According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2025 is the Year of the Snake. This is a positive development as this creature is said to bring resilience, growth and harmony. If marketing had a zodiac, 2025 would be the Year of the Question Mark.

The economic indicators are good — unemployment and inflation continue to be low. Likewise, digital marketing is predicted to continue its strong growth. However, tell that to most people and you’ll get, “Yeah, but …” in return. 

Yeah, but … the incoming administration is promising big changes. Yeah, but artificial intelligence shows no signs of slowing down. No one has a clue what impact all this will have. While we never know what surprises the new year will bring, the unknown now feels more unknowable than usual. (We can do something about that if you take our 2025 State of Your Stack survey.)

Given all this, it’s time to keep a closer eye than usual on marketing trends. Increase your monitoring of KPIs and audience behavior. A little early knowledge may go a very long way this year.

Constantine von Hoffman
Managing Editor

 
Semrush ad: Rank higher with AI-improved content

B2B marketing

How to maximize event ROI using smart budgeting

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Understanding user conferences' true costs and revenue potential is the key to building a business case for events as a cornerstone of content strategy.

Marketing artificial intelligence (AI)

Guardrails and governance: How to protect your brand while using AI

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How can marketing maximize AI’s potential while maintaining brand integrity, consistency and ethical standards? 

Marketing management

Why FAQs should be your go-to marketing tool

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Frequently asked questions aren’t just for customer support. They’re the backbone of clear, consistent marketing communication.

First-party data

Discover the power of first-party data

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Navigating today’s complex advertising landscape requires a privacy-first approach. That’s why MarTech and OneTrust teamed up to create this must-read white paper for marketers.

Marketing artificial intelligence (AI)

Why DIY experimentation is critical to AI success

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Your view of what’s possible with AI will be shaped by your own experimentation. You just need to find the time to make it happen.

MarTech state of your stack survey.

Marketing artificial intelligence (AI)

Delivering large B2B marketing events: Best of the MarTechBot

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See how the MarTechBot responds to a prompt and how the prompt can be improved. Today: What marketing managers do to execute large marketing events.

MarTech intelligence reports

How AI is transforming email marketing

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Learn best practices for creating more relevant, personalized emails with the newest AI-powered platforms using this marketer’s resource.

Marketing technology

How to overcome AI challenges in martech to maximize ROI

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As you integrate AI into your martech stack, tackle data quality issues, resistance to change, skill gaps and more.

Your voice matters

How does your martech stack stack up?

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More tools, fewer tools, or the same… how has your martech stack changed? Share your experience in the 2025 State of Your Stack Survey.

Take the survey.

What else we're reading

Good reads and conversations to help good marketers get better.
 

MarTech research

Surveys and research reports to make you a more-informed marketer
  • The 2024 MarTech Replacement survey tracks the replacement of applications in the martech stack yearly. Download the 2024 report (no registration required).
  • NEW! Take our 2025 State of Your Stack survey and share your vision for your team’s martech stack. We’ll unveil the findings in 2025 and share them with the community.
 

What they're saying

  • “Smart budgeting isn’t just about controlling costs. It’s also about creating space for innovation. Understanding the true costs of your event makes strategic decisions about where to invest for maximum impact. High-quality production, engaging speakers and seamless execution create original content that drives value long after your event ends.” Lisa Shaw in How to maximize event ROI using smart budgeting.
  • “As we enter 2025, I’m hopeful for what lies ahead for marketers, businesses, students, and the industry. I hope companies take a clear-eyed look at their capabilities, focusing on fixing foundational issues like usability, personalization and transparency rather than chasing fleeting trends. For marketers, I hope we continue to recognize the immense responsibility of our work — shaping perceptions, building trust, and delivering value — and approach it with thoughtfulness and integrity.” Jay Mandel in Lessons from AI’s 2024 rise and a pragmatic path for marketing in 2025.
 

From Search Engine Land