1. New Era of Influencer Marketing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Influencer marketing is evolving as modern audiences prioritize authenticity over polished promotions, prompting a move toward genuine connections. Now, people aren’t just pushing products\u2014they’re telling you not<\/em> to buy them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This \u201cde-influencing\u201d<\/em> trend, fueled by Gen Z\u2019s skepticism<\/a>, reflects a growing distrust of influencer recommendations. According to The Harris Poll<\/a>, 69% of American social media users have been \u201cde-influenced,\u201d with 32% saying they just don\u2019t trust influencers anymore. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Only a few years ago, influencer trips, where brands invited influencers to create content while enjoying lavish destinations, were a reliable way to generate positive buzz. Today? Not so much. With social, political and economic challenges on the rise, these trips now seem out of touch, even off-putting. Savvy consumers view them as overly extravagant and inauthentic. Take, for example, a recent Tarte Cosmetics trip to Bora Bora<\/a> featuring popular TikTok influencers. Despite all the effort the cosmetics brand put into the event, it sparked more backlash than sales.<\/p>\n\n\n Source: Feature loyal customers to market your business. Image via Vistaprint<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n But that doesn\u2019t mean ditching influencer marketing altogether. Just rethink your approach to tap into this marketing trend. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In 2025, large and small business influencer marketing<\/a> is all about trust. With their close-knit communities and authentic connections, small businesses are poised to lead the way. <\/p>\n\n\n Source: Use authentic fans and loyal customers to market your business. Image via Vistaprint<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n A key theme in 2025 marketing trends is that brands aren\u2019t just selling\u2014they\u2019re building communities. The Community-Centric Marketing trend takes this to a new level by creating an exclusive, members-only vibe where brands connect directly with their audience through special offers, sneak peeks and real conversations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This approach naturally builds on the New Era of Influencer Marketing trend. Rather than relying on distant internet personalities, you\u2019re engaging in open, direct discussions with the people who matter most\u2014your customers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n “There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to small business marketing. In fact, understanding who you serve is just as important as the product or service you offer. Once you’ve found your tribe, focus on building that community and creating authentic connections,” says Emily Whittaker, EVP, NA & Global Marketing at VistaPrint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n \u2014Emily Whittaker, EVP, NA & Global Marketing at VistaPrint. <\/p>\n <\/blockquote>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n Source: Offer specials and discounts to members of your business and promote it using a <\/em>custom A-Frame sign<\/em><\/a> via VistaPrint.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to add Community-Centric Marketing to your 2025 marketing strategy, consider the following approaches:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: Offer a special event to a select few loyal customers and advocates using a <\/em>custom retractable banner<\/em><\/a> via VistaPrint<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n While building a community around your brand is crucial, so is bringing your internal team to the forefront. By letting employees share their expertise, you turn your brand into something real, relatable and expert-driven, cutting through AI-generated marketing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Employee-Generated Content gives you a chance to connect authentically with your audience. Whether it\u2019s social media takeovers, behind-the-scenes footage or spotlight stories, featuring your team puts real people in front of your customers.<\/p>\n\n\n Source: Showcase your employees and their talent. And do so with behind the scene photos in <\/em>branded T-shirts<\/em><\/a> via VistaPrint<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n To harness this marketing trend, try the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n By putting your team front and centre, you\u2019re not just creating content, you\u2019re building connections. In 2025, that’s what makes all the difference. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Social media<\/a> is now a fast track to purchase. With platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Facebook offering in-app shopping, product tagging and shoppable posts, the customer journey has shrunk to a few taps. No longer a multi-step funnel, social media ads<\/a> now act like mini TV commercials\u2014catching attention and closing the sale within minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n Source: Film quick tips and video content to fast-track purchases for your products. Via VistaPrint.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s what you need to focus on to get the most out of The New Social Media Funnel marketing trend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: via VistaPrint<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Within the realm of The New Social Media Funnel marketing trend, speed is key. To thrive, create engaging and seamless content that makes purchasing a no-brainer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Reactive, Agile and Trending (R.A.T.) Marketing is all about jumping into the buzz of the moment\u2014real-time situational marketing that lets you ride current trends to boost brand awareness<\/a> and connect with your audience instantly. Whether a viral meme, a trending color<\/a> like \u201cbrat green\u201d (thanks, Charli XCX) or a major news event, you\u2019re creating content that aligns with what\u2019s happening right now in a way that showcases your brand\u2019s personality.<\/p>\n\n\n Source: Visual identity that jumps on the Brat trend by <\/em>goopanic<\/em><\/a> via 99designs by Vista<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \n \u2014Patrick Llewellyn, VP, Digital and Design Services at VistaPrint <\/p>\n <\/blockquote>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n This trend requires speed, so your marketing team needs the freedom to act fast. Approval chains just won\u2019t cut it\u2014R.A.T. Marketing is all about agility and timing. For small business owners, entrepreneurs and marketers, it\u2019s a powerful way to stay relevant without massive budgets or drawn-out campaigns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are a few tips to help you make the most of R.A.T. Marketing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n To stay ahead, set up real-time alerts with Google Trends, Trend Hunter and Meltwater, subscribe to trend-focused newsletters like Morning Brew and use tools like IFTTT or Zapier so you\u2019re always ready to jump on the next big thing.