Feeling Like Your Digital Marketing Isn’t Working? Here’s Why Things Have Changed
Remember just a few years ago? Maybe you’d write a blog post, send out your monthly email newsletter, and post a bit on social media. For many businesses, that was enough to see some action on Google and get new leads. If you’re feeling like those days are long gone and it’s much harder (and more expensive!) to get noticed online, you’re not imagining things.
The digital marketing world, especially how Google works and what we call Search Engine Optimization (SEO), has had a major makeover since 2020.
What Changed? Google Got Smarter
Google’s main job has always been to give people the best possible answers to their search questions. To do this even better, Google has made some big updates:
- Smarter Search Brain (Algorithms): Google now really focuses on something called E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) and Helpful Content. This means it’s not just about stuffing your website with keywords anymore. Google wants to see that you truly know your stuff, that you’re a credible source, and that your content genuinely helps people by answering their questions thoroughly and providing real value.
- More Competition Than Ever: Think about it—how many more businesses are online today compared to five years ago? A lot! Everyone is trying to get those top spots in Google search results, which naturally makes it a more crowded and competitive space.
Why Yesterday’s Digital Marketing Tactics Are Falling Short in 2025
Because of these changes, some of the marketing tactics that used to be reliable don’t pack the same punch if they’re not done with today’s landscape in mind:
- Blog Posts: Simply having a blog isn’t the magic trick it once was. The internet is overflowing with articles! Today, for your blog to get noticed by Google and your customers, it needs to show off your deep knowledge, offer fresh ideas or information, and be carefully set up (optimized) to be easily understood by both people and search engines. It’s not just about a few keywords; it’s about becoming a go-to resource on your topics.
- Monthly Email Blasts: Do your generic email newsletters get lost in the sea of other emails or, worse, end up in the spam folder? You’re not alone. Getting emails delivered and opened is tougher. In 2025, effective email marketing needs to be much more personal. This means sending the right messages to the right people at the right time, offering real value in every email to keep your audience interested and build relationships.
- General Organic Social Media Posts: Posting randomly on Facebook or Instagram without a real plan is like whispering in a hurricane. Most social media platforms show your posts to fewer of your followers organically (meaning, without paying) than they used to. Each platform (like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn) works differently, and your content needs to be a good fit for that platform and what its users expect to see. Plus, people are even starting to use social media to search for things, which we’ll talk more about soon!
The truth is, digital marketing in 2025 is more complicated and competitive than it was five years ago. The old “set it and forget it” ways just don’t work anymore. To be seen by the right customers and grow your business, you need a smarter, more connected, and flexible marketing plan.
Why Partnering with Experts Matters More Than Ever
Trying to keep up with all these changes while also running your business can feel like a full-time job itself. That’s why, in 2025, working with an experienced digital marketing team like ThriveFuel Marketing isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s becoming essential.
Even if you have your own marketing person or team, the specialized skills needed for today’s advanced SEO, understanding how AI is changing search, and creating effective strategies across all the different online platforms are what an agency brings to the table. We have the focused knowledge and tools to help you stay ahead, so you can focus on what you do best.
Next Up
We’ll dive into something super important for getting found locally: your Google Business Profile, and how people (especially the younger generation) are searching in surprising new ways.
