The digital marketing world is evolving at lightning speed, and 2025 is no exception. With new technologies, shifting consumer behaviours, and evolving platforms, small and medium businesses (SMBs) in Canada must stay ahead of the curve to stay competitive. From hyper-targeted personalization to AI-driven automation, businesses of all sizes are finding new ways to connect with their audience and drive growth. Whether you're a small boutique in Toronto or a bustling café in Calgary, understanding these trends can help you elevate your marketing game. Here are the top digital marketing trends for 2025 that can take your business to the next level.
1. Personalization and Hyper-Targeting
Did You Know: 81% of customers prefer companies that provide a personalized experience, and 70% say it's important when employees recognize them and understand their past interactions, like previous purchases and support history.1
Gone are the days of generic, one-size-fits-all marketing. In 2025, customers expect brands to understand their unique preferences and deliver highly personalized experiences. Thanks to data analytics, AI, and machine learning, businesses can now analyze customer data to create customized campaigns. Whether it's personalized emails, dynamic website content, or targeted social media ads, hyper-targeting helps businesses connect better with their audience, boosting satisfaction and conversions.
Pro Tip: Use customer data from your website and CRM platform to gather customer insights and tailor your messaging. Whether it's personalized email campaigns or location-based offers, the key is making your audience feel seen and valued.
2. Omnichannel Retailing
Did You Know: Studies show that 73% of shoppers use multiple channels before making a purchase.2
Customers no longer stick to a single channel when shopping—they want seamless experiences across physical stores, websites, social media, and even apps. Omnichannel retailing integrates various touchpoints, including e-commerce platforms, mobile apps, physical stores, and social media, to provide a seamless and cohesive shopping journey. Whether customers start their journey by browsing products on social media, researching further on a website, and finally making a purchase in-store, the entire experience should feel connected and intuitive.
Pro Tip: Ensure your payment processing system works effortlessly across all platforms. Moneris Total Commerce is a great solution for integrating online and offline payments.
3. Social Commerce
Did You Know: Approximately 47% of Canadians have made purchases through social media.3
Social media is no longer just for connecting with friends—it's a powerful sales channel that businesses can leverage to drive revenue. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok have evolved to include shopping features that allow users to discover and purchase products directly within the app. With brands promoting products and seamless checkout processes, social commerce shortens the path to purchase and enhances the overall shopping experience.
Pro Tip: Showcase your products through live streams and shoppable posts. Highlight local flavors or behind-the-scenes content to connect with shoppers authentically. Partnering with a payment provider like Moneris Gateway ensures smooth transactions on these platforms.
4. AI-Powered Chatbots and Virtual Assistants
Did You Know: Around 60% of customers are more likely to revisit a website with a live chat, and over 63% are more likely to buy from sites with live chat options. Plus, 38% are ready to make a purchase after a positive chat experience.4
The rise of AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants is transforming customer service and engagement. These intelligent tools can provide instant responses, handle common queries, and guide customers through their purchasing journey 24/7. Chatbots are becoming more sophisticated, using natural language processing to understand customer intent and offer personalized solutions. AI-powered bots can answer FAQs, recommend products, and even guide customers through checkout. Businesses implementing AI chatbots can improve response times, enhance customer satisfaction, and free up human resources for more complex tasks.
Pro Tip: Implement a chatbot on your website or social media platforms to answer frequently asked questions and improve response times. It’s a cost-effective way to boost engagement and streamline customer interactions.
5. Voice Search Optimization
Did You Know: Voice search is growing. It is used by approximately 58% of consumers to find a local business.5
“Hey Alexa, where can I find the best coffee near me?” With more people using voice-activated devices like smart speakers and voice assistants, businesses must optimize for voice search. Unlike text searches, voice queries are longer and more conversational, which means businesses need to adjust their SEO strategies. Creating content that sounds natural, answers common questions quickly, and works well on mobile devices is key. As voice search grows, businesses that adapt will stay ahead of the competition.
