5 MARKETING TRENDS BUSINESSES NEED IN 2026
The online world is changing fast, and if you run a business, it can feel like you’re constantly trying to keep up. The good news is that the trends coming in 2026 are not “big brand only” strategies. They’re practical shifts that actually make things easier, more creative and more effective for local businesses.
At TIME, we’re always exploring what’s new on every platform, trying out the latest tools, and seeing how real people actually behave online. We bring you the trends that matter most: straightforward, easy to act on, and ready to put into practice, so your business can grow without the guesswork.
Here are the five trends that will shape 2026 and how your business can start using them right now:1. CREATOR-STYLE CONTENT BECOMES A BRAND STANDARD
In 2026, audiences expect businesses to show up the way creators do: simple, human, story-led and native to the feed. Overly polished content is losing ground to videos that feel real, relatable and spontaneous.why IT WORKS
Creator-style content connects with audiences because it feels authentic. People trust and engage with content that looks like it comes from a real person rather than a brand logo.HOW TO USE IT
Film short, relatable clips with a phone.Show behind-the-scenes moments, quick tutorials, or point-of-view storytelling.Keep it casual, highlight your team’s personality, and focus on one clear message per video.
2. HYPER PERSONALISATION BECOMES EASIER TO DO
Personalisation is now easier than ever. Platforms like Instagram and Google provide built-in tools that automatically tailor experiences for each user.
Instagram allows automatic welcome messages for new followers, interactive polls to learn interests, and recommended content through DMs. Google is launching two AI agents: Ads Advisor (creates ideas, headlines and optimisation suggestions) and Analytics Advisor (offers personalised website insights and guidance).why IT WORKS
Personalised content engages users because it feels relevant to their needs. It increases clicks, saves time, and helps small businesses compete with larger brands without extra resources.
HOW TO USE IT
Use Instagram polls and automated messages to discover what your audience wants.Incorporate insights from Google’s AI tools to refine ads and campaigns.Combine both to deliver tailored messages and experiences efficiently.
3. SEARCH MOVES FROM GOOGLE TO SOCIAL, AND VIDEO SEO TAKES OVER
People increasingly use TikTok, Instagram and YouTube as search engines. They want fast answers, examples, and visuals. Video now dominates search, making Social Search Optimisation (SSO) essential.
why IT WORKS
Content that directly answers questions is more likely to be discovered, shared, and engaged with. Social platforms promote helpful videos that match real search intent.
HOW TO USE IT
Use clear titles, keywords, captions, and visuals that solve problems or answer questions.Keep your videos concise and informative.Focus on topics your customers actively search for to increase organic reach.
4. FLEXIBLE ADS THAT WORK SMARTER
In 2026, the best ads are not single, static videos. Instead, you create flexible ad components that can be mixed and matched to find the combinations that perform best.
why IT WORKS
By giving platforms a few different openings, visuals and calls-to-action, they can test and deliver the version that resonates most with each audience. This means better reach, higher engagement and stronger conversions, all without producing dozens of separate ads.
HOW TO USE IT
Make a few versions of each part of your ad: a couple of hooks, visuals and CTA options.Platforms like Google and Facebook will combine them automatically to show the most effective version to each viewer.This lets you get more results from the same content without extra production costs.
5. WEBSITES START ACTING MORE LIKE SOCIAL PLATFORMS
Websites in 2026 should feel fluid, interactive and scroll-friendly. Bite-sized sections, personalisation, micro-animations and AI-assisted navigation keep visitors engaged.
why IT WORKS
Visitors are more likely to explore and convert when content is easy to consume. Sites that mimic social feeds feel familiar and approachable.
HOW TO USE IT
Structure your website with short, digestible blocks.
Use visuals and personalised recommendations.Make navigation intuitive and guide users naturally toward key actions like purchasing or booking.
2026 is about working smarter, not harder. Every trend here is practical for small businesses and can be applied right away to reach customers more effectively.