Cynthia Irons of High Peaks Marketing Shares Insights on NTD News
Small businesses are the lifeblood of local economies, and staying competitive in today’s crowded digital space requires innovation and adaptability. Cynthia Irons, founder of High Peaks Marketing, recently appeared on NTD News to discuss key marketing trends for 2025, the evolution of marketing over the past decade, and how small businesses can set themselves apart. With 30 years of experience in marketing and brand development, Cynthia specializes in helping female-founded small businesses in health, wellness, fitness, and lifestyle thrive through innovative, results-driven strategies. Here are some of the key insights she shared during her interview:
Key Marketing Trends for 2025
Cynthia highlighted three trends that small businesses should focus on to stay ahead:
Authentic Storytelling: Sharing origin stories, values, and behind-the-scenes content humanizes brands and builds trust. Story-driven marketing allows small businesses to connect with their audiences on a deeper level.
SEO for Local Search: Local SEO strategies are vital for visibility. By optimizing Google Business Profiles, using location-based keywords, and encouraging reviews, small businesses can attract customers in their communities.
AI-Powered Marketing: AI tools are transforming marketing. Small businesses can use AI for email campaigns, chatbots, and social media content creation, saving time and improving ROI. However, Cynthia advises using AI as a starting point and then refining the content to match your brand voice.
How Marketing Has Evolved and What Small Businesses Can Do
Over the past decade, social media has become the cornerstone of marketing. Cynthia shared two recent updates that small businesses should act on:
Instagram Changes: Instagram now supports portrait-sized feeds and longer videos (up to 3 minutes). Small businesses should resize covers for portrait optimization and repurpose top-performing TikToks or Stories into engaging reels.
TikTok Uncertainty: With potential restrictions on TikTok, diversifying your strategy is crucial. Cynthia recommends using platforms like YouTube Shorts, repurposing successful TikToks, and optimizing titles, captions, and hashtags to build a new follower base.
Competing in a Crowded Digital Space
Cynthia offered actionable tips for standing out:
Leverage Authentic Storytelling: Sharing your mission and personal stories makes your brand relatable and memorable.
Build a Strong Content Strategy: Quality content tailored to your audience’s needs will position you as an expert in your field.
Optimize for Local SEO: Keeping your Google Business Profile updated and creating location-specific content ensures visibility in local searches.
The Role of AI in Small Business Marketing
Cynthia emphasized that while AI is a powerful tool, it’s not a substitute for authenticity. Use AI to generate ideas for emails or social media posts, but ensure the final content reflects your brand’s voice and personality.
What Small Businesses Often Overlook
When asked about common oversights, Cynthia pointed to the importance of:
Consistent Branding: A cohesive brand identity across all touchpoints builds trust and memorability.
Customer Retention: Loyal customers are more valuable than new ones. Nurture relationships through exceptional service, personalized experiences, and consistent communication.
Closing Thoughts
“Small businesses are resilient,” Cynthia said. “By staying adaptable and embracing new trends, they can continue to thrive.” For those looking to elevate their marketing strategies, Cynthia invites small business owners to connect with her team at highpeaksmarketing.com or on Instagram @highpeaksmarketing.
Don’t miss the full interview—watch the video on YouTube for more valuable insights from Cynthia Irons on NTD News!
