Of course, as we move into 2025, reaching this expanding audience of consumers — and overcoming the growing numbers of competitors entering the marketplace — requires keeping up with the latest marketing trends. Today’s consumers are increasingly looking for brands that share their values and provide unique experiences. And to connect with them, adventure brands need to adapt their strategies and utilize emerging technologies.
On that note, let’s take a look at seven key marketing trends that we believe will shape the outdoor industry in the coming year:
1. Experiential marketing takes center stage
We expect to see experiential marketing, which focuses on creating memorable, immersive brand experiences for consumers, play a more pivotal role in the outdoor industry in 2025. Consumers are seeking authentic experiences, and brands that can create memorable moments will stand out from the competition. To leverage the growing trend, consider hosting events such as outdoor workshops, guided adventures or community gatherings. These experiences not only foster connections with consumers but can also help your brand collect valuable user-generated content for use on social media and in your other marketing channels.
2. Short-form video dominates content marketing
Recent studies have shown that a whopping 8 in 10 of today’s consumers are itching to see more short-form video content from brands — and that the trend delivers a remarkable ROI for marketers. And for these reasons and more, we see the easily digestible content, popularized by platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, continuing its reign into 2025 and beyond. Further, with endless opportunities to showcase stunning scenery, action-packed adventures and inspiring stories, the outdoor industry is perfectly suited for this trend. To tap into the momentum, look to create engaging videos that capture the essence of the outdoor lifestyle and your brand while resonating with your target audience.
3. Influencer partnerships foster added authenticity
In the opinion of our team of outdoor marketing experts, collaborating with influencers will remain a powerful marketing strategy in 2025. (And when managed well, influencer content can be leveraged to perfectly play into the short-form video trend mentioned above.) Partnering with individuals who embody the outdoor lifestyle and share your brand values can significantly expand your reach and help you build trust with your audience of consumers. Look for micro-influencers and brand ambassadors who have a dedicated following and can authentically represent your products and services.
4. Sustainability becomes a core value proposition
With environmental consciousness on the rise — and of particular interest to outdoor enthusiasts — your brand’s target consumers are likely among those who are increasingly seeking brands that prioritize sustainability. So, in 2025, we firmly believe that incorporating sustainable practices into your marketing efforts will be essential. To stand out from the pack in these consumers’ eyes, be sure to highlight your commitment to eco-friendly materials, responsible manufacturing processes and initiatives that support environmental conservation.
5. Personalization enhances customer engagement
We also believe that personalized marketing , which involves leveraging data insights to deliver tailored messaging and offers to individual consumers, will continue to gain significant traction in 2025. As consumers expect more customized experiences, brands can no longer afford a one-size-fits-all approach. Amplifying your brand’s personalized marketing efforts could involve sending highly targeted email campaigns, providing product recommendations based on past purchases, or offering personalized discounts and promotions. The rise of Amazon Stores and Meta shops further accelerates this trend, as these platforms make it easier for brands to gather valuable customer data and create highly personalized shopping experiences within their ecosystems, helping them connect with consumers on a deeper, more individualized level.
6. Virtual and augmented reality create immersive experiences
Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technologies offer exciting possibilities for the outdoor industry, revolutionizing how brands can engage with consumers. In 2025, these technologies can be used to create immersive experiences that not only captivate but also educate. For example, hunting and fishing gear companies could leverage VR to let consumers virtually test equipment such as rifles or fishing rods in simulated environments like dense forests or open water. AR could allow customers to visualize how a hunting blind or fishing boat would look and function in their real-world settings before making a purchase. Platforms like Meta’s AR tools or immersive experiences offered by companies like Apple are already setting the stage for these interactions. Additionally, brands could create virtual guided hunting expeditions or fishing trips, enabling users to explore wildlife habitats or experience reeling in a trophy fish from the comfort of their homes. Moving forward, experiences such as these can make active lifestyle gear more accessible, engaging and appealing to outdoor enthusiasts and tech-savvy consumers alike.
7. Community building fosters loyalty
As consumers increasingly seek more meaningful connections with the brands they support, building a strong community around your adventure brand will be essential in 2025. To achieve this, make efforts to foster connections with your brand’s customers through social media engagement, online forums and loyalty programs. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Facebook provide excellent opportunities for you to start conversations, respond to comments and share content that resonates with your audience. Additionally, consider developing online forums or dedicated groups where like-minded customers can exchange ideas, tips and experiences related to your products. Loyalty programs can also play a significant role in strengthening your brand community by rewarding your most dedicated customers with exclusive perks, early access to products or personalized discounts — all of which can deepen their connection to your brand. And by encouraging the creation and sharing of user-generated content such as photos, videos and stories about brand-related experiences, you can foster a sense of belonging that can not only increase customer loyalty but also attract new customers through organic word-of-mouth.
For brands that want to succeed in the ever-changing world of outdoor marketing, staying ahead of the curve is essential. By embracing these emerging trends, your outdoor lifestyle brand can effectively connect with its target audience, build brand loyalty and drive sales in 2025 and beyond.
Amplify your marketing efforts with the latest trends — and help from the pros
Need help tapping into these marketing trends (and more) to help your outdoor brand grow? At TBA Outdoors, our team of outdoor-obsessed marketing experts strives to stay on top of all the latest outdoor-brand marketing trends — so we can leverage them to boost your business. Further, we’re a fully integrated marketing firm, which means that we’ve got all your brand’s marketing needs covered, all in one place. From e-commerce and analytics to branding strategy, research, creative, social media, video production, media planning and buying, public relations and more, you can count on us to meet your needs.
To explore how we can help your outdoor brand amplify the effectiveness of all of its marketing campaigns, reach out to our team of marketing professionals today.