Pro Tip: Update your Google My Business listing and focus on conversational keywords like "best local bakery in Toronto" to capture voice search traffic and rank higher for voice queries.
6. Sustainable and Ethical Marketing
Did You Know: Over 80% of consumers are willing to pay a higher price for products that are sustainably produced or sourced.6
Consumers today care more about the impact of their purchases on the planet and society. Sustainable and ethical marketing means showing a brand’s commitment to eco-friendly practices, fair trade, and social responsibility. Whether it’s using green packaging or supporting important causes, businesses that align with their customers' values can build trust and loyalty. Being open and honest about sustainability efforts helps brands stand out and connect with their audience.
Pro Tip: Use recyclable packaging, partner with local charities, or highlight your sustainable efforts on social media. Authenticity is key--customers can spot greenwashing from a mile away!
7. Influencer Marketing Evolution: Micro-Influencers Take the Spotlight
Did You Know: Micro-influencers generate 60% higher engagement rates than larger influencers.7
The influencer marketing space is shifting towards micro-influencers—those with smaller, highly engaged audiences. They can drive authentic connections and better ROI. These individuals may have smaller followings, but their audiences are highly engaged and trust their recommendations. Micro-influencers often have niche communities, making them an ideal choice for businesses looking to connect with specific demographics authentically. By partnering with the right influencers, brands can enhance their credibility and reach audiences who are genuinely interested in their products or services.
Pro Tip: Collaborate with local influencers who align with your brand values. Whether it’s a fitness coach promoting your organic snacks or a mom blogger showcasing your handmade toys, the right collaboration can amplify your reach.
8. Highlighting Human Stories and Community Building
Did You Know: 68% of consumers saying that brand stories influence their purchasing decisions.8
In an increasingly digital world, consumers crave genuine human connections. People connect with stories, not sales pitches. Sharing stories and building communities can create strong emotional connections with customers. Behind-the-scenes content, customer testimonials, and employee highlights can make a brand feel more relatable and trustworthy. Being involved in local events, supporting causes, and engaging in meaningful conversations can help businesses build lasting relationships and loyal customers.
Pro Tip: Use platforms like Instagram Reels or TikTok to tell your brand story. Highlight the people behind your products or services, share community initiatives, or post customer success stories. Hashtags can help spark engagement and grow your community.
9. SEO and Content Marketing
Did You Know: 53% of all website traffic comes from organic search.9
Despite the rapid evolution of digital marketing, SEO and content marketing remain foundational to online success. High-quality, valuable content optimized for search engines helps businesses rank higher in search results and attract organic traffic. Whether it's blog posts, videos, or social media content, a well-executed content strategy that aligns with search intent can drive brand awareness and conversions. Staying updated with algorithm changes and focusing on user experience will continue to be critical for long-term success.
Pro Tip: Combine evergreen blog posts with trending topics to drive both long-term and immediate traffic. Optimize your website for speed and leverage schema markup to improve search visibility.
10. Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR)
Did You Know: Cosmetics companies have seen a 20-30% increase in conversion rates with virtual makeup try-on. Eyewear retailers report up to 40% reduction in return rates.10
AR and VR are no longer just for gamers--they’re transforming ecommerce and experiential marketing. Augmented reality (AR) allows customers to visualize products in their real environment, such as trying on clothes virtually or seeing how furniture fits in their homes. On the other hand, Virtual reality (VR), offers immersive brand experiences that transport users to virtual showrooms or events. As these technologies become more accessible, businesses can leverage them to enhance customer engagement, improve decision-making, and provide memorable experiences.
Pro Tip: Start small by incorporating AR features into your website, like virtual product try-ons or 3D product views.
Ready to Embrace 2025?
The digital marketing trends of 2025 are all about creating deeper, more meaningful connections with your audience. Whether it’s through personalized experiences, ethical practices, or the latest tech, the opportunities are endless. Remember, you don’t have to tackle it all at once—start small, experiment, and let your unique brand voice shine.
Looking for tools to power your journey? Check out Moneris blog to know more about payments and tips to grow your business.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Article filed under:
growth strategiesShare
