Gross. Not another social media trend... (and other worries about 2026)

Grab your coffee (or whatever’s in your cup today) because we need to talk about something fun: what’s coming for marketing in 2026.

Now before you sigh and say, 

“Please not another social media trend,”

don’t worry.

This isn’t that kind of talk.

This is about the stuff that’s happening outside the feed — the real connections, the systems that keep your brand running smoothly, and the little touches that make people remember you long after they’ve scrolled past everyone else.

Because 2026 isn’t about doing more marketing. It’s about doing it smarter, simpler, and with a little more heart.

Let’s dig in!

What’s Changing from 2025 to 2026?

1. From “everywhere on social” to “authentic everywhere”
Last year was all about trying to be on every platform, posting constantly, and keeping up with trends. It was a lot. Next year, it’s about slowing down and showing up intentionally — in ways that feel real and actually sound like you. People are craving honesty and connection again. (Thank GOODNESS.)

2. From “Google it” to “Hey Siri…”
Search is changing. People are talking to their phones, using voice commands, or snapping photos instead of typing. If your website doesn’t sound human, it’s time for a refresh. Add conversational answers to real questions and use simple, natural language. Think: how would I say this out loud to a customer?

3. From “big campaigns” to “steady systems”
You don’t need one massive marketing push anymore. You need systems that quietly keep things humming — consistent communication, evergreen content, and meaningful client touchpoints that happen without the chaos.

4. From “mass message” to “personal touch”
Generic messages aren’t landing like they used to. What people want is personalization that feels genuine, not automated. The kind of connection where someone feels like you thought of them — because you did.

Five Things You Can Start Doing Now

1. Write like you talk.
Take note of the questions your customers ask most often and answer them like you’re having a conversation. Turn those answers into short posts or website pages that sound natural and helpful. That’s exactly the kind of content voice search loves — and so do real humans.

2. Create experiences people can feel.
Host something small but memorable — a customer appreciation night, an open house, or a workshop that lets people experience your brand in person. Then capture a few photos or stories from it and use those moments in your emails or website. Real, tangible experiences stick with people far longer than a digital ad ever will.

3. Personalize your outreach.
Go through your contact list and organize it into a few simple groups. Then send one friendly, specific message to each group. It doesn’t have to be fancy — just thoughtful. When you reach out like a real person, people respond.

4. Build your “forever content.”
Start creating helpful, evergreen resources for your website — the kind that answer questions and build trust over time. Maybe it’s a short guide, a how-to, or a list of tips that people can come back to again and again. One great piece of content is worth ten quick posts that disappear by next week.

5. Decide what’s yours to own and what to outsource.
You don’t have to do it all. Think about what parts of your marketing feel natural for you to handle and where you could use support. Then plan for that balance before the new year. The goal is less stress, more focus, and better results.

Here's A Quick “Do This Week” Checklist 

Write down three real customer questions and answer them in your own words.
Segment your email list into two simple groups and send each one a personalized note.
Plan one small in-person experience (if it relates to your brand) before spring 2026.
Brainstorm five evergreen content ideas for your website.
Decide what marketing tasks you’ll handle yourself and what you’ll get help with next year.

You’ve got this, friend.

Marketing doesn’t have to be overwhelming or loud. It can be thoughtful, consistent, and a little bit fun when you build it around connection instead of constant hustle.

Here’s to marketing in 2026 feeling more like a conversation and less like a checklist.

With warmth and caffeine,
Jessica
Market House Ltd., Creative Director