Building a $220M Empire: The Power of Training and Branding

December 22, 2024 Affiliate Marketing No Comments

Building a $220M Empire: The Power of Training and Branding written by John Jantsch read more at Duct Tape Marketing

The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast with Tommy Mello In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Tommy Mello, a visionary entrepreneur and founder of a $220 million home services business operating across 20 states. As the author of Elevate: Build a Business Where Everybody Wins and host of The Home Service Expert […]

Marketing Trends 2025: Actionable Insights for Agencies & fCMOs written by John Jantsch read more at Duct Tape Marketing

The marketing world never sits still, and as we approach 2025, the buzz of new possibilities is louder than ever. For marketing consultants, agencies, and fractional CMOs, understanding these trends isn’t optional — it’s essential.

For over 30 years, I’ve been committed to helping small and medium-sized businesses achieve their goals through systematic, strategic marketing. My experience has taught me one thing above all else — businesses succeed when they solve their customers’ greatest problems and stick to a clear, repeatable approach. That philosophy is what led to the creation of the Duct Tape Marketing System — a framework that turns chaotic tactics into a predictable path for growth.

So, let’s talk about five major marketing trends for 2025 that consultants, agencies, and fractional CMOs need to watch. No surprise — a lot of these trends are powered by AI. That’s just where we are right now. But there’s more to it than just technology. These changes are about meeting the new expectations of your customers, and if you adapt, you’ll thrive

Marketing Trends 2025: What to Expect

1. Hyper-Personalization Powered by AI

AI lets us personalize marketing campaigns at an incredible scale. AI tools help segment customers down to the individual. This granular approach will be key for staying competitive.

Customers now expect personalized messages. Generic messaging will soon feel outdated. Think one-to-one campaigns that feel custom-made.

Many CRMs like HubSpot and ActiveCampaign already allow for email personalization. Combine these with customer data platforms for even deeper ai-driven personalization and dynamic content. You don’t need to dive in headfirst; starting small with personalized newsletters or website content can make a real difference.

2. The Rise of Decentralized Communities

People are looking beyond traditional social networks. They feel these platforms are over-saturated with ads. Many seek ad-light experiences on platforms like Reddit and BlueSky.

These decentralized communities offer meaningful interactions and niche discussions. Smart brands are building smaller, engaged communities around shared interests.

As search algorithms increasingly feature content from decentralized communities, they offer a better connection to audiences. For example, Google now features more Reddit content.

3. Generative AI: Revolutionizing Creative Production

AI isn’t just for writing blog posts. Generative AI is changing how we create content including videos and graphics. This allows everyone to access visual content creation tools easily.

The best creative platforms currently include DALL-E 3, Pictory AI, Midjourney, and Adobe Firefly. Or if you create need images with a lot of text try out ideogram. OpusClips and Vizard are great for AI generated video clipping and minimal editing.

It is important to understand these platforms and market responses. But the real key is to find the tool that works for you and your business and learn that one. New tools will inevitably come on the scene, but if you play tool leap frog it will be hard to really see the effectiveness these tools can have on your teams productivity.

This emerging trend allows marketers to generate creative content and create impactful marketing materials.

4. AI-Driven Marketing Orchestration

AI will become the central nervous system of campaign management. From automation to advanced analytics, AI can optimize processes, from SOPs to campaigns.

Tools like GoHighLevel integrate AI into email and ad workflows. I’m also observing how Google Analytics is leveraging AI for analysis.

AI-driven automation handles many touchpoints, freeing us to focus elsewhere and create engaging experiences.

AI Video Content Creation

5. Brand Marketing: Back to Basics

With AI and algorithms changing SEO and ad platforms, brand marketing is more critical than ever. This means focusing on trust, loyalty, and aligning values with customer preferences.

Brand trust is vital; 81% of consumers say trust influences buying decisions . Because consumers have so many options, brand marketing delivers strong, meaningful results. This is partially because people relate to a story.

