CMOs brace for cuts as marketing budgets stay flat | MarTech

The Gartner 2025 CMO Spend Survey reveals that marketing budgets have flat-lined at 7.7% of revenue, leaving many CMOs unprepared for potential budget cuts due to economic pressures. While a slight improvement has been noted with 59% of CMOs feeling budget constraints, they are increasingly relying on AI technology to enhance productivity and campaign efficiency. With paid media still dominating spending—30.6% of marketing budgets—many CMOs are expected to streamline agency relationships and reduce employee numbers to cope with cost challenges, raising focus on improving ROI through technological advancements.

Marketing budgets have stabilized but are insufficient for many CMOs, as 59% lack the budget needed to execute strategies amidst looming budget cuts.

CMOs are leveraging AI to optimize campaign performance, automate tasks, and enhance productivity, with 49% reporting improved efficiency in time and costs.

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