Stop playing it safe: 5 bold marketing moves for 2025

Playing it safe won’t cut it in today’s fast-paced marketing world. The rise of the creator economy is reshaping how brands connect with audiences. According to Linqia’s State of Influencer Marketing Report, 88% of marketers increased their influencer marketing budgets in 2024, and 28% spent more than $5 million. Insights from the American Marketing Association (AMA)’s Social Media and Influencer Marketing Conference confirmed what we already knew at Pierce PR: the brands that win are bold, fast and purposeful.

Our team is always tracking emerging trends, and this year’s Social Media and Influencer Marketing Conference gave us plenty to talk about. Below, we’re sharing our learnings with you; if you want to break through in 2025, revamp your approach with these five marketing moves:

1. Implement long-term strategies over individual campaigns

Isolated campaigns with short lifespans are limiting. Build a long-term content strategy for every channel, including social media, newsletters and earned media placements. Connected content ecosystems keep your brand visible and relevant long after a campaign ends and help identify areas to plug in outside expertise. At Pierce PR, we help clients create narratives that strengthen their brands over time, ensuring their message stays top-of-mind.

2. Prioritize action over perfection

Perfection can be a speed bump when it comes to maintaining an online presence. In today’s dynamic digital landscape, it’s better to be part of the conversation than risk being left out while trying to come up with the “perfect” response. This doesn’t mean teams should sacrifice accuracy — they just need a trusted partner to help deliver timely (and proofed) content. We help clients find their lane, lean into relevant trends and embrace opportunities to engage authentically while staying true to their brand voice.

3. Humanize stories, spark engagement

“Good enough” content won’t break through the noise. Instead, craft content that evokes emotions, starts conversations (online and offline) and drives shares. Influencers aren’t just for product-based brands. They can be powerful partners in building visibility and enhancing traditional PR efforts like securing media coverage or driving event attendance. PR pros can leverage influencer-created content to humanize technical stories, boost thought leadership and create brand-defining moments that leave a lasting impact. 

4. Be unexpected (and unstoppable)

The most memorable brands show up where people least expect them, like influencer comment sections or trending social conversations. Gen Z is typically juggling three screens at once, meaning that attention is fleeting and only content that’s unexpected, bold or even a little weird can make people pay attention. Surprise your audience with unconventional content that piques curiosity and positions your brand as modern and approachable. We help our clients break free from traditional tactics, using multiple touchpoints and creative storytelling to stand out in a sea of endless posts.

5. Add value or be forgotten

Savvy audiences expect more. If your marketing doesn’t educate, entertain or solve a real problem, it will get lost. Every piece of content should provide something meaningful, whether it’s practical insights, emotional connection or a fresh perspective. One way to add value is through culture jacking, tapping into timely cultural moments or trends to make your brand part of the broader conversation. It’s the PR equivalent of newsjacking, where businesses capitalize on current events to gain relevance and visibility. At Pierce PR, we develop timely content that positions our clients as trusted leaders and use analytics to adapt our strategies, ensuring clients’ voices are part of meaningful industry conversations in real-time.

Lead, don’t follow 
Ready to take bold, creative risks that pay off? Contact us today. Our team will help your brand push boundaries with innovative, results-driven strategies that create lasting success.

Allie Clouse is an account manager at Pierce PR with expertise in content strategy.