Six Marketing Trends to Pay Attention to in 2026
The marketing industry is in a constant state of change, and the AI boom can make it seem difficult to keep up. Going into 2026, marketing that wins will need trust, human touch and strategic execution. The winners will be brands that make it easy for customers to find real answers, see real people and experience real value. Use the trends below to inspire forward-thinking conversations with your team.
1. AI search is changing how people find answers
We hear about AI updates daily, and the advancements aren’t slowing down anytime soon. AI agents, chat-based tools and browsers are transforming how users search, shop, use apps and discover new brands. Search visibility depends on content that gives direct, useful responses to specific questions. Build topical depth around the problems you solve, structure web pages for scannability and keep language straightforward so both people and AI can interpret it.
Read our AI insights to learn more:
2. First-party data is the key to a steady strategy
Privacy regulations are rising and platform policies keep shifting. First-party data from your owned channels, like your website, email program and customer database, gives you more control and stability in your marketing strategy. Invest in responsible data collection, clear value exchanges and respectful personalization. The payoff is better audience targeting, more consistent ad performance and stronger customer relationships over time.
It is also critical to ensure that your website and online platforms are meeting any privacy regulations through the use of a consent management platform. If you don’t meet new regulations in any of the states or countries where you operate, your brand could be subject to costly fines.
3. Real storytelling outperforms a high-production focus
People trust brands that feel familiar and honest, especially in social media algorithms inundated with AI-generated content. Simple photos or videos taken on a smartphone can outperform a highly polished yet impersonal ad, because viewers are looking for content that has a human touch. Short-form videos from the field, customer success snapshots and behind-the-scenes stories cut through the noise because they feel real. Focus on authentic messaging that highlights specific outcomes your audience cares about.
4. Micro-influencers and employee voices earn brand credibility
The niche, highly engaged online communities that microinfluencers cultivate often beat the broad (and expensive) reach of megainfluencers. Aside from microinfluencers, more brands are looking internally to build buzz, empowering employees to share online content that represents their company in a fresh, personal way. Smaller digital creators, local influencers and your own team can spark meaningful online engagement through user-generated content, especially in rural markets where people know the faces behind the brand and connections matter.
5. Interactive brand experiences deepen customer relationships
Consumers are looking to engage with brands they care about, and brands are working to cultivate these relationships through interactive experiences. Podcasts, video series, live Q&A sessions, workshops, local pop-up events, product demos and interactive digital tools help prospects spend time with your brand. Start with one format that fits your strengths, then repurpose each episode or event into short clips, graphics, blog posts and email content that feed your owned channels.
6. Purpose backed by action builds brand loyalty
Buyers, especially younger audiences, gravitate toward brands with a clear purpose and pay attention to whether those brands live up to their promises. Values-driven marketing deepens emotional connections and helps your business stand out in competitive industries. The key is authentic alignment: ensure your messaging reflects actions that are already true of your business. Support local causes, highlight craftsmanship and customer service and consistently demonstrate the values that define your brand. When purpose and action work hand in hand, loyalty follows.
That same commitment to purpose extends to the way you operate online. Website accessibility and ADA compliance remain a key talking point across industries. Beyond reducing legal risks and preventing the alienation of a portion of your audience, accessible websites offer a better user experience and boost SEO. If it’s been a while since your last audit or site build, it may be time to review your site’s accessibility to ensure it meets current standards.
Turning trends into strategy
Trends only matter if they serve your primary business objectives. The key is identifying which ones align with your goals and investing in initiatives that build long-term success. At Callis, we help clients across rural America stay successful and competitive by combining proven strategies with cutting-edge marketing trends and technology. We develop integrated marketing strategies that take what works and pair it with what’s next, ensuring our clients’ brands are positioned for sustained growth in an ever-evolving marketplace.
