In 2025, SMBs priorities are evolving and they’re adapting to new strategies.
Did you know that according to Clutch’s 2025 Small Business Growth Playbook, 84% of SMB decision makers expressed a promising outlook for growth in 2025
Clutch collaborated with Drive Research to identify the purchasing intentions, outsourcing behaviors, and strategic priorities that will shape 2025 for SMBs.
SMBs are focusing on personalized services (57%), new tech (54%), and creative marketing (52%) to stand out.
5 Strategies for SMB Growth
1. Invest in AI
AI is no longer a new concept but a tool that is used daily, with 44% of SMB decision-makers agree that AI will have the most significant business impact in 2025
AI can help with various aspects of business, from completing routine tasks to providing a personalized customer experience. Implementing AI strategies into your business can lead to increased efficiency and a competitive edge in the market.
Examples of how small businesses can use AI:
Marketing & Content Creation
AI tools help SMBs generate content faster and test messaging without needing copywriters or designers.
Tools:
- Jasper – Writes blogs, emails, and ad copy in minutes
- Copy.ai – Generates social media posts, product descriptions, and taglines
- Canva Magic Studio – Auto-generates designs, captions, and brand kits
General Productivity
AI can help manage workflows and take care of things like writing and making the day-to-day easier.
Tools:
- Use ChatGPT, Grammarly, or Notion AI to write proposals, contracts, or social media posts.
- AI tools like Otter.ai, Fireflies, or Fathom can transcribe Zoom calls and create summaries for team members.
2. Customer Experience
Customer experience is top of the mind for businesses.
Clutch found that 58% of SMBs focus on both enhancing customer experience and improving efficiency within operations. Investing in your customer experience helps you win customer loyalty.
To thrive in 2025, small businesses must prioritize customer experience like never before. Here are five practical tips to stay ahead:
- Use customer data to tailor recommendations, emails, and promotions—customers now expect brands to know their preferences.
- Send personalized direct mail to loyal customers. This is a great way to keep a customer engaged and to feel seen.
- Integrate smart chatbots and virtual assistants to provide instant, 24/7 support without losing the human touch.
- Use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn not just to promote, but to engage—respond to comments, share behind-the-scenes content, and join conversations to build authentic relationships.
3. Building a Strong Online Presence
Having a strong online presence is key for a business’s success.
Today’s consumers are increasingly digital, meaning that digital platforms need to keep up.
In 2025, having a strong online presence is important for small businesses to stay visible and competitive. Here are five key strategies to make your digital footprint count:
- Focus your SEO strategy on answering the real questions your customers are asking, using natural language and voice-friendly content.
- Consistently post relevant content, engage with your audience, and keep up with current trends to stay relevant.
- Ensure your site loads quickly, works seamlessly on all devices, and meets accessibility standards to avoid losing traffic.
- Building a strong online presence will only further help you and your business in the future.
- Short-form videos, live streams, and behind-the-scenes clips are a great way to build trust—consumers are far more likely to remember and share video content.
4. Customers Are Your Best Advertisers
Word-of-mouth is still one of the best marketing tools available to businesses.
65% of small businesses consider customer referrals their best source for customer acquisition.
Encouraging satisfied customers to share their experiences can lead to new business opportunities. Actively managing online reviews and testimonials can build credibility and attract potential customers to your business.
- You can create customer testimonials where customers can share their experiences with your business. You can post to social media and that’s a great way for potential customers to see a positive experience with your business from real people.
- Engaging with online reviews and asking questions makes your business seem more approachable.
- You can give discounts or special deals to those who refer someone to your business.
- Creating a positive experience for your customers will inevitably bring more people to you. Word-of-mouth is a very powerful marketing tool!
5. Mover Marketing
Targeting new movers is a smart strategy to use in your business.
These consumers are actively seeking local services and brands to trust. Getting to new movers early is a great way to reach your local community and have immediate recognition from your brand.
Here are five tips to effectively reach and engage them:
- Use up-to-date mover data from trusted platforms to identify new residents in your area as soon as they arrive.
- Create exclusive discounts or welcome packages tailored to new movers to make a memorable first impression.
- Run hyper-local campaigns on social media and search engines to appear in front of movers searching for nearby options.
- Collaborate with agents, apartment communities, or moving companies to introduce your business early in the relocation process.
- Stay top-of-mind with a series of helpful, well-timed emails that offer tips, resources, and incentives.
Conclusion
Navigating 2025 as a small business requires you to be adaptable, innovative, and have an understanding of your customers.
Implementing these strategies will not only help you thrive in the current landscape but also prepare you for future challenges and opportunities. Keep these things in mind when thinking about your own business, and what best practices you should be using to stay ahead in 2025.
Marketing Solutions
For further ideas and marketing solutions, contact Welcome Wagon!
Founded in 1928 to welcome new movers to their community, Welcome Wagon is committed to connecting your business with new homeowners through online and offline channels.
