As we reach mid-2025, the digital marketing landscape continues to evolve rapidly. For SMEs across the UK, staying ahead of key trends is essential—not just to compete, but to connect meaningfully with customers.
Here are four updates shaking up the marketing world, along with the sources you need to stay informed.
YouTube Shorts is rolling out new AI-enhanced features that improve personalisation and visibility for creators and brands alike. This means smarter recommendations and better chances for your content to reach the right viewers.
Source: Frizbit – June 2025 Marketing Updates
Why it matters: If your SME hasn't explored video marketing yet, now's the time—short-form video is more discoverable than ever.
TikTok is introducing a new AI-powered “Search Center” to help advertisers reach users based on intent and behaviour—essentially combining social and search marketing.
Source: Marketing Dive – TikTok Leans on AI
Why it matters: Even B2B brands can benefit from TikTok’s evolving targeting features. The platform is no longer just for consumer content—it’s becoming a viable discovery tool.
With consumers growing increasingly concerned about data privacy, platforms like DuckDuckGo and Neeva (now integrated into other tools) are seeing renewed interest. These privacy-first models challenge traditional ad targeting and encourage more ethical data practices.
Source: Frizbit – June 2025 Digital Trends
Why it matters: Rethinking how you gather and use customer data is essential. Build your first-party data strategies now and focus on consent-led engagement.
Direct-to-consumer brands are growing faster than ever, fuelled by constant experimentation with creative, platforms, and funnels. It’s a culture of test, learn, and scale.
Source: eMarketer – June 2025 Brand Marketing Stats
Why it matters: Instead of waiting for the perfect strategy, adopt a lean testing approach. Small experiments often lead to big wins.
The digital landscape in 2025 rewards agility, authenticity, and user respect. Whether you’re a startup or a growing SME, keeping pace with the right trends—not all the trends—can make all the difference.
If you're unsure how these updates apply to your business, consider a free marketing strategy review or explore our SEO and digital marketing services for SMEs.
