Top 10 product tips for 2025: Simplifying journeys and empowering small businesses
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Posted: Mon 9th Dec 2024
Whether you’re holding a physical product in your hands, delivering exceptional services, or running a thriving marketplace, these tips are designed to help you stay ahead in 2025.
The product landscape is evolving at lightning speed and businesses — big or small — need to adapt. From leveraging AI to refining user experiences, these strategies are not just trends; they are tools for success.
Start-ups like Oddbox, with its customer-focused subscription model for sustainable produce, or Beavertown Brewery, which prioritises storytelling and customer loyalty, are prime examples of how to get it right in today’s market.
1. Put your customer first
It’s no longer enough to assume what your customers want — ask, listen and act. Conduct regular surveys, user interviews and feedback sessions to understand what they value most.
Example: Oddbox constantly engages customers to refine its offerings, ensuring it stays relevant and resonant.
Watch Deepak Ravindran, co-founder of Oddbox, on the Visionary Voices stage at StartUp Show 2025, where he discusses the brand's innovative approach to combating environmental challenges and how he's positioned Oddbox as a leading force in the fight against food waste. Secure your tickets today!
Tool tip: Use tools like Hotjar or Google Forms to gather and analyse feedback efficiently.
2. Leverage AI for personalisation
AI is reshaping how products are built and delivered. Use AI to personalise customer experiences, predict trends and optimise operations.
Example: Duolingo uses AI to tailor lessons to individual users, making learning more engaging and effective.
Tool tip: Explore AI-driven tools like ChatGPT or Segment to create tailored product experiences.
3. Focus on sustainability
Consumers are increasingly prioritising brands that care about the planet. Sustainability isn’t just a trend; it’s a necessity.
Example: ToastAle is a UK-based start-up tackling food waste by brewing beer using surplus bread that would otherwise go to waste. Its innovative approach combines sustainability with a great-tasting product, demonstrating how businesses can turn environmental challenges into opportunities.
Toast Ale is an excellent example of a brand prioritising sustainability while delivering value to customers. Its mission aligns with the growing consumer demand for eco-conscious practices, making it a standout in the UK’s sustainability-focused start-up scene.
Tool tip: Evaluate your product lifecycle to identify opportunities for eco-friendly practices from sourcing to packaging. Once you've done this, tell your users and write about it, more consumers will engage with this element of your brand.
4. Build a strong product story
A compelling story can make your product memorable. Customers connect with brands that show authenticity, values and personality.
Example: Beavertown Brewery uses creative storytelling and eye-catching designs to stand out in the crowded craft beer market.
Tool tip: Hone in on your 'why' and ensure your brand story is reflected across all touchpoints — from packaging to social media. Use tools like Miro or Figma to map your story to the user flow.
5. Simplify your product offering
In a world of endless choices, simplicity wins. Ensure your product is easy to understand, use and adopt.
Example: Monzo has become a leader in digital banking by offering clear, transparent features that users can navigate with ease.
Tool tip: Focus on solving one key problem exceptionally well before adding additional features. Use frameworks like impact versus effort matrix to define which features should make it onto the product roadmap for 2025.
6. Prioritise user experience (UX)
Great UX can make or break your product. Invest in intuitive design and seamless user journeys.
Example: Canva excels at simplifying complex design tools, empowering users with little to no experience to create stunning visuals.
Tool tip: Use tools like Figma or Adobe XD to prototype and test your product’s UX with real users.
7. Iterate quickly with MVPs
Launch fast, learn faster. A minimum viable product (MVP) helps you test ideas with minimal resources and gather valuable feedback.
Example: Instagram started as a simple photo-sharing app before introducing filters and other features.
Tool tip: Platforms like Bubble or Webflow are great for building quick, no-code MVPs.
8. Harness community power
A strong community around your product drives engagement, loyalty and a network effect. Build spaces for users to connect, share experiences and advocate for your brand.
Example: Glossier has built an active, loyal community that feels personally connected to the brand.
Tool tip: Use tools like Slack or Facebook Groups to foster community interactions and gather insights.
9. Measure success with North Star Metrics
Identify the one metric that reflects the value your product delivers to users. This will help you focus your team and align efforts.
Example: Spotify tracks 'Minutes Streamed' as its North Star Metric to gauge engagement.
Tool tip: Pair your North Star Metric with supporting KPIs like retention rates or daily active users to monitor progress comprehensively. Use tools like Power Bi to stay on top of insights on a daily basis.
10. Stay ahead of trends
To remain competitive, monitor emerging trends like no-code tools, AI integration and ethical product design.
Example: Notion continues to evolve by integrating AI and expanding its collaboration features to meet user demands.
Tool tip: Dedicate time for continuous learning and experimentation to stay at the forefront of your industry.
Success in 2025 will be defined by your ability to adapt and innovate while staying true to your product’s core value. Whether crafting a physical product, delivering a service, or building a marketplace, these tips will help you confidently navigate the ever-changing landscape.
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