Marketing on Monday: Three Tools to Accelerate Your Success in 2025

Lots of people, particularly marketers criticise AI as they feel threatened by it but as we look ahead to 2025, there’s no doubt that automation, artificial intelligence, and streamlined processes will continue to transform the way we do business.

Lots of my connections and clients are small business owners or micro-organisation owners and for them, the right tools can help save time, reduce costs, and scale your marketing efforts.

I thought I'd written my last Marketing on Monday article for 2024 but alas, I couldn't resist. This week, I’m sharing three recommendations that I believe will be game-changers for business owners keen to make the most of modern technology.

1. A Comprehensive CRM System

Yes, I'm beating this drum again... and of course, I am biased but at the heart of every successful business is great customer relationship management (CRM). In 2025, I anticipate even more sophisticated CRM options, but you don’t need to wait for something entirely new. Tools like HubSpot, Zoho, or Salesforce already offer powerful solutions for managing your sales funnel, storing contact information, and automating follow-ups. A reliable CRM system helps ensure you keep track of prospects and existing clients without relying on sticky notes or spreadsheets. If anyone wants to talk CRMs or even see how I use mine (TomCRM) then I'm happy to chat.

• Automated Sales Processes: With the right CRM, you can set up automated email sequences triggered by specific customer actions, so you never miss a chance to nurture leads.
• Data-Driven Insights: Real-time analytics mean you can pinpoint what’s working (and what isn’t) in your marketing campaigns and adjust quickly.
• Seamless Integration: Modern CRMs link up with your website, social media, and accounting tools, saving valuable time and eliminating manual data entry.

If you’re new to CRM platforms, start with one that’s user-friendly and that can grow as your business does. Training your team early will maximise its potential and help them adapt to the new processes.

2. AI Content Generation

Here is what scares a lot of marketers. Those that are scared, in my opinion aren't particularly progressive, or maybe don't have their clients best interests at heart. With artificial intelligence advancing at an impressive rate, AI-powered content generation has become an essential asset in many marketing strategies. Tools such as ChatGPT, Jasper, or similar platforms can help you draft social media posts, emails, and even more substantial pieces like blog articles. Of course they won't be perfect but they'll give you great foundations. Here's why:

• Save Time: Let the AI handle first drafts for recurring tasks such as blog intros, FAQs, or product descriptions, freeing you up for higher-level strategic decisions.
• Consistency and Quality: AI-powered writing tools can help maintain a consistent tone of voice and brand messaging, especially when integrated across your organisation.
• Idea Generation: Stuck for content ideas? AI can suggest new angles, topics, or headlines based on trending keywords and your existing content performance.

Of course, always add your personal or professional polish. AI is a tool, not a replacement for genuine human insight and expertise. Editing, fact-checking, and adding personality will ensure your final output resonates with your audience. The key here is also to remember - you get out what you put in, so if you feed the AI engines more information and a decent brief, you'll get better results.

3. Automation Platforms and Integrations

Finally, let’s talk about automation—connecting all your favourite apps and tools so they work together seamlessly. Platforms like Zapier, can build “bridges” between different software solutions without a single line of code.

• Automated Data Transfer: For instance, if someone fills out a form on your website, you can automatically add their details to your CRM, notify your sales team, and send a personalised email.
• Workflow Efficiency: From lead generation to invoicing, these connectors slash repetitive tasks and keep information consistent across systems.
• Scalability: As your business grows, so can the complexity of your automations. What starts as a simple “if X happens, do Y” can expand to multi-step processes that coordinate entire departments.

Before diving in, identify the tasks you currently perform repeatedly or that slow your workflow. Then map out your desired process flow so you can build automations that make day-to-day operations faster, easier, and more effective. I liken this to the ￡10,￡100, and ￡1000 tasks. Automate all of those ￡10 tasks!!

Start Embracing the Future Now

These three tools—a robust CRM, AI content generation, and automation platforms—offer your business the potential to save time, reduce costs, and maximise your marketing reach in 2025. Of course, technology alone isn’t a magic wand. To truly accelerate your success, combine these tools with a thoughtful strategy, consistent branding, and a human touch, and a power team that sets you apart from the competition.

Perhaps start small with just one: set up a simple automated workflow to free up your time, or experiment with AI to generate your next batch of social media posts. Little by little, you’ll find the right balance of automation and personal engagement for your business.

Happy New Year from me!