As marketers, we’re standing at the edge of a new era. The “Martech for 2025” report, authored by Scott Brinker and Frans Riemersma captures the extraordinary transformation happening in our industry, with AI at the core of it all.
At RightWave, we’re not just witnessing these changes—we’re helping our clients navigate and capitalize on them. Here’s what stood out to us in the report and what it means for marketing operations leaders.
AI: The Engine of Martech Growth
In 2024, the martech landscape exploded with 3,068 new tools, 77% of which were AI-native. These tools are no longer just shiny objects; they’re reshaping how we approach every aspect of marketing—content ideation, hyper-personalization, lead scoring, and data integration.
For marketing ops teams, this means two things:
- The need for seamless integration between these tools and existing tech stacks.
- The opportunity to leverage AI to simplify and supercharge workflows.
At RightWave, we specialize in making these transitions smooth and impactful. Whether it’s connecting AI-driven tools to your CRM or enhancing your data processes, we ensure your martech investments deliver measurable ROI.
Custom Software: The New Normal
The report highlights a significant shift—companies are moving from off-the-shelf solutions to custom-built software tailored to their specific needs. This isn’t just for large enterprises; AI-powered no-code and low-code platforms are making custom development accessible for teams of all sizes.
But custom solutions come with challenges:
- How do you ensure compatibility with your existing stack?
- How do you maintain governance across so many moving parts?
This is where RightWave steps in. With our expertise in marketing automation and data integration, we help you build scalable, AI-driven solutions that align with your strategic goals.
Big Data Has Evolved into Big Ops
Data has always been the backbone of marketing, but now it’s about more than just collecting it. The rise of circular data ecosystems—where apps and automations interact seamlessly—has shifted the focus from managing “big data” to orchestrating “big ops.”
The report reveals that 61.3% of martech tools are now integrated with cloud data warehouses, enabling richer insights and more personalized customer experiences. But managing this complexity requires a robust operational framework.
At RightWave, we help marketing ops teams:
- Build composable stacks that are flexible and future-proof.
- Implement governance to maintain data integrity and compliance.
- Leverage AI for smarter decision-making and automation.
What’s Next for Marketing Teams?
The report introduces the concept of “Service-as-a-Software”—AI-powered platforms that replace both tools and in-house labor. Imagine outsourcing outcomes like lead generation or content distribution to AI-driven services that charge based on success metrics.
This shift will redefine tech stacks and processes, but it’s not about replacing human expertise—it’s about amplifying it. Marketing operations teams will play a pivotal role in managing this hybrid ecosystem of human talent, AI agents, and integrated platforms.
RightWave’s Perspective
The “Martech for 2025” report is a wake-up call for marketers and marketing operations teams. AI is not a future consideration; it’s a present imperative. At RightWave, we’re excited to partner with teams navigating this transformation. From integrating cutting-edge tools to building custom solutions and optimizing big ops, we’re here to ensure your martech stack drives real business impact.
Let’s turn these insights into action. Ready to future-proof your marketing operations? Let’s connect.
Reference: https://chiefmartec.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/martech-for-2025-report.pdf