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n Search engines have become more sophisticated in verifying if content truly meets what readers are searching for, making it harder to \u201ccheat\u201d the system with empty keywords or fluff. Content needs to genuinely deliver value, focusing on what your audience actually wants and needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s why the Know Thy Reader marketing trend emphasizes the need to authentically align marketing content with reader intent.<\/p>\n\n\n Source: A great marketing trend is creating a valuable and insightful blog for your readers via VistaPrint.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n For resilient organic reach, aim to understand your readers and customers deeply and tailor content to match their pains and goals right from the start. Here\u2019s how to take this new approach to content marketing<\/a> and make this trend work in your business\u2019 favor:<\/p>\n\n\n\n To successfully incorporate helpful content into your marketing strategy, you need to know your audience and focus on what you solve best\u2014stick to the topics your business can address directly and do so with confidence backed by search queries, customer research and customer personas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Empowered DIY Design is a 2025 marketing trend that puts small business owners in the driver\u2019s seat when it comes to their brand\u2019s visuals. This marketing trend is about speeding up select design tasks so business owners can produce content on the go, adding a personal touch without the need for a full design team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n \u2014 Philip Vinoya, Manager, Design Operations at VistaPrint <\/p>\n <\/blockquote>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n Source: Use tools like VistaCreate to create social posts via VistaPrint<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Indeed, with the growing number of graphic design tools that let you tackle essential branding tasks quickly and effectively, like drafting a logo<\/a> with a Logomaker<\/a> or creating social media graphics<\/a> or promos, there\u2019s no reason not to stay agile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But Empowered DIY Design isn\u2019t just about digital assets. Physical DIY elements, like custom rubber stamps<\/a> and branded stickers<\/a>, bring a hands-on feel to packaging<\/a> and marketing materials<\/a>, adding authenticity and personality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As the EVP of NA & Global Marketing at VistaPrint, Whittaker, tells us, “small business owners wear so many hats, and creative director is usually one of them. By taking advantage of our Empowered DIY Design trend, entrepreneurs can speed up the time it takes to edit or refresh marketing materials like postcards and banners so they can spend more time running their business. For visual assets, like a logo, that can stand on their own, Empowered DIY Design also means you can design once and print it on just about anything to ensure your brand is present from checkout to delivery.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n \u2014Emily Whittaker, EVP, NA & Global Marketing at VistaPrint <\/p>\n <\/blockquote>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n Source: <\/em>Custom stickers<\/em><\/a> via VistaPrint<\/em><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n Source: <\/em>Custom rubber stamps<\/em><\/a> via VistaPrint<\/em><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n Advancements in design tools have empowered small business owners to create professional-quality visuals without extensive experience. Still, it’s important to balance DIY efforts with professional support when needed to ensure high-quality results. For projects that require a professional touch, use freelance professional designers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Among the top marketing trends for 2025, Millennial Nostalgia shines as brands embrace the 90s and 00s all over social media. From grunge fashion revivals to early 2000s band reunions, this trend taps into the culture and aesthetics that defined millennial youth\u2014CDs, cassettes, digital cameras and inflatable furniture that spark fond memories.<\/p>\n\n\n Source: Market your product using a 90s-inspired design by <\/em>AlSoDigital<\/em><\/a> via 99deaigns by Vista<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n E.L.F. Beauty\u2019s Judge Beauty campaign<\/a> is a perfect example of how brands use nostalgia and over-the-top storytelling to connect with millennials. To promote products, E.L.<\/span>F. created a courtroom scene inspired by the popular 90s TV show Judge Judy, where beauty disputes are settled with wit and sass. Blending this nostalgic backdrop with a fresh, playful twist, E.L.F. managed to do more than promote products\u2014they\u2019ve built emotional connections that strike a familiar chord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With millennials currently holding the largest spending power (though Gen Z isn\u2019t far behind), appealing to their love for all things retro is memorable and highly profitable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s how your business can hop on the Millennial Nostalgia 2025 marketing trend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Millennials are ready to spend, and the Millennial Nostalgia marketing trend gives brands a chance to connect with this demographic in ways that are as fun as they are profitable.<\/p>\n\n\n Source: Embrace the styles of the 90s and 00s for the Millennial Nostalgia trend. A 90s box design by <\/em>Discovertic<\/em><\/a> via 99designs by Vista<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n In 2025, more brands are expected to join forces across industries to boost impact and reach new audiences. Big-name partnerships like Minted x BHLDN<\/a> and Scrub Daddy x Dunkin’<\/a> showcase how brands can align to create unique, buzzworthy experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n \u2014Olivia Rogine, Director, Brand Marketing at VistaPrint <\/p>\n <\/blockquote>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n But the Cross-Industry Collaborations marketing trend isn\u2019t limited to big brands\u2014small businesses can tap into it by thinking creatively about potential partners. For example, consider a cafe teaming up with a local record label to host vinyl nights or exclusive merch drops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are a few ways to get the most out of the Cross-Industry Collaborations marketing trend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The