Image

Monthly marketing roundup January

January 8, 2025

5 Marketing Trends to Watch for 2025🔮

The new year is already shaping up to be a big one for marketers. With global ad spend expected to surpass $1 trillion, and tools like AI becoming mainstream, it’s all about working smarter, not harder. Here’s what’s on the horizon:

1. Values Over Vanity 🪞

Consumers want brands to mean something. Nearly half feel ignored by advertisers, and three-quarters are willing to pay more for brands that align with their values. The takeaway? Be bold, stay true to your brand, and let your values shine.

2. AI Moves Behind the Scenes 🤖👻

Generative AI will be a game-changer—but not always in obvious ways. Expect more brands to use AI for efficiency, like streamlining content production or analyzing data, rather than shouting, “Hey, we used AI!”

3. Marketers are expected to do more with less.

This means leaning on tools (like AI), focusing on collaboration, and making sure every dollar spent drives results. It’s all about working smarter in 2025.

4. 📱Social Media Evolves

Social media spending is still growing. Look out for more:

  • Niche creator partnerships: Brands working with smaller influencers to connect authentically.
  • Seamless Social Commerce
    Social platforms are shopping hubs, with short-form, shoppable content driving purchases. TikTok Shop and Instagram product tags are leading the charge, making it easier than ever to buy directly from posts.
  • Community Over Influencers
    Real customers are the new influencers. Testimonials, user-generated content, and authentic reviews are now more impactful than traditional influencer campaigns.

💡 How to Stand Out:

  • Showcase your brand’s authentic voice.
  • Respond to customer conversations.
  • Highlight user stories and encourage community content.
  • Use platform tools to make your content shoppable.
  • Bring your online audience into the real world with events.

5. “Unhinged” is In

Gen Z and Gen Alpha crave brands that feel authentic and human. The shift toward raw, quirky, and “we’re-not-a-brand-we’re-a-bro” content is gaining momentum, allowing brands to build genuine connections with younger audiences. In 2025, bold, creative, and personality-driven content takes centre stage. Behind-the-scenes glimpses, relatable mishaps, and quirky team moments are capturing hearts and driving engagement.

Here are a few examples of how popular brands like Duolingo, Ryanair, and Scrub Daddy have nailed “unhinged” content on TikTok:

  • Duolingo: The language-learning app’s TikTok account features their quirky green owl mascot in humorous, over-the-top skits, often reacting to viral trends or joking about their persistent lesson reminders. This playful, self-aware humour has made them a fan favourite.
  • Ryanair: The budget airline leans into raw, sarcastic humour, often poking fun at its own reputation for no-frills service. Their TikTok content frequently features cheeky captions and relatable memes that resonate with young travellers.
  • Scrub Daddy: Known for their cheerful sponge with a smiley face, Scrub Daddy uses TikTok to showcase hilarious, exaggerated cleaning hacks and lighthearted skits. They’ve turned a simple cleaning product into a social media sensation by keeping things fun and unfiltered.

 

Social media updates to note from December

🗓️ Mark Your Calendars

  • 🙃 January 17: Ditch Your Resolution Day #DitchYourResolutionDay
    Relatable content, anyone? Post a humorous take on common abandoned resolutions or offer tips for sticking to goals that matter.
  • 📚 January 24: International Day of Education
    Highlight the importance of learning! Share inspirational stories, team insights, or resources to promote personal and professional growth.
  • 🐉 January 29: Chinese New Year #LunarNewYear #ChineseNewYear
    Welcome the Year of the Dragon! Share festive greetings, cultural insights, or tips for celebrating this iconic holiday.
  • 🍫 January 27: National Chocolate Cake Day
    Get sweet with it! Share a drool-worthy recipe, run a dessert-themed poll, or showcase team favourites.
  • 🎉 Regional Holidays
  • January 20: Wellington Anniversary Day
  • January 27: Auckland and Northland Anniversary Day
    Use these holidays to connect with local audiences. Share regional fun facts, promote special offers, or spotlight team adventures in these areas.

 

 

Looking to take your marketing to the next level? From social media management and paid advertising to web design, SEO, and graphic design, Tailgunner has the tools to help your business grow. Why not start with a free discovery session to see how we can help? 🚀 Book your session today!