Navigating 2025: Key Insights from the Latest Small Business Now Report

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We know running a small business these days can feel unpredictable. Between the ever-changing economic landscape, the ups and downs of customer trends, and the constant need to adapt, it’s a lot to juggle. But guess what? You’re not alone, and you're definitely not just surviving – you're figuring it out and thriving!

We recently released our latest Small Business Now Report: Growth in Motion, and we wanted to share some key takeaways that could really help you as we move through 2025. This report dives into how recently founded businesses (those less than five-years-old) across Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US are navigating today's challenges and preparing for the future. We surveyed over 1,600 of these “new SMBs” and here’s what we found.

Optimism with a Dose of Reality

It's no surprise that entrepreneurs are a hopeful bunch! Most of you got into this to be your own boss, find better work-life balance, or pursue your financial dreams. And despite the bumps in the road, most of you said you'd do it all over again. That's amazing!

But there’s also a strong sense of realism. Nearly half of you believe your business will grow this year, but over half are also feeling a bit uncertain due to external factors like economic and political shifts. It's a mix of “Let’s do this!” and “Let’s be smart about this.” 

For example, Canadian SMBs are particularly concerned about economic factors, while UK businesses felt starting up was tough. In Australia and New Zealand, there's a strong current of innovation and excitement about new tech. 

It’s a global picture with regional nuances, but the common thread is resilience.

Beyond the Social Media Bubble

Click to download the report.We all know social media is a go-to starting point, right? It's where you build your initial buzz. And 63% of new SMBs are using it as their main marketing channel. But here’s the thing: relying solely on social media isn’t enough anymore. 

Algorithms change, ad costs fluctuate, and organic reach can be unpredictable. Many of you are realizing that diversifying your marketing is key.

A whopping 33% of you see email marketing as underutilized, and only 15% are using SMS/text marketing, even though it has the highest engagement rates! 

The big takeaway here? Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Balance your social media with owned channels like email. This lets you speak directly to your customers and build lasting relationships.

Tech and AI: Your Secret Weapon

Technology is no longer a “nice-to-have” – it’s essential. A massive 91% of new business owners agree that technology has been crucial to their success. And with the rise of AI, things are getting even more exciting. 72% of you plan to use AI for marketing in 2025.

How? Many of you are looking at AI for content creation, analyzing customer data, and personalizing marketing messages. Think of it as having a super-smart assistant that helps you make better decisions and save time. 

It’s not just a buzzword; it’s a game-changer. Those who leverage AI effectively are seeing a real competitive edge.

Your 2025 Action Plan

So, what does all this mean for you? Here’s a quick action plan:

• Focus on Relationships: It’s not just about getting new customers – it’s about keeping the ones you have. Create personalized experiences, offer loyalty programs, and make your customers feel valued.
• Mix Up Your Marketing: Social media is great, but explore email and SMS too. These channels help you stay connected and build a more well-rounded strategy. Visit the Marketing Strategies page for helpful, actionable information for different channels.
• Embrace Tech and AI: These tools can automate tasks, personalize your marketing, and analyze data, helping you work smarter, not harder. Use the AI Content Generator to write email, landing page, social, and SMS content for you or create a whole multi-channel marketing campaign with Campaign Builder.

Running a small business is a journey, but you’re not alone. By staying flexible, being proactive, and making smart choices, you can navigate whatever 2025 throws your way.

Want to dive deeper? Check out the full Small Business Now: Growth in Motion report for even more insights. 

Keep pushing forward, and let’s make 2025 amazing!