& What You Should Pay Attention To
And just like that, it’s 2025.
We’re now as many years from 2000 as 2000 was to 1975. Is that WILD or what?!
And needless to say, styles, strategies, and trends have changed quite a bit in the last few decades. Even looking at just the last 10 years, design trends have made a huge shift.
If we’re talking fashion, we allegedly should be making the move from skinny jeans to baggy (you’ll never take our skinny jeans from us!), and wearing middle parts in our hair.
As if!
Like fashion, marketing and design have fads of their own, but you don’t need to be riding every wave. At the end of the day, your business should reflect who YOU are. And, to be honest, you really shouldn’t be making big changes year to year in terms of branding and marketing, that is ONCE you have a solid foundation.
But, who are we kidding – sometimes it’s just plain fun to look at some good, ol’ fashion inspiration.
Let’s dive into some FUN marketing and design trends we expect to see in 2025 that you may want to work into your small business marketing and branding for the new year.
Design Trends
1. Color(s) of the Year
We designers and creatives anxiously anticipate the announcement of the Pantone Color of the Year each year. Not because we feel like we have to jump on board, but simply because we love seeing new inspiration derived from just a single color. It’s a lot of fun!
This year, Pantone chose Mocha Mousse. As neutral color lovers, we love this chocolatey brown.
But, Pantone isn’t the only place to draw design trend color inspiration from!
Several brands released their colors of the year. Scroll through this article from House Beautiful for some inspiration for your own 2025 small business marketing.
2. The Rise of the Serif
In recent years, sans serif fonts have been seen as modern, sleek, and impactful.
Well, the tables are turning in 2025!
Serif is BACK! Here at Oakes Creative House, we love all fonts, but we’re particularly fond of a good serif font. We have one in our brand! Serifs can be so much fun.
There’s a common misconception that serifs have to look formal and like Times New Roman. Not true! There are SO many types of serif fonts, and you can really capture any vibe with at least one of them.
In terms of design trends, the rise of serifs is a big deal. We’re moving away from the oversimplification of design, and we’re excited to see people step into their individuality and authenticity.
Speaking of authenticity…
3. Authenticity in Headshots
This trend is twofold!
For one, we’ve seen some experimentation with the AI headshot creator tools. As fun as it is to experiment with those tools, we can tell if your headshot was made with AI, which means your customers can tell as well.
Audiences want to connect with real people. They want to feel like they know the people on the other side to some degree.
That being said, there’s also been a move away from stiff, super professional headshots. People feel more comfortable with and welcomed by people who look like their authentic selves. You can still be dressed up and wearing a suit while also showing your individual personality.
Read more about headshot trends in this LinkedIn article from Annett Meyer.
Marketing Trends
Some marketing trends are important year after year. Others are a sign of the times and pop up as technology changes and develops.
Here’s what we predict to be “in” marketing trends in 2025 ⬇️
1. Leading with Strategy
It’s 2025. We now know enough about social media, websites, email newsletters and other marketing tactics and tools to put them in a process.
Gone are the days of throwing pasta at the wall and hoping it sticks!
Anyone who’s anyone in the small business marketing world now leads with a strategy. They know what they’re doing, why and how much they’re spending on it. We’re building websites before social media profiles. We’re establishing brands and brand voices before running ads. We’re taking confident, purposeful steps!
2. Maximizing AI (with Caution)
In many ways, 2024 has felt like the year of AI.
We had a big boom at the end of 2023 into the beginning of 2024. Now that the dust has settled (for now) we know how to use AI in a way that increases efficiency in our small business marketing.
We’re using custom ChatGPTs (ask us about that!), asking for inspiration (NOT final products), and integrating AI tools into workflows to save time without losing the human touch. But we’re cautious, too—AI is a tool, not a replacement. It’s all about balancing innovation with intentionality.
If you’re not integrating some sort of AI into your process at this point, it’s probably good to start talking about it.
Your revenue increases when your clients increase when your impressions increase when your marketing increases… you get the point. Try to understand what you changed in your business for your analytics to change as they did.
3. In-Person Connection
The digital space is powerful, but in-person connections? They’re irreplaceable.
In 2025, small businesses are doubling down on creating real-life connections. Networking events, workshops, pop-ups, and face-to-face interactions are where the magic happens. When people can shake your hand, see your products in person, or hear your story in real time, it builds trust that no amount of digital marketing can replicate.
In-person marketing isn’t about scale; it’s about depth. And those authentic relationships often lead to loyal customers who become your best advocates. Start brainstorming ways to bring in-person connection back into your small business marketing!
4. Getting On-Camera
If there’s one skill small business owners need to master in 2025, it’s getting comfortable on camera. And we KNOW that it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.
Even so, video is still queen in the marketing world, and it’s here to stay for quite awhile. Whether it’s a quick Instagram Reel, a polished YouTube tutorial, or a heartfelt live stream, video content builds trust, engagement, and authority.
You don’t always need to be made up, and not every detail needs to be perfect. People LOVE authentic content, and like to know who they’re buying from. Start small, be yourself, and remember—it gets easier every time you hit record.
5. Content First, Design Second
In the marketing world, substance beats flash every time.
In 2025, we’re seeing more businesses prioritize their content—stories, messaging, and value—over flashy design. Because the truth is, even the most beautiful website or social media post falls flat without compelling, strategic content behind it.
That isn’t to say design isn’t strategic and important. It SO is, and it’s fun to play with design trends. It’s just important to remember that simply designing something fun doesn’t mean it’s working for your business.
Start with what you want to say and who you want to reach. Once your content is strong, use design as the catalyst for your content. Content first ensures your message resonates; design second makes it shine.
We’re calling 2025 the year of strategy and authenticity!
We’re using colors that resonate with our audience. We’re marketing with a plan. We’re stepping out of our comfort zone to market with purpose.
We hope these marketing trends excite you as we enter into a new year. If you’re interested in learning more about what people predict for 2025, check out the following articles. Many of us are on the same page! 😉
Marketing & Design Trends
- Digital Marketing Trends For 2025 And Beyond (Forbes)
- Top 10 graphic design trends to experiment with in 2025 (VistaPrint)
And of course, if you’re interested in working with us and learning more about what we can do to help you in 2025, schedule a discovery call. We can’t wait to work with you!
