It is, in fact, important to maintain your tone of voice, speak to your audience and think of Ai as a companion rather than a factotum!
2. Voice Search Optimisation: Prepare for the Shift in Search Behaviour
With the rise of voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s Siri, more consumers are conducting searches using voice commands. This trend is particularly prominent in countries like China and Singapore.
By 2025, it’s estimated that over half of all internet searches will be voice-based, changing the SEO landscape and requiring businesses to adapt their content strategies.
How SMEs Can Maximise This:
Optimise for conversational keywords: Voice queries tend to be more conversational and longer than traditional typed searches.
Structure your content to answer common questions: Implement FAQ sections and local SEO strategies to appear in voice search results.
3. Video Marketing: Short-Form Content from Long-Form Content
Video continues to dominate the marketing landscape, with short-form content—such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts—leading the charge. Short, engaging videos are more likely to capture attention and are easily shareable across social media platforms, providing SMEs with a cost-effective way to build brand awareness.
How SMEs Can Maximise This:
Create long-form content that can be edited and repurposed into short-form content.
Utilise short-form content created by nano- and micro-influencers to reach a more engaged audience.
Encourage user-generated content to increase reputation and authenticity, focusing on visibility and reputation rather than direct sales.
4. Data Privacy and Zero-Party Data: Building Trust through Transparency
As data privacy concerns rise and regulations like GDPR continue to tighten, businesses need to rethink how they collect and use customer data. The shift towards zero-party data—data that customers intentionally and proactively share with brands—is gaining momentum. This approach fosters trust while providing valuable insights directly from consumers.
How SMEs Can Maximise This:
Create interactive content such as quizzes, polls, and surveys that allow customers to voluntarily share their preferences and opinions.
Host events where you can share your expertise and reach new contacts, increasing your first-party data.
Be transparent about data use: Communicate how customer data will be used and ensure compliance with privacy regulations to build trust and avoid penalties.
Zero-party data enhances customer trust and provides businesses with actionable insights to deliver more personalised marketing experiences.
Future-Proof Your Marketing Strategy with us
The marketing landscape in 2025 and beyond will be defined by personalisation, interactivity, and trust. SMEs that embrace AI-driven tools, optimise for new search behaviours and leverage emerging platforms like short-form video and influencer marketing will have a competitive edge. However, with new opportunities come new challenges, particularly in data privacy and regulation.
NorthStar Consulting’s network of marketing analytics professionals is ready to help SMEs navigate these challenges.
By tapping into our expertise in AI, marketing automation, and digital strategy, your business can implement forward-thinking marketing initiatives that drive growth, foster customer loyalty, and build long-term success.
Whether you need help optimising for voice search, implementing an AI-powered marketing strategy, or managing your online reputation, NorthStar Consulting is your partner in making the most of the evolving marketing landscape.
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Let us help you stay ahead of the curve! Get in touch today.
