Marketing trends in 2025: challenged, creative, and (still) full of hope

The Marketing Meet Up - state of marketing 2025 report

A recent report by The Marketing Meetup, based on responses from over 1,000 marketers (myself included), paints a vivid picture of the emotional and professional reality marketers are navigating in 2025.

The overriding feeling? "Positively challenging." A perfect summary of what it’s like to care deeply, stretch creatively, and still juggle with time pressure, unclear briefs, and rapid change.

As someone who partners with marketing leaders and growing businesses, I see these challenges up close. This report is not only insightful — it’s a clear call to action for how we support ourselves and our teams, in the face of evolving marketing trends in 2025.

What the report says:

• Marketers are under pressure: The most common daily reality? "Too much to do, not enough time." Creativity is often the first casualty, with many reporting there's simply not enough headspace to think strategically or develop fresh ideas.

• Support is stretched: Middle managers and solo marketers, in particular, report high expectations with limited backup. Stakeholder sign-off delays, vague briefs, and second-guessing are everyday hurdles.

• AI is dividing the room: Enthusiasts report greater optimism and satisfaction, while avoiders feel more anxious. Confidence with AI is emerging as a major factor in how marketers feel about their roles.

• Team size and structure matter: Mid-sized teams (6–10 people) report higher satisfaction, while solo marketers and those in very large teams feel the strain most.

• There is hope: Despite the challenges, marketers are overwhelmingly optimistic about the future of the profession. The belief in the value of marketing, and the craft behind it, is still strong.

What this means for business leaders and marketing teams:

If you lead a marketing team, or you’re a solo marketer wearing multiple hats, this report highlights the value of investing in clarity, support, and structure. The challenges aren’t about talent or ambition — they’re about capacity, communication, and clear decision-making.

Where Your Marketing Partner UK comes in:

I set up YMP to provide flexible marketing support to businesses who don’t have the time, capacity or headspace to do it all. That might mean:

• Acting as a sounding board for marketing leads who are spread too thin

• Bringing fresh perspective and clarity to strategy

• Helping small teams prioritise and communicate effectively

• Translating marketing ambition into practical action plans

You don’t need more complexity — you need more breathing space. And that’s what I aim to create.

If your marketing feels overwhelming, but you're still optimistic about where you’re headed, you’re not alone. The challenge is real. But with the right kind of support, it doesn’t have to feel so hard.

Let’s keep moving forward — simply, clearly, and together.

Get in touch and find out how I can help.