bonus of such partnerships? Collaborative merchandise. Co-branded merch like custom mugs<\/a>, tote bags<\/a> or T-shirts<\/a> can be a fun, profitable way to cement the partnership and keep the buzz going long after the event. In the competitive landscape of 2025 marketing, it\u2019s all about thinking big and thinking together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As we dive into 2025, one thing is clear: marketing trends this year are all about building genuine connections. Whether sparking millennial nostalgia, forming cross-industry partnerships or showcasing your team through employee-generated content, these trends encourage brands to engage authentically with their audiences. This year, businesses are stepping away from the usual playbook, mixing old-school charm with new innovations and putting people at the center of their strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The common thread across 2025\u2019s marketing trends is the balance of innovation and sincerity. By embracing these trends, you\u2019re setting your business up to be memorable, adaptable and engaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Two](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1920,h_1080,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1729528817\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/Two-women-standing-next-to-each-other-promoting-a-gym-brand\/Two-women-standing-next-to-each-other-promoting-a-gym-brand.png?_i=AA\")
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![\"Two](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_1024,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1729528874\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/Two-women-taking-a-selfie-with-a-branded-tumbler\/Two-women-taking-a-selfie-with-a-branded-tumbler.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n2. Community-Centric Marketing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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![\"A-Frame](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_768,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1729528958\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/A-Frame-sign-with-a-special-offer-\/A-Frame-sign-with-a-special-offer-.png?_i=AA\")
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![\"Small](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_800,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1729528998\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/Small-business-owner-standing-next-to-a-retractable-banner-promoting-a-special-event\/Small-business-owner-standing-next-to-a-retractable-banner-promoting-a-special-event.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n3. Employee-Generated Content<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Donut](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_557,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1729529056\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/Donut-shop-employees-working-behind-the-scenes\/Donut-shop-employees-working-behind-the-scenes.png?_i=AA\")
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4. The New Social Media Funnel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Table](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_367,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1729529318\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/Woman-filming-herself-holding-paintbrushes-next-to-ceramic-bowls\/Woman-filming-herself-holding-paintbrushes-next-to-ceramic-bowls.png?_i=AA\")
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![\"A](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_575,h_768,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1729529382\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/A-person-watching-and-engaging-with-a-social-post\/A-person-watching-and-engaging-with-a-social-post.gif?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n5. R.A.T. Marketing (Reactive, Agile and Trending)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1900,h_823,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1729567547\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/Visual-identity-that-jumps-on-the-Brat-trend_2565986a1c\/Visual-identity-that-jumps-on-the-Brat-trend_2565986a1c.png?_i=AA\")
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6. Know Thy Reader<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_424,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1729529917\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/Hands-typing-on-a-notebook\/Hands-typing-on-a-notebook.png?_i=AA\")
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7. Empowered DIY Design<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Social](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_1024,c_fill,g_auto\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1729530673\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/Social-media-posts\/Social-media-posts.png?_i=AA\")
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![\"A](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_600,h_600,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1729530782\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/A-custom-sticker-applied-on-a-ceramic-plate\/A-custom-sticker-applied-on-a-ceramic-plate.png?_i=AA\")
<\/div>\n \n ![\"Custom](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_600,h_600,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1729530790\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/Custom-rubber-stamps-with-a-butterfly\/Custom-rubber-stamps-with-a-butterfly.png?_i=AA\")
<\/div>\n \n 8. Millennial Nostalgia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"90s-inspired](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_2000,h_1244,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1729530912\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/90s-inspired-colors-and-graphics-for-drink\/90s-inspired-colors-and-graphics-for-drink.png?_i=AA\")
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![\"A](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_637,h_362,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1729616500\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/Screenshot-2024-10-21-at-12.10.58\/Screenshot-2024-10-21-at-12.10.58.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n9. Cross-Industry Collaborations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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![\"A](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/w_1024,h_267,c_scale\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1729617221\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/blogadmin\/MXP32727_Oct21_SmallBusinessWeek_Banner-S\/MXP32727_Oct21_SmallBusinessWeek_Banner-S.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nReady to tap into marketing trends in 2025?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n