From experimenting with AI to deepening their connection to local communities, small business owners and consumers weigh in on what they want from the next 12 months.
Looking ahead
Consumers want more
Community
Connection
Collaboration
Future focus
part. 5
What’s next for small businesses?
Your go-to guide for mastering the art of small business in 2025
We partnered with Wix to survey 1,000 small business owners and 1,000 consumers across the US to understand how they’re navigating the ups and downs of the last 12 months, what marketing strategies are working and why, and what they’re planning for the year ahead.
Looking ahead
Consumers want more
Community
Connection
Collaboration
No matter which way you slice it, consumers are looking for businesses to lean into their local communities more.
63
want to see more support for community issues & events
Collaborations with other local businesses can increase your reach (for both of you!) and deepen your community relationships.
55
want more collaborations with other small businesses
55
would like to see small businesses grow their online presence
Don’t neglect your website or socials, as consumers want to connect with you there!
More than just quirky images
The impact of AI in marketing
Whether it’s an indispensable tool or an expensive distraction, artificial intelligence is now more ubiquitous than ever, and small businesses are experimenting with ways it can boost their marketing efforts.
55
have used AI tools
of those are using it regularly
26
45
are not using AI tools
29
of those intend to try it in the future!
Surprisingly, the least-reported use was support with admin tasks, implying that SBOs are most interested in AI's creative abilities.
SBOs are AI-inclined, and here are the top three ways AI's supporting them:
55
%
Are personalizing their marketing
50
%
Are saving time on marketing tasks
49
%
Are automating content
81% of small businesses plan to invest more in their marketing in the next 12 months
How do you plan
to grow?
More online marketing
Going all-out on digital. 51% plan to grow their online presence specifically.
More traditional marketing
Keeping it IRL. 49% plan to focus on their local “offline” presence this year.
Launch a new product or service
48% feel confident in their ability to expand and grow. It’s great to see small business owners with ambitious plans!
Business as usual
31% said they had no big changes planned for the next 12 months. Keeping things steady is always an option.
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