Consumers in 2025 want authenticity and personalized experiences. They choose brands reflecting their values. The preference for short-form video and ad-light platforms reveals a desire for efficient information. Social commerce trends indicate people expect purchasing options through shoppable content and streamlined social media platforms.

Consumers also want brands that use their platforms for social good. And, that participate in meaningful ways, including through thing like sustainability marketing or give-back programs.

Remember that trust and values drive marketing trends. Customers are increasingly interested in brands that share their values. Focusing on these key trends can lead to repeat purchases and stronger customer loyalty.

6. BONUS MLaaS: Marketing Leadership as a Service

In 2025, I’d like to coin a new term, Marketing Leadership as a Service (MLaaS) — it’s about providing fractional marketing leadership to businesses that need strategic direction without the full-time commitment.

Small and mid-sized businesses often lack the resources for a full-time CMO, but they do need someone who can build strategy, orchestrate teams, and navigate new technologies. MLaaS fills that gap. As a marketing consultant or fractional CMO, you’re not just offering services — you’re offering leadership, insight, and strategic vision.

The Future of Video, Influencers, and Events

Video’s Reign Continues

While broadcast TV still has reach, streaming is gaining traction. Fifty percent of people now say they primarily stream TV . Smart brands should diversify their video efforts, including short-form video.

Video marketing trends evolve quickly. Platforms like YouTube are partnering with services like BARB in the UK to adapt to consumer behaviors.

Short, engaging videos, including those published on platforms like Youtube Shorts and Instagram Reels, are increasingly popular. HubSpot’s 2024 Consumer Trends Report found that 37% of consumers prefer short videos for product discovery and a majority want more video content.

Influencer Marketing Still Strong

Influencer marketing is a $24 billion industry . Around 40% of marketers allocate a quarter of their budgets to influencer campaigns.

Although I think we will see this trend change form a bit, affiliate and influencer marketing will continue to grow in 2025. This marketing strategy, focused on driving engagement and sales, has only been trending up.

In-Person Events Are Back

While virtual events thrived during the pandemic, in-person events are going to continue to grow in 2025. Experiential marketing is bigger than pre-pandemic . This shift highlights our need for real-world connections. The best events provide memorable experiences through engagement and interaction.

AI in Marketing: A Tool for Growth or a Threat?

The Power of AI

AI is transforming marketing, and that can be a good thing. eMarketer reports that, ” 3 in 4 marketers are using AI for content creation. ” These tools aren’t here to replace us — they’re here to make us better, freeing us up to focus on what humans do best: building relationships and crafting strategy.

Machine learning and real-time engagement tools (ChatGPT or AI chat bots) help us connect with audiences more effectively, whether through social media, voice search, or personalized content. Instead of fearing AI, use it to enhance your marketing and deliver more value.

The future of marketing is human — AI just helps us get there faster.

Embracing Digital Minimalism

To manage information overload, brands should adopt digital minimalism . Cutting excess helps messaging stand out.

Focusing on essential information and user preferences makes customers the priority. This can improve search optimization, help brands connect with customers, and further enhance customer engagement.

Conclusion

Marketing trends in 2025 blend cutting-edge technology and genuine human connection. AI offers marketers exciting new opportunities. Marketers can now create one-of-a-kind customer journeys.

They can also personalize messaging even further, deliver insights and valuable experiences, and make themselves indispensable to audiences. As a result, 2025 trends are moving from broad acquisition to targeted, personal efforts.

I know the challenges of starting a marketing agency and running a business firsthand—the endless research, the trials, the errors. It wasn’t easy, but it taught me invaluable lessons. From these experiences and over 28 years of trial and error, I developed a proven marketing system that has since helped countless businesses sustainably grow and scale.

Whether you’re a business owner aiming to grow (We’ve helped 1000s of SMBs 2x-10x their business) or an agency looking to enhance your client services (over 500 agencies globally have licensed our system), the Duct Tape Marketing Fractional CMO+ System can be tailored to meet your needs and boost your success. All it takes is the right strategy.

Ready to see real results? Let’s connect. Schedule a strategy session with our team today.