SMB Marketing Weekly: Aug 18-25, 2025
Here are the five stories from this week that deserve your attention as a small business owner or marketer.
1. LinkedIn Algorithm Now Prioritizes “Knowledge and Advice” Over Engagement Bait
LinkedIn confirmed changes to its feed algorithm that deprioritize posts designed purely for engagement (polls asking obvious questions, “agree or disagree?” prompts) and boost posts that share genuine professional knowledge and actionable advice. The platform said these changes have been rolling out gradually since midsummer.
Why it matters: If your LinkedIn strategy relies on engagement bait tactics, expect your reach to decline. The good news is that businesses sharing genuine expertise, case studies, and practical tips should see improved visibility. This aligns with what has always worked for building real professional credibility.
2. Google Business Profile Bug Causes Temporary Ranking Drops for Some Local Businesses
Multiple local SEO tracking services reported a brief but noticeable disruption in local pack rankings earlier this week, with some businesses temporarily disappearing from their usual local search positions. Google acknowledged the issue and said it was resolved within 48 hours.
Why it matters: If you noticed a sudden drop in local visibility this week, it was likely related to this bug rather than a penalty or algorithmic change. This is also a reminder to monitor your local search performance regularly so you can distinguish between temporary glitches and real problems. A tool like Semrush can help you track local keyword positions and spot anomalies quickly.
3. Canva Introduces AI-Powered Brand Kit Automation
Canva launched new AI features within its Brand Kit tool that automatically generate on-brand social media graphics, email headers, and ad creatives based on your brand colors, fonts, and style. Users upload a few examples of existing brand materials, and the system generates templates that match.
Why it matters: For small businesses without a dedicated designer, this is a significant time saver. The quality of AI-generated designs has improved considerably, and having them automatically conform to your brand guidelines solves one of the biggest pain points in small business marketing: maintaining visual consistency across channels.
4. FTC Signals Tighter Enforcement on SMS Marketing Compliance
The Federal Trade Commission published new guidance reinforcing that businesses must obtain explicit written consent before sending marketing text messages and must honor opt-out requests immediately. The guidance comes ahead of expected enforcement actions against businesses that add customers to SMS lists without proper consent.
Why it matters: SMS marketing can be incredibly effective for local businesses, but the compliance requirements are strict. If you are collecting phone numbers for marketing, make sure your opt-in process is documented, your messages include opt-out instructions, and you process unsubscribe requests the same day. Non-compliance can result in significant fines.
5. Back-to-School Ad Spending Shifts Toward Social and Influencer Channels
Industry data shows that back-to-school advertising spend in 2025 is shifting away from traditional display ads toward social media and influencer partnerships. Small businesses targeting parents and students are reporting stronger returns from Instagram Reels, TikTok content, and micro-influencer collaborations compared to traditional banner ads.
Why it matters: If your business has a back-to-school angle, whether you sell products, services, or experiences relevant to families, consider allocating more of your late-summer ad budget toward short-form video content and creator partnerships. The cost per engagement tends to be lower, and the content feels more authentic to the audiences you are trying to reach.
That is your weekly roundup. See you next Monday with the latest news that matters for your small business marketing.