The Future of Brands in 2025: How to Adapt and Thrive

With only 7 weeks left in 2024, MLof Strategies has been preparing itself for 2025, looking to the future and embracing the unknown. We thought this was a good time to talk about this transitional phase and positioning yourself for success as we usher in the New Year.

This year has been revolutionary with things like AI, immersive technology, and automation advancements; these new tools and technologies have been “game changers” and are shifting the way we work daily.  In the last three months, these tools have transformed platforms like Wix and Canva; it is incredible how far they have come.

But it is also uncharted territory and a new learning curve. The rules are being rewritten, and we are their authors; it is imperative more now than ever that we learn, understand, adapt, and grow with these changes to stay ahead of the competition.

Technology for future branding in 2025

AI and automation are not a new concept; they have been around for a while, and we have been using them for quite some time. Siri

is the perfect example. But the way that we are using them, the way they are shaping our marketplaces and brands have changed.

Brands are leveraging them for everything, from-marketplace analysis to content creation, and even for educational purposes. Regardless of how you feel about AI, you must admit it is fostering a new focus that is going to push a lot of brands to new levels.

As brands continue to embrace AI, Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR) technology, there is going to be a transition with how consumers interact with brands.

We are already experiencing it: those kiosks at your favorite fast-food place, DoorDash’s scale, Costco’s new entry system-these are all signs that the virtual reality has entered the physical realm. As they become the norm, their relevance to you becomes more crucial.

While we might not like some of these changes (for instance, I hate the fast-food kiosks), there are countless others that are loved-like Amazon’s virtual ‘try it on’ feature and, one of my personal favorites, the foundation filters offered by makeup brands.  These changes are being introduced into the mainstream market at such a rapid rate that we are not comprehending how quickly this integration process is happening or how it is reshaping our consumer experience.

Sustainability & Transparency 2025

While artificial intelligence is on the rise, there is still a very

human drive in our marketplace, brands are being held accountable by consumers more now than ever. People are demanding transparency, accountability, and for brands to take responsibility for their actions.

The days of saying one thing and doing another are over, there is now a clear

expectation to practice what you preach.

This is becoming a very mainstream concept; it is not just what consumers can see-they want to know what they cannot see. For instance, sustainability practices and production transparency are on the rise.  Fair trade partnerships are driving sales and cause driven marketing has been around for decades. It has just resonated in to a new level in the younger generations, but it does not end with them.

Older generations are just as invested in this concept, but most of them are looking at it from a security perspective: Who is looking at my data, what are they doing with it, and how is it being secured? This is becoming an increasingly large issue in today’s market.

Data Collection into 2025

As we have technologically advanced, security has become a major

concern for consumers. Is my data protected?  There is a lot of uncharted territory in terms of data protection, collection, and use.  Over the next year, we could see a lot of changes in this area, as we progress and continue to evolve.

Make sure you are practicing

diligence here; keep up to date and compliant with laws and regulations as they change. Ensure your brand is taking an ethical approach to how you collect data and what you are doing with it.

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Positioning in 2025

While tech, transparency, and data will be driving forces in 2025, how you use them is what will really determine a brands position this coming year.  AI will lead personalized marketing, and I do not mean your name on a bag, but rather how consumers interact with a brand.

Incorporating AI into a tailored marketing strategy aimed at its target audience will lead this faction. Powering this push through automated systems will set many brands apart, but those that do not incorporate these elements may have a hard time keeping up.

It is not just about the experience being provided to consumers.

For a long time, brand responses have been driving their popularity and that is something that is going to continue in the years ahead.

Communication has become an increasingly key factor to brand growth and 2025 is going to be no different.

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2025 Take Away

Just like every year, 2025 will be a competitive market for brands. Yes, there are a lot of tools and resources to help brands succeed, but what will really determine success is how they utilize these tools, listen to consumer feedback, and adapt accordingly.

Going into the new year, brands should be looking to

incorporate AI, automations, and advancing tech. They should also pay attention to the feedback, adapt, and refine their strategy.

Moving forward, brands should think about the actions they take and ensure the values they hold-the ones their consumers fell in love with-are still being practiced.

Last, but certainly not least, security cannot be overlooked. Brands have an obligation to their consumers and must practice diligence- staying ahead of these policies and ensure that consumers can trust them.

Incorporating these tools and resources in your business for 2025 will keep your brand ahead of the competition and at the forefront of your industry.   Remember, for a brand to stay on top of its game, it must be adapting with the times-looking to the future, moving with it and not trying to catch up to it.

If you are trying to be at the forefront of your industry but need some help setting yourself apart or positioning your brand the way you want, we are always here to help alleviate that burden and empower your brand’s position in the marketplace.

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