Running an online sporting goods store in today’s world of endless social scrolling can feel a bit like trying to sell snowboards in the desert. The game has changed, and 2025 is proving that social media isn’t just a space for sharing cat videos anymore; it’s one of the biggest drivers of e-commerce sales. But staying on top of social media trends? That’s where things get tricky.
Don’t stress I’ve got you covered. If you sell sports products online, these are the trends you need to know to stay competitive, connect with your audience, and grow your sales. Spoiler alert: The future is all about being creative, strategic, and maybe even a little tech-savvy.
What are the key social media management trends online store owners should focus on in 2025?
How can advancements in AI tools improve social media scheduling, content creation, and engagement for e-commerce?
What new social media management platforms or tools will dominate in 2025 for online store owners?
How can online retailers implement personalized content strategies across social media for better customer engagement?
What role will automation play in streamlining daily social media management tasks for e-commerce stores in 2025?
How can online store owners leverage real-time analytics to make data-driven decisions for their social media marketing?
What are the best strategies for integrating influencer marketing into a broader social media management plan?
How will cross-platform social media management help online stores maintain a consistent brand voice in 2025?
What emerging formats (e.g., short videos, interactive polls) should online retailers use to enhance social media engagement?
How can online store owners measure and optimize the ROI of their social media strategies using 2025’s latest tools?
1. AI Is the New MVP in Content Creation
By now, you’ve probably heard the buzz around artificial intelligence (AI). If you’re imagining robots replacing marketing teams, take a breath. AI is here to assist, not take over (at least for now). Did you know that 69% of marketers now consider AI a revolutionary tool for their work? From drafting captions to suggesting the perfect hashtag, AI is every social media manager’s secret weapon.
Here’s an example for your store. Say you want to post a product announcement about new trail-running shoes. AI tools can analyze your audience’s behavior and tell you that your followers are most likely to see it and engage at 7 p.m. on Thursdays. Even better, these tools can whip up a catchy caption or generate product visuals that look slick and professional.
What you can do:
- Use tools like Hootsuite or Buffer for AI-generated posting schedules and analytics.
- Experiment with AI visuals for running campaigns that show off your products in action think a video of a soccer ball flying in slow motion with cool effects.
- Track what performs best so you can double down on posts that work and avoid wasting time on those that don’t.
2. Social Commerce Is Changing the Game
If you thought social media was just a place to build brand awareness, think again. Social commerce shopping directly on platforms like Instagram and TikTok is projected to hit $107 billion in the U.S. by 2025. Your customers don’t want to jump between apps to make a purchase; they want to click and buy, right there and then.
Imagine this scenario. A TikTok user stumbles across a video of your premium yoga mat being unrolled at a sunrise beach workout. Just beneath the post is a “Buy Now” button. They love the vibe, click the button, and boom—you’ve made another sale.
How to get started with social commerce:
- Set up Instagram Shopping so that your audience can purchase items from your posts or Stories.
- Use TikTok’s in-app shopping feature to highlight trending sports gear, like winter gloves or water bottles.
- Promote exclusive bundles or time-sensitive offers to nudge customers to hit “Add to Cart.”
3. Less Is More with Influencers
Remember when brands used to chase celebrity influencers? The tide has turned. These days, it’s all about nano- and micro-influencers. These are smaller creators (1,000–100,000 followers) who have tight-knit, super-engaged communities. For online sporting goods owners, this is a goldmine.
Picture this. Instead of paying big bucks for a massive influencer to hold up your basketball and mutter, “Check this out,” you work with a local college basketball player. They’re already a trusted figure in a niche audience of aspiring players, and their genuine love for your product does the selling for you.
Here’s how to tap into this trend:
- Pick influencers whose personal brands align with your products (think local mountain bikers or community tennis coaches).
- Send them free products, like compression socks or training equipment, and ask for honest reviews.
- Repost their content to your own social channels to build trust with your audience.
4. Lights, Camera… Sales! Video Marketing Takes Over
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again video content is king. But not just any video; authentic, story-driven, and action-packed clips are what pull viewers in. Short-form videos like Instagram Reels and TikToks show 40% higher engagement than static posts.
Think about showing your audience more than just the product. How about filming a day-in-the-life vlog of a high school coach using your training equipment or a snowboarder testing out your goggles in harsh weather conditions? It’s about telling a relatable story that makes your brand unforgettable.
Tips for creating great videos:
- Hop on the TikTok trend wagon with quick, how-to clips like “3 Easy Tricks to Dribble Like a Pro.”
- Share behind-the-scenes videos, like how your outdoor tents are made for extreme weather.
- Use user-generated content—customers love to feel like part of the team by reposting their “unboxing” videos or action shots.
5. Listen Before You Post
Social listening is the 2025 equivalent of eavesdropping on your customers’ needs and desires—but digitally. With 62% of marketers now relying on social listening tools, you, too, can tune into what’s being said about your brand, products, or even your competitors.
For example, imagine you see a rise in conversations mentioning pickleball (because, apparently, it’s having a major moment). People keep asking for durable paddles and long-lasting balls. That’s your cue to step in, start marketing those exact products, and maybe even throw in some tips on improving their game.
Start listening:
- Tools like Brandwatch and Sprout Social can monitor hashtags, product mentions, and reviews, giving you insights in real-time.
- Analyze audience pain points, like “Can’t find sweat-resistant yoga mats,” and make sure your next campaign addresses those needs.
6. Make It Personal
Here’s the deal 80% of shoppers are way more likely to buy from a brand that personalizes their experience. This doesn’t mean hand-writing every single email; it means leveraging data to segment your audience and deliver tailored messages and offers.
If you’ve got a segment of soccer moms buying shin pads every fall, create a campaign aimed specifically at them. Or, maybe you highlight seasonal gear for snowboarders just as winter sets in. Little touches like this show your audience that you “get” them.
Steps to personalize your approach:
- Use polls on Instagram Stories to find out what your audience wants more of.
- Retarget users who left soccer cleats in their cart with a friendly nudge or a small discount.
- Create community-focused content (e.g., sponsor a local youth league and feature photos of their games on your page!).
Wrapping It Up
The social media landscape in 2025 is dynamic and full of potential if you know how to use it. From AI tools saving you time to micro-influencers redefining authenticity, the trends on the horizon aren’t just about going viral; they’re about building trust, connecting with customers, and creating standout moments.
Don’t overthink it. Start small. Maybe you’ll start by collaborating with a micro-influencer next month or trialing AI for brainstorming your content. With these trends in your toolkit, your sporting goods store isn’t just surviving it’s thriving.
After all, selling gear isn’t just about the products. It’s about helping people create memories hiking their first trail, sinking their first basket, or training for their dream marathon. Social media can help you get them there. Now, go score some wins!
