The Digital Marketing & AI Trends Every Kiwi Business Should Watch in 2025

Contributor Phil Robinson. Partner, Founder + CE

January 7th, 2025

2025 is here. So is this the future we’ve all been waiting for? What are the Digital Marketing Trends for 2025? And should we follow trends or should we be Trend Setters? Like anything, trends are merely guides or options to think about, whether that’s Web Design Trends in Christchurch, or TikTok Trends 2025

Well, either way, at Back9, we have seen Artificial Intelligence (AI) become as common as coffee in a Kiwi office. And digital marketing is evolving faster than your favourite barista can whip up a flat white on a busy morning. This means for businesses in New Zealand, staying ahead of these trends isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for survival and growth.

But here’s the kicker: embracing or creating any digital marketing trends without a commitment to continuous website improvements is like tuning a car engine but never rotating the tyres. Growth-Driven Design (GDD) is the secret sauce that ties it all together, ensuring your digital presence isn’t just reactive but constantly improving.

So, let’s dive into the digital marketing and AI trends shaping the year, coupled with why GDD should be at the heart of your strategy.

1. AI-Powered Content Creation: Work Smarter, Not Harde

Gone are the days when writing blogs or crafting social media posts took hours. AI tools like ChatGPT and Jasper are now capable of generating high-quality, engaging content in minutes. But here’s the catch—it’s not about letting AI do all the work. Instead, think of it as your co-pilot.

Why it matters for NZ businesses:

Save time: Your marketing team can focus on strategy rather than endless copywriting.
Personalisation: AI tools can analyse audience data to create hyper-relevant content.

When integrated with Growth Driven Design (GDD), your AI-driven content doesn’t just sit on your website. It’s tested, analysed, and refined over time to see what resonates most with your audience.

2. Voice Search and Conversational AI: Your New Digital Front Door

“Hey Google, where’s the best pie shop in Auckland?” Sound familiar? Voice search is booming, and businesses that optimise for it will see big gains. Conversational AI tools, like chatbots, are also stepping up, offering better, more human-like customer support.

Actionable tips:

Optimise your website for voice search by using natural, conversational language.
Implement or upgrade chatbots to handle FAQs, bookings, and even product recommendations.

Through GDD, your chatbot or voice search optimisations aren’t static—they evolve based on data and user feedback, ensuring continuous improvement.

What About Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO)?

A newer subset of AI-driven marketing, Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO), focuses on creating unique, high-quality content directly optimised for search engines. Unlike traditional SEO, GEO leverages AI to dynamically generate content tailored to specific keywords and user intent in real-time. It’s like having an automated content specialist working 24/7 to keep your website competitive.

Why GEO matters:

It aligns perfectly with Growth-Driven Design principles by constantly generating and testing fresh content.
It ensures your website stays relevant in search rankings without manual updates.

For businesses ready to scale their digital presence, GEO is a tool that keeps your content strategy sharp and always improving.

3. Video Content Reigns Supreme

Short-form video content is the king of digital marketing in 2025. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are where your audience’s attention is glued. The algorithm gods of social media love video, so if you’re not investing in it, you’re leaving money on the table.

What works in NZ:

Behind-the-scenes videos showcasing your team and workplace culture.
Educational content that solves your audience’s problems.
Relatable humour. (Hint: Kiwis love a good laugh, but keep it authentic.)

GDD allows your video strategy to flourish by analysing performance metrics and refining your approach to deliver better results over time.

4. Hyper-Personalisation: It’s All About Me (Well, Your Customer)

Consumers in 2025 expect brands to know them. No, not in a creepy “I saw you bought socks last week” kind of way, but in a way that makes them feel understood. Hyper-personalisation uses AI to tailor content, offers, and experiences to individual preferences.

For Kiwi businesses:

Segment your email marketing based on customer behaviour.
Use dynamic website content that adapts to the visitor’s needs.

When paired with GDD, personalisation isn’t a one-off effort. It evolves as you learn more about your customers, ensuring every interaction feels fresh and relevant.

5. Sustainability in Marketing: Doing Good and Looking Good

Sustainability is no longer a buzzword; it’s a business imperative. Customers expect brands to walk the talk when it comes to environmental responsibility. Digital marketing can help you showcase your green efforts without sounding preachy.

How to get it right:

Highlight your sustainability initiatives in your content.
Use eco-friendly packaging for products and show it off online.

Through GDD, you can consistently highlight your sustainability efforts and adjust your messaging based on audience engagement.

6. Data Privacy: Building Trust in a Digital World

Data breaches and privacy concerns are hot topics in 2025. Customers want to know that their information is safe with you. This isn’t just a compliance issue; it’s about building trust.

Steps to take:

Be transparent about how you collect and use data.
Offer easy opt-out options for marketing communications.

With GDD, your website’s privacy practices aren’t static. They’re monitored and refined to meet evolving regulations and customer expectations.

7. Influencer Marketing: Micro is the New Macro

Influencers are still a big deal, but the focus is shifting from massive global stars to niche, local micro-influencers. These smaller-scale influencers often have highly engaged audiences and feel more authentic.

How to use this trend:

Partner with Kiwi influencers who align with your brand values.
Focus on authenticity over reach.

Through GDD, your influencer campaigns can adapt and improve based on audience interaction and campaign performance.

8. Automation in Marketing: Set It and (Almost) Forget It

Marketing automation isn’t new, but its capabilities are skyrocketing. From email campaigns to social media posting, automation tools are helping businesses streamline their efforts and focus on what truly matters—strategy and creativity.

For NZ businesses:

Use automation for repetitive tasks like scheduling posts or sending reminders.
Combine automation with analytics to fine-tune campaigns.

With GDD, automation tools are regularly evaluated and refined to ensure your processes remain effective and efficient.

9. AR and VR Experiences: Not Just for Gamers

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are finding their way into marketing. Imagine letting your customers “try on” products virtually or explore your business in an immersive way.

Real-world applications:

Virtual property tours for real estate.
AR filters for showcasing products like glasses or makeup.

GDD ensures your AR and VR experiences are continuously refined based on user feedback, keeping them engaging and effective.

Final Thoughts on Digital Marketing Trends: Growth-Driven Success in 2025

Digital marketing and AI trends in 2025 are shaping how businesses connect with their audiences. For New Zealand businesses, this means not just keeping up but leading the charge. However, trends alone won’t guarantee success. One thing we are certain of is, that your Website is the Hub of Success! Continuous improvement through Growth-Driven Design ensures your website and digital assets evolve alongside your customers and the market.

Whether it’s leveraging AI for content, embracing sustainability, or diving into short-form video, the opportunities are endless. But the real game-changer? A website that’s always improving, always growing, and always working for you.

So, roll up your sleeves, grab that flat white, and let’s get to work. The future of marketing isn’t just here—it’s evolving every day.

Now, let’s hear from you—what trends are you most excited about? Drop us a line or give us a call; we’d love to chat (over coffee, of course).