Influencer marketing has long been a key player in the world of advertising. What was once referred to as celebrity endorsements and paid actors has evolved into partnerships with online creators who align with your ideal audience. These influencers range from micro-creators with a few thousand followers to social media giants with millions. And as their following grows, so too do their endorsement fees.
In the past, influencer roles were relatively simple: share a message about a company, product, or service with their audience—and get paid. Some influencers crafted their own content, while others followed detailed guidelines from brands. These posts ranged from quick tweets or Instagram photos to full-scale video productions.
This approach has driven significant results for many businesses. But at SwingPointMedia, we believe that influencer marketing is undergoing a fundamental shift—and the changes in 2025 will open new doors for brands, especially local businesses.
A New Type of Influencer
Consider the difference in follower counts between a brand’s official page and the personal accounts of the people behind the brand. Often, there’s a massive gap. Why does this matter?
- People prefer engaging with real people over faceless brands.
- They’re more likely to trust the business owner demonstrating a service or product than a paid spokesperson.
This sets the stage for a major 2025 trend: authenticity.
Why Authenticity Will Define 2025
In an era dominated by automation—from website chatbots to AI-generated videos—audiences crave genuine connections. Customers want to see and hear from someone real.
Imagine being at a local event and recognizing the business owner who repaired your HVAC system last month. That recognition extends beyond the service itself and creates a lasting impression:
“That’s John from XYZ Heating and Cooling. He fixed our heater last week!”
Friend: “How do you know him?”
You: “I watched his video on maintaining air filters, and he also mentioned his love for mountain biking and raising three kids. I felt like I could trust him.”
This level of relatability and trust cannot be replicated by a paid influencer or polished ad actor.
What This Means for Local Businesses
For local business owners, there’s an incredible opportunity to become the authentic voice and face of your company. By sharing a glimpse of your personal story, you allow potential customers to feel like they already know you. When they need your service, they won’t just recommend your business; they’ll say:
“The owner is great. I’ve watched their videos and read their posts. They started their business because of their passion for helping others. They’re involved in local charity events, and I trust them.”
Why Now Is the Perfect Time
There’s an old saying in advertising that still holds true today:
“See what everyone else is doing, and do something different.”
While many businesses turn to AI-generated content and automation, the opportunity to differentiate yourself by being a relatable, authentic presence has never been stronger.
How to Stand Out as the Face of Your Brand
- Share moments from your everyday life—whether it’s coaching your child’s soccer team or enjoying a family hike.
- Post behind-the-scenes content showing how you work with your team or interact with customers.
- Focus on documenting real-life moments instead of staging perfect shots.
This authenticity helps your audience see you as more than a business owner. They see you as a member of the community—someone they trust and want to support.
Next Steps for Building Authentic Influence
- Start posting personal stories and photos that reflect your values and interests.
- Create short, informative videos demonstrating your expertise and your approach to customer service.
- Show your personality by highlighting your involvement in the community, your hobbies, and your family life (with their consent).
At SwingPointMedia, we believe that the most powerful influencer for your business is you. By sharing your genuine self with your audience, you build trust and establish the kind of influence that lasts well beyond 2025.