Hello, 2025: 6 Fresh Questions Our Clients Are Asking

As we usher in the new year, the conversations in our client meetings are changing, clueing us into current and upcoming digital marketing trends. From evolving AI capabilities to changing consumer search behaviors, these six questions signal what’s ahead, as we step into 2025.

Digital Marketing Trends: 6 Questions Leading the Conversation

Digital marketing trends are always changing. But these questions from our clients paint a clearer picture of where the industry is heading:

1. Should we start advertising on Reddit?

The buzz around Reddit ads is growing, and for good reason. While Meta feels increasingly saturated, Reddit offers something different: real conversations with highly engaged users who are actively seeking out specific topics, products, and industries. As The State of (Dis)Content report shows, audiences are looking for authentic content–and this includes Reddit.

Far from a flash-in-the-pan digital marketing trend, Reddit has transformed from being the platform that made marketers nervous to the one they’re excited about. Recent updates have made advertising much more user-friendly with better targeting options. Plus, Reddit users aren’t just scrolling mindlessly–they’re researching, discussing, and making informed decisions.

Interested in trying Reddit ads? Here’s what to consider:

• Choose your targeting approach: interests, communities, or conversations.
• Test different ad formats like images, videos, and carousels to see what performs best.
• Keep your ad copy casual and authentic to match Reddit’s style.
• Start with a small budget to test and optimize before scaling up.

2. Will ChatGPT search replace Google search?

The launch of ChatGPT’s search capabilities has sparked new conversations about the future of search engine optimization. While Google remains the dominant search engine, ChatGPT’s ability to search real-time web content and provide synthesized, informal answers is changing how people look for information.

Unlike Google search, AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini approach search differently. Instead of presenting a list of links, they analyze multiple sources to provide comprehensive answers, often pulling from various websites. This means businesses need to think beyond traditional SEO and consider how their content can stand out within a larger conversation.

Want to get noticed in ChatGPT search? If you’ve been working on SEO, then you’re already on the right track. Try this:

• Focus on creating thorough, authoritative content that answers specific questions.
• Structure your content with clear headings and organized information for easy parsing.
• Include factual, up-to-date information that AI can reference confidently.
• Maintain strong E-E-A-T signals to establish content credibility.

3. Is Bing worth our attention now that it has ChatGPT?

With its integration of AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, Bing search should be taken more seriously. This addition makes Bing a more competitive search platform, offering smarter, more conversational search results and enhancing user experience. And with less competition than Google Ads, Bing can provide a cost-effective way to get in front of potential customers.

To get the most out of Bing:

• Sign up for Bing Webmaster Tools to check if your audience actively searches on Bing.
• Set up Bing Ads with specific, long-tail keywords to capitalize on lower competition.
• Optimize content for Bing’s preferences, such as local SEO and structured data.
• Create conversational content that aligns with ChatGPT, answering common questions.

4. Can AI content still rank well?

Then there’s the discussion around AI content and search engines. While early concerns focused on AI detection, Google’s recent guidelines shifted the focus to quality and value. It’s not about whether content is AI-assisted but how it’s used. Successful businesses are taking a hybrid approach, harnessing AI as a content tool while adding in a human touch.

To see success in AI content creation:

• Start with AI as a research and outline tool, then add human expertise.
• Focus on bringing unique insights and real experiences to your content.
• Review and fact-check all AI suggestions thoroughly.
• Use AI to scale successful pieces of content while maintaining quality standards.

5. Do we need to get on TikTok?

Whether your business needs to be on TikTok depends on your target audience, marketing goals, and the potential TikTok ban. TikTok is effective for reaching younger audiences and showcasing your business’s fun, creative, or relatable side. If your ideal customers spend time on TikTok, the platform offers a great way to boost visibility and build a community.

But if your audience is elsewhere, or TikTok’s style doesn’t quite fit your brand, it makes more sense to create content for platforms that align better with your goals. The key is to meet your customers where they are.

Want to add TikTok to your marketing strategy? Start here:

• Define your goals, like increasing brand awareness or engaging your audience.
• Research trends and hashtags that are popular with your target customers.
• Create raw, unpolished videos that will hook and grab the attention of your audience.
• Once you’re comfortable, explore TikTok ads to reach more people.

6. Where else besides Google can we get organic search traffic?

Currently, a significant chunk of search traffic is going to major websites, like YouTube and Google. Diversifying organic traffic sources has never been more important. Users are turning to Reddit/Quora for discussions, YouTube for visual content, and LinkedIn for professional topics. Each platform offers opportunities to reach audiences who might never find you through search.

If you’re looking for organic search alternatives, here are several options:

• YouTube: Create searchable video content with detailed descriptions and transcripts.
• Reddit: Build authority by answering industry questions and sharing insights.
• LinkedIn: Post thought leadership content and leverage article publishing.
• Industry Forums: Participate in niche communities where your audience is active.

Out of all these questions, it looks like diversification is on everyone’s minds this year. Whether it’s exploring new platforms like Reddit, adapting to AI search tools, or finding alternative sources for organic traffic, businesses are looking beyond traditional channels. This shift isn’t just about mitigating risk–it’s about reaching audiences where they’re most engaged.

You have questions, Explore Digital has answers. Wondering how AI can enhance your content creation? Not sure if your SEO needs a refresh? Ready to explore new social channels? Explore Digital is here to guide you through today’s digital marketing trends and create a strategy tailored to your business. Schedule your discovery call now.