter, creating ads that feel relevant while respecting privacy.
Simon Brisk, Founder & SEO Strategist, Click Intelligence
AI-Powered Personalization Will Rise
One prediction I have for marketing and advertising in 2025 is the continued rise of AI-powered personalization in campaigns. As AI tools evolve, businesses will increasingly be able to offer hyper-targeted, personalized experiences at scale, not just in terms of ads but across all customer touchpoints.
By 2025, I expect that brands will be using AI to analyze real-time data from customer behavior and interactions to deliver dynamic content that’s tailored to the individual on an even deeper level.
For example, AI will enable ads to adapt in real-time based on a user’s location, preferences, purchase history, or even mood. Imagine browsing an online store, and as you scroll, the products you see change based on your previous interactions with the brand, the weather in your area, or even social media activity. This type of seamless, personalized experience will likely become the norm rather than the exception.
I believe businesses will also move toward more interactive and immersive advertising-like augmented reality (AR) ads that let customers virtually try products before buying or AI-powered chatbots that engage customers more naturally. These types of experiences will not only boost engagement but will drive higher conversion rates as consumers feel more connected to the brand.
The industry itself will likely see a shift toward smarter advertising platforms that integrate AI, data analytics, and machine learning to optimize campaigns in real-time. It will allow marketers to make data-driven decisions faster, resulting in more efficient ad spends and better ROI.
Georgi Petrov, CMO, AIG MARKETER
Social Media Will Splinter
Social media will continue to splinter as more niche platforms rise. The days of one-size-fits-all networks like Facebook are passé. Invest more resources into smaller, interest-based accounts like LinkedIn, Blue Sky, and Reddit. This means generic marketing strategies are no longer relevant and require more nuance and in-depth audience research. The privacy and data-gating of these platforms also makes direct attribution more difficult. That only means you’ll need to be more genuinely active on these digital communities. Rely less on vanity metrics and more on conversations.
Robert Carnes, Marketing Manager, GreenMellen
Hyper-Personalization Will Increase
I predict hyper-personalization will increase and the world will become more visual when it comes to marketing and advertising, which has made visual-driven platforms like YouTube/Instagram/TikTok gain popularity in selling. With the rise of a generation that would much rather watch/look at something vs. sit and read, there is a growing trend of more visual content including pictures, videos (long and short form), memes, diagrams, and infographics. As more people shifted online during the pandemic, live streams were increasingly used to host public events and meetings on platforms like Twitch. In a mobile-first world, you have less time to grab people’s attention spans are shorter than ever, so video will be used even more to boost rankings. The world is moving to mobile-first/mobile-only, fewer people are accessing the web on big screens, so everyone will keep tailoring their site, message, and content accordingly.
Paige Arnof-Fenn, Founder & CEO, Mavens & Moguls
Google May Introduce AI Shopping Assistant
One prediction for marketing and advertising in 2025 is that Google might also introduce an AI-powered shopping assistant and inform users about the latest deals.
It can do so by continuously monitoring products and services the user is interested in, tracking deals in real-time, informing the users about available deals, and even integrating applicable coupons into the search experience, streamlining the buying and decision process.
For instance, if a user searches “cheapest iPhone,” instead of getting shady web results, users can get verified results with actual deals with price mentioned as well.
Additionally, it will also cut down on fraudulent extensions like Honey.
However, to rank higher in those results, businesses, especially e-Commerce stores, need to leverage this real-time AI analysis by targeting users with particular, personalized deals along with strategic Generative Engine Optimization so that Google AI will directly highlight their deals to consumers actively searching for them.
Gursharan Singh, Co-Founder, WebSpero Solutions
Personalized Video Content Will Shift Marketing
One prediction I have for marketing and advertising in 2025 is that personalized video content will become a major shift in how brands connect with their audience. As businesses gather more data about customer behaviors and preferences, they will use that information to create videos tailored specifically to each individual. This will go beyond just addressing customer needs; it will involve adjusting visuals, messaging, and even the tone of the video to match what resonates with that person. For example, brands could send a video where product recommendations or the way the message is delivered are customized based on the customer’s past interactions. As technology continues to evolve, this kind of personalization will be easier to scale, making marketing feel much more relevant and engaging to each viewer.
Spencer Romenco, Chief Growth Strategist, Growth Spurt
Marketing Will Diverge by Age
In 2025, marketing will diverge by age, with younger people favoring dynamic platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where businesses must create engaging, relatable content. Older adults, meanwhile, will stick to trusted platforms like Facebook and Google, valuing straightforward, informative ads. Success will come from balancing creative storytelling for younger audiences with reliable, targeted campaigns for older demographics.
