- AI adoption: 38% of SMBs are using AI for various functions, with 28% using it for marketing and social media.
- Social media influence: 76% of SMBs report that social media positively impacts their business, with 58% on TikTok.
- Content challenges: 54% of SMBs struggle to keep social media content fresh and up-to-date.
- Employee management: 56% of SMBs believe AI can help offset issues related to reduced headcount and staff retention.
- Cybersecurity focus: 47% of SMBs invested in improved cybersecurity solutions to safeguard against increasing digital threats.
In its 2025 State of Small Business Survey, Verizon Business uncovered a significant shift in how small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are approaching marketing and social media.
A surge in artificial intelligence (AI) adoption is empowering SMBs to streamline their marketing efforts and create more engaging content. This growing reliance on AI technologies is not only enhancing marketing strategies but is also helping SMBs adapt to an increasingly digital-first business environment.
We’ll dive into how AI is helping SMBs supercharge their social media marketing efforts, keep up with viral trends, and improve their overall business performance in an ever-evolving digital world.
AI Adoption in SMBs: A Game Changer for Marketing
According to the Verizon survey, 38% of SMBs are leveraging AI in various aspects of their operations, including marketing, customer service, and data analysis.
Of this group, 28% are specifically using AI tools for marketing and social media, a clear indicator of AI’s growing influence in driving consumer engagement. These tools are helping businesses better understand their audiences, personalize content, and automate repetitive tasks, ultimately enabling more efficient and targeted campaigns.
Verizon’s report highlights how AI has become an integral part of SMB marketing efforts. As 28% of SMBs are using AI for social media, tools like content generation, automated customer interactions, and sentiment analysis are helping businesses craft compelling campaigns that resonate with their target audiences.
Social Media: The Backbone of SMB Marketing
Social media is a vital marketing tool for SMBs. The Verizon survey revealed that 76% of SMBs agree that social media has a positive impact on their business performance, and 58% of them are active on TikTok.
According to another study from Oxford Economics, SMBs on TikTok contributed as much as $24.2 billion to the U.S. economy back in 2024 - a figure that is bound to be much bigger in 2025.
This aligns with the growing trend of platforms like TikTok becoming central hubs for business marketing strategies.
However, keeping up with the latest trends and ensuring content remains fresh and relevant can be a daunting task. According to the survey, 54% of SMBs struggle to stay on top of the constantly changing social media landscape.
Here, AI is stepping in to help businesses keep up. By analyzing trends, AI-driven tools provide real-time insights, allowing SMBs to adapt quickly and deliver timely, engaging content that captures the attention of their audiences.
Some SMBs are directly driving consumer trends. We can look back at the Dubai chocolate craze that first started on TikTok as a point of reference. The creator of the trend, Sarah Hamouda, and her small business, Fix Dessert, were directly responsible for supermarket giants like Lidl and Waitrose to introduce their own versions of the popular chocolate.
@fixdessertchocolatierIt all started with a craving and a vision to create a freakin' incredible experience! 🍫✨ Meet Sarah, the founder of FIX Dessert Chocolatier, as she shares how she built FIX and created the bars you can’t get enough of.♬ original sound - Fix Dessert Chocolatier
Waitrose and other supermarkets used AI tools to track what's trending on TikTok and stock their shelves with the latest and trendiest products.
Leveraging AI for Content Creation and Engagement
AI’s role in content creation is another area where Verizon’s survey shows significant promise. SMBs are increasingly using AI-powered platforms to automate content generation, optimize publishing schedules, and track performance. These tools enable businesses to efficiently produce high-quality content that drives engagement, leading to more conversions.
The use of AI is particularly valuable when it comes to personalizing content. By analyzing customer data and behaviors, AI helps SMBs tailor their social media posts to meet the specific preferences of their target audiences. This level of personalization has been proven to increase engagement rates, a crucial factor in today’s competitive social media space.
AI and Employee Management: A Dual Advantage
The Verizon survey also highlights how AI is transforming not only marketing but also employee management within SMBs. 56% of SMBs believe AI can help alleviate issues related to reduced staff or hiring freezes.
By using AI for recruitment and talent sourcing, businesses can identify and hire the right candidates more efficiently. Additionally, AI tools are helping SMBs retain talent by offering personalized training and development opportunities tailored to individual employee needs.
A Growing Focus on Cybersecurity
In the age of digital marketing, cybersecurity is another area where SMBs are turning to AI. The Verizon survey found that 47% of SMBs have invested in AI-driven cybersecurity solutions to protect their digital operations.
As the number of cyber threats increases, AI’s ability to detect and respond to potential security breaches is becoming indispensable for SMBs looking to safeguard customer data and maintain trust.
AI is Transforming SMB Marketing
The 2025 Verizon State of Small Business Survey paints a clear picture of how AI is reshaping marketing and content creation for SMBs.
As more businesses adopt AI-driven tools to enhance social media strategies and optimize content, they are gaining a competitive edge in the digital marketplace. With 38% of SMBs already integrating AI into their operations and more businesses recognizing the value of these technologies, the future of SMB marketing is poised to be increasingly data-driven and efficient.
By embracing AI, SMBs are not only improving their marketing strategies but also enhancing customer engagement and streamlining operations. As AI continues to evolve, its role in SMBs’ growth and success will only become more vital, helping them navigate the complexities of the digital age.
