Ads annoy more than privacy breaches

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5 Marketing Trends You Did Not See Coming
Insights from Stacked Marketer

Big platforms and bold ad budgets usually dominate trend reports, but 2025 is shaping up with subtler shifts you’ll want to watch. Here are five overlooked trends shaping modern marketing:

1️⃣ Ads Are More Annoying Than Insecure Platforms:
Users now find intrusive ads more frustrating than privacy or security threats. Mobile leads the irritation index, followed by desktop. Instead of fighting it, adapt: native, non-disruptive ads and high-quality storytelling on Connected TV are the way forward.

2️⃣ Brands Are Wary of Social Media:
More than 50% of companies say social media is a brand risk, largely due to controversial content. But it’s still too powerful to ignore. The workaround? Lean into influencer partnerships and micro-communities where trust is stronger and context is safer.

3️⃣ Experience Is the New Marketing Currency:
B2B and B2C brands alike are embracing experiential marketing. For B2B, think live demos and interactive webinars. B2C? Try immersive pop-ups or AR campaigns. Engagement is replacing exposure, and the brands that build connections will win.

4️⃣ AI Has Officially Moved In:
More marketers are now using Gen AI to write business cases, draft a strategy, and analyze performance. It’s no longer optional. The key is integrating AI into your planning, not just execution—let it shape how you think, not just what you write.

5️⃣ Budgets Are Still Under Pressure:
Thirty percent of marketers say shrinking budgets are their biggest concern. The solution? Focus efforts on proven channels, trim complexity, and invest in tools that help you do more with less.

The Takeaway
2025 is not just about scaling spend, it’s about smarter choices. Give users better experiences, humanize your approach, and use AI to work leaner and faster. You're set for a strong year if you can juggle creativity and constraints.

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