Jonas Duckett, Founder, Store-It Quick
Virtual Events Will Surge
In 2025, we’ll see a surge in virtual events that are hyper-targeted and expertly crafted for specific niches. After COVID reshaped the way we work and connect, many businesses dabbled in virtual events, but few mastered them. Now, with the remote work movement settling into a permanent rhythm, the demand for accessible, high-value content delivered without geographical constraints will explode.
I predict that brands will leverage virtual events as more than just lead-gen tools. Instead, they’ll use them to build communities around shared passions and expertise. Think of events that blend on-demand content with real-time engagement, providing an ongoing experience, not a one-off occurrence. The winners will be those who create spaces where attendees feel they belong, long after the event concludes. And with platforms evolving to simplify everything from speaker onboarding to post-event analytics, the barriers to pulling off professional, revenue-generating events will be lower than ever.
Benjamin Dell, Founder & CEO, HeySummit
Influencer Marketing Will Dominate
In 2025, influencer marketing will continue to dominate the way businesses reach consumers. Social media platforms will evolve, and influencers will remain a key tool for companies to connect with niche audiences in authentic ways. Brands will rely more on micro and nano influencers, as these smaller voices often boast more engaged and loyal followers, offering better ROI. We can expect to see even more partnerships between brands and influencers on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, as companies aim for genuine connections rather than just big numbers.
However, AI could surprise us by reshaping influencer marketing in unexpected ways. AI-driven tools are already making it easier for brands to analyze influencer content and audience engagement. In 2025, we might see AI stepping up to automate and optimize influencer partnerships by predicting trends and recommending influencers who align with a brand’s values, saving companies time and improving campaign performance.
Jessica Bane, Director of Business Operations, GoPromotional
Private Community-Based Marketing Will Rise
As someone who has spent years helping brands scale through Telegram advertising, I see a seismic shift coming in how businesses will engage audiences in 2025.
Here’s my prediction: In 2025, the rise of private community-based marketing will eclipse traditional social media ads, and brands that fail to embrace “DM-first” strategies will fall behind. Consumers are fatigued by endless, impersonal feeds. They’re seeking exclusivity and intimacy, and platforms like Telegram, WhatsApp, and Discord are becoming the new battlegrounds. Businesses will pivot from broadcasting to nurturing—turning ad spend into hyper-targeted, high-touch campaigns that focus on pulling users into closed communities where real trust can be built.
This shift isn’t just tactical; it’s philosophical. The mass-market approach is dying. Success will belong to brands that embrace smaller, more engaged, and loyal communities—ironically spending less on broader reach and more on meaningful conversations. The future isn’t about reaching everyone; it’s about mattering deeply to someone.
Samuel Huang, CEO, Tele Ads Agency
Omnichannel Marketing Will Evolve
In 2025, I think we’ll see a lot more hyper-personalization, powered by AI and first-party data, completely changing the way brands do omnichannel marketing.
With privacy regulations getting stricter and third-party cookies disappearing, businesses will lean heavily on the data they collect directly from their customers. Ultimately, creating a seamless, personalized experience across every touchpoint.
Omnichannel marketing won’t just mean showing up on multiple platforms; it’ll be about connecting the dots in a way that feels effortless for the customer.
For example, when a customer browses a product on your website, they get a text message about a discount while shopping in-store, and later see tailored ads on Instagram featuring matching items. It’s all about being in the right place at the right time, with the right message.
I also think we’ll see more brands stepping up their game with interactive and immersive experiences—things like AR product try-ons or personalized emails tied to app activity. These kinds of innovations will make customer journeys not just efficient, but fun and memorable too.
Consumers are getting more selective and rightfully so! They want brands to truly understand their needs and make interactions as seamless and relevant as possible. If your messaging or experience feels disconnected, they’ll move on to someone who does it better. Consumers have options so there’s no need to waste their time on a negative online experience.
By 2025, businesses that fully embrace omnichannel marketing as a personalized, data-driven strategy will have a major advantage. Those who can connect platforms and messages into one smooth experience—while still respecting customer privacy—will not only stand out but build the kind of loyalty that keeps them coming back time and again.
Adrienne Hunter, Founder + Creative Strategist, Sage Mind Marketing
Video Mailers Will Revolutionize B2B Marketing
As businesses increasingly seek innovative ways to stand out in the crowded world of B2B marketing, video brochures and video mailers are poised to become essential tools in 2025. These interactive and engaging media formats are revolutionizing how businesses reach their top prospects, offering a unique, tangible experience that captures attention far better than traditional methods.
In a landscape where cold emails and phone calls often go unnoticed, video mailers provide a significant ‘wow factor.’ A physical, personalized video brochure or mailer offers a more dynamic and memorable interaction, ensuring that your message doesn’t get lost in an inbox or ignored during a busy day of calls. When a prospect receives a video mailer, they can’t help but be intrigued to see what’s inside, which naturally leads to higher engagement and more meaningful interactions.
