1. Making the Internet Feel Smaller
The age of hyper-focused communities is here. Businesses are narrowing their focus, catering to specific, intentional audiences. Online experiences are becoming more intimate, connecting like-minded individuals who crave genuine interaction and impact. This is why I’m doubling down on niching my business this year. Half of my efforts will now focus exclusively on helping authors elevate their personal brands to get more ROI from their books. For businesses, the takeaway is clear: going niche isn’t just a strategy—it’s the future.
2. The Reign of Short-Form Video
If you aren’t using short-form video yet, consider this your wake-up call. Video continues to dominate as the fastest way to build trust and showcase your expertise online. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts still reward creators for sharing quick, impactful stories. From behind-the-scenes moments to mini-tutorials and storytelling, video content provides an authentic connection that static posts simply can’t replicate. In 2025, showing up on video isn’t optional; it’s essential.
3. The Rise of Live Social Shopping
Think of it as the digital QVC—live shopping events are taking center stage. Again, this is nothing new for those of us who have been in the retail space for years. But in 2025, this is where a lot of the attention will be from customers and consumers alike. TikTok, despite the potential ban looming, pioneered this concept to be more “trendy” with their TikTok Shop. Live shopping offers an interactive and engaging way for retail and eCommerce brands to connect with customers in real-time. Whether you’re a small boutique or a big-box brand, live shopping offers a direct line to your audience’s wallet by blending entertainment with sales.
4. Repurposing Content: The Smartest Play in the Game
Content creators, rejoice! Repurposing isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity. People don’t remember what they had for breakfast, let alone what they saw on social media two weeks ago. Revisiting your top-performing content from 2024 and giving it a fresh spin in 2025 is a no-brainer. Change up the visuals, tweak the caption hooks, and refine the call-to-action (CTA). Not only does this strategy make content creation more enjoyable, but it also ensures consistency in your posting schedule. Repurposing is the secret to working smarter, not harder.
5. The AI Boom
AI has officially moved from niche to necessity. For me, AI is a trusted tool for three core tasks: inspiration, repurposing content, and speeding up workflows. In 2025, AI is helping creators save hours while producing polished, professional content that still feels personal. (say that 5 times fast!) However, with Meta recently removing the guardrails on their platforms, we’re entering uncharted territory. While the “Wild West” of AI unfolds, I encourage everyone to leverage this tech for good—streamlining efforts and amplifying authentic voices. I’m especially excited to explore this with authors in my Expert Excellence Engine membership, helping them create AI-supported strategies that save time while staying true to their brand.
Bonus: A Shift Away from Meta
This wasn’t on my bingo card for 2025, but it’s happening. Meta (parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and Threads) has already announced seismic changes this year. These shifts have users reevaluating whether they want to stick with Meta’s platforms or explore alternatives like BlueSky and Red Note. While it’s too soon to tell how this will play out, one thing is clear: creators and brands need to diversify their digital real estate to stay relevant. What are you seeing in your digital landscape for 2025? 2025 is shaping up to be a year of intentionality, innovation, and adaptation. Whether you’re refining your niche, leveraging video, experimenting with live shopping, or embracing AI, there’s plenty of opportunity to grow and thrive in this evolving space. What trend are you most excited to explore this year?