Top 5 Predictions FOR MARKETING IN 2026 / MARKETING FOR WOMEN IN BUSINESS ONLINE→

I've been in the brand and marketing space for years now — specifically in helping big-hearted women show up online in a way that works with their personality, doesn’t feel “salesey,” and isn't about endless posting online.

So I wanted to share what I'm predicting will work for successful small businesses and solopreneurs in 2026.

When we think about marketing predictions, our first thought might be how business fads, trends, and platforms are changing quickly and how AI is making waves in marketing every day.

And thus, do we sway with these trends or keep it simple?

I’m going to examine that first, and then I’ve broken down what I see as "what's working" for business & marketing in 2026. Are you ready?

Keep reading, and then let me know if these 5 predictions for marketing in 2026 surprise you or not…

So before we get to my TOP 5 PREDICTIONS FOR MARKETING IN 2026 let’s start with this potentially unpopular opinion:

I'm a firm believer that you don't have to (and often shouldn't) chase the trends to try to stay relevant in marketing.

Sure we need to adapt and evaluate and tweak how to get our brand out into the world...

>>> Hence my top 5 "what's working right now" below.

But for the most part, brand foundations and focused marketing paths will win over trend-chasing every time.

It's proven again and again by big brands and small ones.

HERE'S WHY...

Marketing “trends” have problems — especially for small businesses — such as:

>> They work temporarily after a ton of effort, and then stop working (because trends move fast), leaving you with all your eggs in one basket and a crash and burn situation (that's hard to keep up with, especially as a solopreneur or woman in business even with a small team)

>> They disappointingly fall flat even after a ton of effort and copycatting other brands (because your personality or brand understandably doesn't execute them like a particular trend-setters does, and that's OK)

>> They feel wildly uncomfortable and awkward for us or are out of brand alignment, and then we don't actually follow through with them (which sometimes leads to giving up on marketing entirely, because it then feels intimidating or overwhelming, which is unfortunate, because it doesn't have to be!)

>> They're right for certain types of brands and not others, so often marketing trends end up reflecting poorly instead of powerfully; (working against you instead of for you)

Instead, FOUNDATIONAL STRATEGIES in your brand and marketing WORK because they're based on human psychology, human buying behavior, AND the values of you and your unique brand, not just a quick moment in the spotlight.

And yes, platforms change. Human attention spans change.

But certain elements do not:

• Trust matters

• Speaking directly to your target audience matters

• Values matter

• Setting yourself apart matters

...and a lot of other foundations (that we often overlook, in our distraction with the trends).

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With that said, it's 2026 and we're not here to put our head in the sand.

Marketing is more exciting (& accessible) than ever.

As long as we can tune into what we need and let go of everything else! (aka, ignore that internet squirrels!)

With my emphasis on brand & marketing foundations clear, let’s get to these predictions.

It’s always good to gauge the way consumers are viewing and buying each year, and there are some elements to be especially aware of when it comes to "what's working" right now.

HERE are THE TOP 5 THINGS I SEE IS WORKING NOW IN BUSINESS AND MARKETING ONLINE for 2026:

(think: foundational but relevant)

1. Brands that are pulled together and polished (think spot-on messaging & visuals) WITH a side of very human, somewhat messy authenticity

Why: People are still drawn to beauty and order, which create a sense of professionalism and trust. But also the human elements bring in a different layer of trust, a hard-to-earn value in an age where AI is creating fake everything. We need a little bit of both.

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2. Brands that care about something

Why: With the amazing online marketplace growing day by day, there's no shortage of products and offers. So when given the chance, people would rather buy from a brand whose values they care about or feel connected to.

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3. Brands that LEAD with humanity

Why: With so many brands leaning into bots and AI for efficiency (understandably), some businesses are losing their relational touch. People still want to buy from a brand they feel like cares about them. And at the core, people are drawn to real life stories and human faces.

4. Brands that can lean into the right tools (and let others go).

Why: Efficiency and systems do matter. But we often need a lot less platforms and tools than we think. Picking the right ones that work for your brain, personality, and goals and then letting go of what doesn't serve you is a powerful way of "decluttering" your business (or not over-complicating it in the first place).

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5. Brands that catch attention quickly, but then follow up with depth, transformation, and sincerity.

Why: With so much scrolling and skimming, we need spot-on, "lighting strike" type messaging to make our perfect person stop and stay. But when they do... they're expecting depth, trust, and things that matter to them in order to become a follower and then a buyer.

What do you think, Entrepreneur Friend?

Do you agree with my 5 predictions for "what's working now" in business and marketing in 2026? What would you add or dismiss?

If any of this feels complicated or overwhelming, I want to reassure you with this one thing:

Your job is to bring your gifts, talents, passions, and purposes to the world...

...everything else is figureoutable.

...everything else someone else knows if you don't.

If you have a mission and a vision for your business (and if you don't, sit down and work on those!) then your big dreams can turn into reality.

And reach out if you have opinions or additions to my "what's working" list! I'd love to hear!

Cheering you on.

With Purpose & Joy!

-Shannon

>>Brand & Marketing Strategist, Creative Director, Small Business Mentor

​www.FeatherBlueStudios.com

PS: Grab a free small business strategy resource to get started at https://www.featherbluestudios.com/freebies) or shop one of our breakthrough-motivating tools or resources here: https://www.featherbluestudios.com/theshop