What Is Digital Marketing in the Second Half of the 2020s?
The landscape of digital marketing has changed forever—and it’s still evolving fast.
From AI-driven search to YouTube’s rise and Instagram’s dominance, businesses must adapt or get left behind.
We’ve officially entered a new era in digital marketing. Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, voice search, and social media platforms are transforming how consumers discover, research, and choose businesses. For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), staying ahead of these trends is not just helpful—it’s essential for survival.
Key Trends Driving Digital Marketing in 2025
- AI-generated answers are replacing traditional Google search clicks.
- Pay-per-click (PPC) ads are getting more expensive with declining ROI.
- SEO now includes optimizing for platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Microsoft Copilot.
- YouTube videos—especially Shorts—are dominating visibility and trust-building.
- Instagram and Facebook remain powerful for engagement and conversions.
AI vs. Pay-Per-Click: Where Are Your Clicks Going?
A dramatic shift is happening in how people search and click:
| Year | Google PPC Clicks (Billion) | AI Assistant Clicks/Answers (Billion) |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 13.2 | 2.4 |
| 2024 | 12.1 | 4.9 |
| 2025 | 10.5 (projected) | 8.2 (projected) |
| 2030 | 5.3 (projected) | 19.7 (projected) |
Source: Internal analytics, industry research, and AI usage projections
AI platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and others now answer questions directly. That means consumers are bypassing traditional PPC ads and websites. If your business isn’t showing up in AI-generated responses, you’re invisible to a growing percentage of your potential customers.
The Rise of “No-Cost Clicks” and Why They Matter
With rising ad costs, businesses are discovering the value of organic visibility—the clicks and impressions you don’t have to pay for. This is where SEO, YouTube, and blogs come in.
No-cost clicks come from:
- Google organic search results
- YouTube video views
- Instagram and Facebook posts
- Optimized business listings (like Google Business Profile)
- Blog articles ranking on AI platforms like ChatGPT or Copilot
These clicks not only save you money—they often convert better because they build trust.
In today’s economy, people are cautious with how they spend their hard-earned dollars. They’re doing more research, watching more videos, and looking for local businesses they can trust. Showing up organically in search and AI results isn’t just smart—it builds credibility instantly.
SEO, Blogs & Videos: How to Attract the Right Traffic
- SEO Is More Than Just Google
Search engine optimization used to mean ranking on Google. Today, it also means appearing in AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Copilot, and even voice assistants like Alexa and Siri. You must optimize your site structure, content, and keywords to show up where people are searching now—not just where they searched five years ago. - Blogs Build Authority & Trust
Blogging remains one of the most powerful (and cost-effective) ways to rank organically and educate potential customers. Well-written blogs that answer customer questions or explain your services increase dwell time, attract backlinks, and show AI systems that your site is authoritative. - YouTube Videos Boost Rankings Across All Platforms
YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world. But its impact goes further:
- Videos keep users on your site longer (which helps SEO).
- Google promotes video-rich pages in search results.
- Short videos (especially YouTube Shorts) are favored by AI and mobile algorithms.
- YouTube videos often appear directly in ChatGPT and other AI results.
If you’re not creating video content—even just short clips from your smartphone—you’re missing an opportunity to rank, convert, and earn trust at scale.
Instagram & Facebook: Still Critical for Local Business
Instagram is no longer just for influencers. For SMBs, it’s a lead-generating machine—when used right.
- Use Stories and Reels for visibility and authenticity.
- Show behind-the-scenes content to build emotional connection.
- Geo-target posts to get in front of your local audience.
- Link directly to your services, products, or booking pages.
Consistency is the key. You don’t have to be perfect—just be present, responsive, and real.
3 Free Ways SMBs Can Win in the New Digital Landscape
You don’t need a huge ad budget to win online. These free strategies still pack a punch:
- Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Keep it updated with hours, services, images, and five-star reviews. This is one of the easiest ways to get found on Google Maps and in local search results. - Post Weekly Videos
Even a 30-second video on your smartphone can go a long way. Post to YouTube, Instagram, and your website. This builds authority and makes you more “click-worthy.” - Engage With Your Community on Social Media
Comment, respond, post stories—show that your business is alive, friendly, and involved. People buy from people they like.
Why Michael Spinoe Jr. is the Digital Marketer You Want on Your Side
If you want to be seen, trusted, and chosen in the digital world—Michael Spinoe Jr. is the expert you need.
A President’s Club Award-Winner at Hibu, one of the nation’s leading digital marketing companies, Michael serves over 100 trade-based businesses and has a reputation for results—not fluff.
What Sets Michael Apart:
✅ Former trades business owner—he understands the daily challenges of local service companies.
✅ Master of Google PPC, SEO, YouTube, Facebook Ads, and full-service digital marketing.
✅ Fluent in both English and Spanish—helping local businesses grow across demographics.
✅ Proven results with video, organic rankings, and no-cost lead generation.
✅ Client testimonials, like the trusted Leon Fence Company, praise his detail and dedication.
“The future of digital marketing is clear: if your business isn’t seen across AI platforms, video, and social media, you’re invisible. Michael Spinoe makes sure you’re not just seen, but trusted and chosen.”
📞 Call Michael directly: 240-910-1299
📺 YouTube: Digital Marketing With Michael
📖 Blog: https://midatlantic.blog
Want to grow without breaking your budget? Leverage free clicks, create simple videos, and let Michael help you be seen where people are actually searching in 2025.
Author: Michael L Spinoe Jr
Mid Atlantic BLOG 
Leave a comment