Top marketing trends in manufacturing in 2025
The manufacturing and industrial industries are at an uncomfortable crossroads. Manufacturers are bracing for disruption as the world comes to terms with the growing influence of artificial intelligence, the importance of improving sustainability and the need to build resilience on both sides of the supply chain in the face of political and societal uncertainty.
Change can also be felt on the manufacturing floor as 3D printing becomes more reliable and cost-effective, and emerging trends in IoT equipment and data-driven maintenance reshape labour distribution and processes.
Similarly, the marketing departments in industrial/manufacturing companies are coping with a new wave of digital transformation. Automation and artificial intelligence have opened new doors and created exciting, cost-effective B2B marketing solutions. New trends are emerging; marketers take note.
Here are the marketing trends in the industrial/manufacturing sector MHz Design sees rising to the top in 2025.
If you would like to learn more about any of the concepts listed below, contact us or simply call 416.626.1777 and we would be happy to consult with you on the tools best suited to your business.
Generative AI
Without question, generative AI (gen AI) has been the biggest game-changer to hit the marketing industry within the past couple of years. ChatGPT, the top name in gen AI, is now a household name; over 80% of Fortune 500 enterprises integrated ChatGPT into their workflows within nine months of its launch in November 2022.
You can leverage ChatGPT (or another chatbot platform like Microsoft Copilot or Google Gemini) to help write sales emails, create outlines for presentations, generate code, provide data analysis, even automate certain repetitive tasks. If you want to get caught up quickly on the gen AI trend, contact us now or call 416.626.1777.
Given that AI is at the top of every marketer’s mind, MHz Design has been publishing a series of Insights articles that dig deeper into the topic. Visit our Insights blog page now to learn more and fill out our contact form to receive new articles and updates hot off the digital press.
Video
Video consumption is at an all-time high. Over 2.7 billion people use YouTube every month, making it the second largest search engine in the world after Google.
Perhaps even more impressive, a staggering 96% of people have watched an explainer video to learn more about a product or service. Do you have a product or service that could be better promoted with an explainer video? The stats say this tactic will get you lots of honest eyeballs while promoting your thought leadership and augmenting your SEO.
Other ways to use video as part of your marketing strategy in 2025: product demos, buyer testimonials, behind-the-scenes footage of your manufacturing processes, even quick interviews with your team. At MHz Design, we have a long and successful history of enhancing the customer experience through optimized and engaging video for brands of all stripes. Experience has also taught us that video can take your social media engagement metrics to new heights. Ask about our video production capabilities today.
Personalization
Thanks to technologies like automation and gen AI, personalization is easier than ever. And it works. According to the Harvard Business Review, companies that used personalization in their marketing enjoyed revenue growth of between 6% to 10%.
To set up a personalization campaign, analyze your customer data (with help from gen AI if you wish) to create profiles and predict user preferences. Then create and deliver curated content that will appeal to each customer set. You can even use Google Analytics to get insights into each target’s unique challenges, needs and preferences. This process, also referred to as segmentation, will make your clients and prospects feel better listened to and valued.
Account-based marketing (ABM)
While personalization is one of today’s biggest marketing trends, account-based marketing (ABM) is the more apt buzzword in B2B sectors such as manufacturing. ABM involves developing customized marketing strategies for individual high-worth accounts. This strategy requires a deeper understanding of each target account and their unique needs, preferences and processes.
As you know, it takes a lot more time and resources to get a new account than to grow an existing one. An optimized ABM strategy, supported by efficiencies in automation and AI, will almost certainly help your manufacturing business grow organically in today’s competitive landscape.
Content marketing
Content marketing has been one of the tried-and-true tactics for the manufacturing and industrial industries for at least a decade. Expect the emphasis on content marketing and an overall thought-leadership positioning to get even stronger in 2025.
Though leadership is arguably even more important in B2B than B2C. Manufacturers must position themselves as innovators by producing high-quality and insightful content in both video and text to add value to the clients they serve and attract new business.
Chatbots
While human connections still come first in B2B sales and support, chatbots are gaining in popularity and are effective in handling a number of customer service inquiries.
AI-powered chatbots can now manage many facets of technical support, streamline the buyer’s journey, drive conversions and simplify the overall account experience. It’s 2025. Now’s the time to embrace the chatbot trend and meet the evolving expectations of your marketplace.
Mobile marketing optimization
Today, mobile phones account for over 60% of global internet traffic. As a manufacturing or industrial-based business, you doubtless have key contacts who are on the road and on their mobile device most of the time. It’s essential that all your marketing efforts stay with the times and that your content is mobile-friendly.
Are your websites and emails created with responsive design best practices? Responsive design ensures your digital communications look good and load quickly on all devices. If you’re unsure whether you’re using responsive design, contact us today.
Lead the way in 2025
If your organization is already incorporating many of the trends listed above, good for you; industrial and manufacturing companies have historically been late adopters so you’re far ahead of the curve. If not, let’s connect.
We realize that acting on new trends isn’t always easy as you step into the unknown. One reason B2B businesses like yours are slow to adapt to new marketing trends is cost concerns; the great news is that many of the solutions listed above will actually save you money, time and resources, freeing up your marketing budget to explore some of the other intriguing ideas listed above.
Let’s talk about how we can help you embrace today’s latest trends in industrial and manufacturing marketing. Contact MHz Design online or call 416.626.1777 today.
Angelo Perri is the founder and CEO of MHZ Design Communications, a customer engagement agency located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Connect on Linkedin.