The true power of video mailers lies in their ability to personalize content to directly address the prospect’s pain points. By tailoring the video’s message to solve a specific challenge or need, businesses can resonate with the prospect on a much deeper level. For example, a technology firm could use a video mailer to explain how their product will address the prospect’s security concerns or improve their operational efficiency. This level of customization increases the chances of the prospect responding to a follow-up email or phone call, as they feel understood and valued.
In addition, incorporating customer testimonial videos within video mailers can help prospects realize they’re not alone in facing their challenges. Hearing from similar companies or industry peers who have successfully solved the same pain points humanizes the brand and builds trust. Testimonials show that others have gone through the same struggles and found a solution, making it easier for the prospect to envision themselves achieving the same success.
As marketing and advertising evolve in 2025, the role of video mailers will only grow. Companies will increasingly use these formats to make that all-important first impression and warm up cold leads. By integrating customer testimonials into video brochures, businesses can enhance credibility and rapport, improving lead nurturing and ultimately increasing conversion rates. Video mailers are no longer just an innovation, they’re a strategic necessity in the B2B marketing toolkit.
Adam Kubat, President, Cards in Motion Inc.
Purpose-Driven Storytelling Will Prevail
In 2025, marketing strategies will transition toward purpose-driven storytelling that is intricately linked with organizational culture, placing a significant emphasis on employee advocacy as a fundamental strategy.
Corporate marketing teams will increasingly collaborate with human resources (HR) departments to ensure alignment between external brand narratives and internal values and employee experiences. This development will underscore the necessity of authenticity, given that both customers and job candidates will critically evaluate corporations based on their actions rather than their verbal commitments.
Nonetheless, friction will likely arise as marketing and HR teams compete for control over the brand narrative. Marketing departments may prioritize narratives centered on customer experience, whereas HR may concentrate on employer branding, leading to potential conflicts regarding messaging priorities. Additionally, with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies facing intensified scrutiny, particularly in the context of ongoing discussions about their genuine implementation or potential rollback, the debate over brand ownership will escalate. Progressive organizations will address this challenge by establishing cross-functional “brand councils,” which will facilitate messaging integration across customer and employee engagement channels, ensuring consistency and credibility.
We are certainly in for an interesting ride.
Heather Wilson, Owner and Managing Director, The Brand Strategy Tank
Marketing Agencies Will Face a Reckoning
The vast majority of marketing agencies will have a reckoning: continue to operate how they have in the past and slowly decline or evolve to focus more on either branding or operations.
As major ad platforms continue to remove functionality, targeting options, and performance data, traditional marketing agencies won’t be left with much honest work.
Additionally, with the advent of AI, brand messaging and creative will start to blend together. Logically, without a surplus of unique brand inputs, for similar brands, AI should have the same output in terms of recommended strategy, ad copy, creative, etc., for growth based on category data.
So, agencies will need to choose to become more of a branding agency or more of a digital operations agency.
Branding agencies will focus on either: 1. Creating a massive library of inputs to train LLMs to confidently output branded messaging and creative; or, 2. Focus on creating unique branded narratives and customer journeys through creative ad copy and design.
AI still cannot replicate many parts of the human experience or raw creativity. It also generally has a very linear way of thinking when it comes to standard questions. Branding agencies can be the ones that ask the right questions. Or, they can be the ones that maintain their own distinct creative view of how to influence human behavior for their particular brands.
Instead of focusing on moving the needle in campaigns or reporting on performance, digital operations agencies will need to focus on recommending the best digital systems/tools and helping to integrate and automate those systems.
For instance, how can a business tie in marketing data from disjointed platforms?
Or, how can a business improve its sales enablement process to connect even more customer information and inform not only the sales team, but the end account executive?
Marketing encompasses so much more than just ad placement, so what internal systems can be automated to provide the best customer experience AND improve the lives of team members.
If marketing agencies don’t evolve to focus heavily on branding or operations, and, instead just continue to “optimize” accounts and report on data, they will be replaced by DIY marketing or by the agencies that truly focus on the human experience within the next year.
Matthew Regenie, CEO & Founder, Prospect Future
Marketing and Advertising in 2025 Offers Opportunity
As the insights from these marketing leaders demonstrate, the future of advertising is dynamic and multifaceted. While the rise of AI, hyper-personalization, and the splintering of social media platforms are inevitable, the core principles of marketing remain constant. Understanding your audience, delivering value, and communicating clearly will continue to be crucial for success.
The businesses that thrive in 2025 and beyond will be those that embrace innovation, adapt to the evolving digital landscape, and prioritize authentic connections with their customers. Whether it’s through AI-powered personalization, immersive experiences, or purpose-driven storytelling, the opportunities to engage and resonate with audiences are expanding. The key takeaway? Stay agile, stay informed, and never stop experimenting.