As smart cities like Atlanta and Amsterdam digitize services and citizen engagement, brands that understand and integrate into these ecosystems can gain a powerful new channel for connecting with urban audiences.
The global race to become a “smart city” is accelerating, with urban areas deploying advanced digital technologies to improve efficiency, sustainability, and citizen experiences. Some rankings defy expectations: in the 2025 ProptechOS Smart City Index, Atlanta topped US cities for smart city readiness, outpacing San Francisco and Boston. Globally, smart city platform spending is projected to grow from $24.5 billion in 2025 to $39.5 billion by 2030, showing how cities are pouring investment into IoT, smart infrastructure, and digital citizen services.
Studio 36 Digital Marketing Expert Andrew Witts explains:
“Smart city innovation is transforming how residents interact with their cities digitally. Platforms that deliver real-time information, AI-driven public services, and community engagement tools are creating entirely new opportunities for communication, marketing, and local business growth.”
Innovations Reshaping Cities
- Atlanta, US: AI-driven traffic management, predictive public safety alerts, and interactive citizen apps.
- Amsterdam, NL: IoT-enabled mobility solutions, digital portals for citizen services, and climate-adaptive infrastructure.
- London: Smart public transport dashboards, real-time waste management alerts, and data-informed urban planning tools.
“These platforms don’t just improve efficiency,” Witts adds. “They also provide businesses and local organizations with new channels to engage residents, deliver services, and build trust digitally.”
Significance
- Digital Citizen Engagement: Cities are creating apps and platforms that reach residents directly. Brands can integrate useful, relevant content into these channels.
- Data-Driven Local Marketing: Access to anonymized city data can inform campaigns, mobility-based targeting, and localized engagement strategies.
- Community-Centric Storytelling: Residents respond best to human-centered, value-driven communications, mirroring what works for brand social channels.
- SEO & Content Opportunities: Smart city portals and public dashboards generate search traffic, optimizing content for these channels can improve visibility.
“From AI-powered traffic updates to citizen service apps, smart cities are creating entirely new digital ecosystems,” says Witts. “Brands that understand how residents consume information and engage online can leverage these insights to connect meaningfully in a rapidly evolving urban landscape.”
Tips for Brands in Smart Cities
- Engage with Digital Platforms: Identify apps, dashboards, or portals used by residents and create relevant content.
- Leverage Local Data: Use city data insights for targeted campaigns and better contextual messaging.
- Focus on Community: Participate in initiatives or local campaigns to build trust and relevance.
- SEO for City Portals: Optimize content for smart city platforms, local search, and public dashboards.
- Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with local creators who resonate with urban audiences.
“Smart cities are no longer just about sensors and infrastructure, but creating digital ecosystems that improve resident experiences and open new opportunities for brands. Atlanta, recently ranked the top US city for smart city readiness, is implementing AI-driven traffic systems, predictive public safety alerts, and citizen apps. Amsterdam and London are also advancing rapidly, with IoT mobility solutions, real-time service dashboards, and climate-adaptive platforms.
Smart city technology is fundamentally changing how residents interact with their environment. Brands that can deliver useful, authentic content through these channels, whether via apps, dashboards, or localized digital platforms, have a unique opportunity to engage audiences where they live, work, and travel.
For marketers, this means thinking beyond traditional social and display advertising. Opportunities include location-based campaigns, community-driven storytelling, SEO optimization for city portals, and partnerships with local influencers or civic initiatives.
As global smart city platform spending is projected to grow from $24.5B in 2025 to $39.5B by 2030, brands that understand the digital infrastructure of cities and how residents consume information will have a significant advantage. Smart cities are creating a new frontier for engagement: one where relevance, utility, and authenticity are key to success,” said Digital Marketing Expert Andrew Witts from Studio 36.
