By Vicky Sidler | Published 28 May 2025 at 12:00 GMT

Running a small business in 2025 is a bit like juggling flaming swords while learning to moonwalk. You’re expected to sell, serve, secure, and somehow stay visible on TikTok—all without dropping the ball (or setting your eyebrows on fire).

Fortunately, you’re not alone. Verizon’s latest State of Small Business Survey, based on insights from 600 U.S. small businesses, reveals exactly where the momentum is building: AI, cybersecurity, and social media.

Let’s break it down—and more importantly, let’s talk about what it means for your business.

The Big Three—Where Small Businesses Are Investing:

1. AI is Going from Buzzword to Business Backbone:

Once reserved for sci-fi movies and overhyped webinars, AI is now actively used by 38% of small businesses—not just for show, but for real stuff:

• 28% use it for marketing and social media

• 24% use it for written communications

• 25% use it to strengthen cybersecurity

• 19% use it for recruitment and hiring

What’s more, 56% of SMBs believe AI helps with managing lean teams, and 53% say it helps with employee retention. 

Translation: AI isn’t just a time-saver. It’s becoming the glue that holds modern small teams together.

As a StoryBrand Certified Guide and Duct Tape Marketing Strategist, I always say: clarity drives confidence. And nothing brings more clarity to your marketing and team management than tools that automate the boring stuff and spotlight what matters.

2. Cybersecurity Isn’t Optional Anymore:

Nearly half (47%) of businesses upgraded their security systems in the last year. And 52% acknowledge what many still avoid saying out loud—the bigger you grow, the more appealing you are to cybercriminals.

Here’s the catch: 25% still feel they aren’t investing enough in cybersecurity.

If your business has grown—or even if you’re planning for growth—take five minutes this week to review your online security. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with:

• Strong passwords

• Two-factor authentication

• Regular backups

And if you’ve got an IT partner or team, ask: “What’s our biggest vulnerability right now?” Their answer might surprise you.

3. Social Media Still Rules—But It’s Getting Harder:

Social media continues to be the #1 way small businesses engage customers, with:

• 76% saying it positively impacts business

• 58% now active on TikTok

• 54% struggling to keep content fresh

That last stat is the one I see most often. You start strong, posting daily. Then you miss a week. Then a month. Suddenly your last Instagram post is a Christmas photo… in July.

Here’s a better way: Build a content system that runs while you sleep. That’s what we do for our clients and it’s what I teach in my StoryBrand Marketing Course.

What You Should Do This Week:

The good news? You don’t need to master AI, cybersecurity, and TikTok by Friday. You just need a clear, simple system that lets you stay consistent and build trust—without burnout.

Here’s a three-step plan that works:

1. Choose One Use Case for AI:

Start small. Write one LinkedIn post using ChatGPT. Or automate a routine customer service reply with a bot. Just pick something simple and useful.

2. Ask Your Tech Partner About Security:

Or, if you don’t have one, Google: “Simple cybersecurity tips for small businesses” and start from there.

3. Schedule 30 Minutes to Batch Social Posts:

Use tools like Buffer or Canva. Create three posts in one go. Then go have coffee—you’ve just bought yourself three days of visibility.

Ready to Keep Up Without Burning Out?

If you’re not sure where to begin, start with your message.

Download my free 5-Minute Marketing Fix—a printable, one-page tool that helps you write a clear sentence about what you do and why it matters. It's the first step to building a system that sells for you—even while you're off figuring out AI.

Grab your free 5-Minute Marketing Fix here.

And if you’re worried that by the time you figure all this out, the tech will have changed again—don’t stress. At least you’re not trying to moonwalk with flaming swords.