Social Media Trends 2025: What’s Working and What’s Not for Central Coast Businesses

As social media continues to evolve, businesses need to stay ahead of trends to effectively engage with their audiences. The Central Coast, with its unique lifestyle, stunning landscapes, and vibrant communities, offers businesses the perfect backdrop to take advantage of the latest social media strategies. In this blog, we’ll explore what’s working in 2025 and what’s not, helping you create a more effective social media presence for your Central Coast business.

1. Video Content Continues to Dominate

In 2025, video content remains the most engaging form of content on social media. Whether you’re running a business in Gosford, Terrigal, or Avoca Beach, showcasing your products, services, or the lifestyle of the Central Coast through video can boost engagement like never before. From Instagram Reels to YouTube Shorts, video is the preferred method of consumption for audiences everywhere, especially those looking to explore local experiences in stunning visuals.

What’s Not Working: Long-Form Written Posts

While long-form blog posts have their place in content marketing, on social media, long-form written posts are losing their effectiveness. Audiences are looking for quick, digestible content, especially in the fast-paced environment of platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Central Coast businesses should pivot to creating bite-sized, visually captivating content that speaks directly to their audience’s needs and interests.

2. Influencer Partnerships Are Evolving

In 2025, the influencer marketing landscape is evolving. Local influencers on the Central Coast—whether they’re known for their lifestyle, outdoor adventures, or community involvement—are becoming an essential part of social media strategies. Collaborating with influencers who have authentic connections with their audience can help increase brand visibility and credibility.

What’s Not Working: Outdated, Celebrity-Driven Campaigns

Consumers today are looking for authenticity and relatability, rather than celebrity-driven endorsements. Central Coast businesses should focus on partnering with micro-influencers who genuinely represent the community and share values with their audience. The old approach of using high-profile celebrities is no longer effective in fostering trust or creating meaningful engagement.

3. Social Commerce Is On the Rise

Social commerce, where you can directly purchase from a post, has become a powerful trend in 2025. With platforms like Instagram and Facebook expanding their shopping features, Central Coast businesses have an opportunity to sell directly through social media. If you’re running a local shop or offering services in the region, integrating social commerce into your strategy can significantly boost sales.

What’s Not Working: Complex Shopping Experiences

Consumers are looking for simple, seamless shopping experiences. If your business is offering products via social media, make sure the buying process is straightforward. Complicated checkout processes or links that take consumers off-platform can lead to frustration and lost sales. Keep it simple, easy, and local for your Central Coast audience.

4. Augmented Reality (AR) and Interactive Content

Augmented reality (AR) has quickly become a fun and immersive way for brands to engage with users. From virtual try-ons to interactive filters, AR is making waves in the social media space. For Central Coast businesses, integrating AR into your content—whether you’re in real estate, fashion, or tourism—can enhance the customer experience and keep your brand innovative.

What’s Not Working: Generic, One-Size-Fits-All AR

While AR is a fantastic tool, it’s essential to make it relevant to your audience. Generic AR experiences that don’t resonate with your Central Coast community or business niche can fall flat. Instead, create tailored AR content that reflects the local culture, whether that’s showcasing real estate properties through virtual tours or creating beach-themed filters for local businesses.

5. Personalization and AI-Powered Content

Personalized content continues to rise in importance in 2025. AI tools are helping businesses deliver more targeted and relevant content to their audience, ensuring that every post feels personal. For Central Coast businesses, leveraging AI-powered tools to understand customer preferences and deliver personalized recommendations can improve engagement and customer loyalty.

What’s Not Working: Broad, Untargeted Content

Generic, one-size-fits-all content doesn’t work in 2025. Social media platforms are becoming increasingly sophisticated, allowing businesses to fine-tune their messaging for specific audiences. Businesses on the Central Coast should focus on creating personalized content that speaks to the unique needs and interests of their local audience, whether it’s showcasing beachside properties or promoting outdoor adventures.

6. User-Generated Content: The New Trust Signal

User-generated content (UGC) is more valuable than ever in 2025. Customers trust content created by their peers over traditional advertising. For Central Coast businesses, encouraging your customers to share their experiences through photos, reviews, and videos is a great way to build trust and authenticity. Whether it’s sharing their experience at a local café, on a beach adventure, or in a local boutique, UGC can help elevate your brand’s credibility.

What’s Not Working: Forced or Staged UGC

While UGC is incredibly effective, it’s essential that it remains authentic. Forced or overly staged user-generated content can seem inauthentic, which can damage your credibility. Encourage your customers to share their true experiences, whether that’s capturing the beauty of the Central Coast or enjoying your product or service.

Conclusion: Embrace What’s Working, Adapt What’s Not

As social media continues to evolve, staying up-to-date with the latest trends is crucial for Central Coast businesses. By embracing video content, influencer partnerships, social commerce, and personalization, you can create a dynamic and engaging social media presence. Keep your content fresh, authentic, and tailored to your local audience to remain ahead of the competition.

If you’re looking to leverage these social media trends to grow your Central Coast business, don’t hesitate to reach out for help creating compelling video and social media content that connects with your audience and boosts your brand.