The Big Shifts Coming In 2026 For Small Business Owners

With the massive rise of AI, consumerism, and advertising, we’re all completely overwhelmed, exhausted, and hard to sell to.

Everything feels oversaturated, overwhelming, and overstimulated.

We’ve all woken up to the fact that our emotions are being sold to, and the truth is– anyone can get online now and sell anything, even if it’s not real, even if the claims are baseless, even if there’s no substance to the actual product.

As a small business, it’s easy to wonder how in the world we can make a dent? How can we get anyone to notice us? How can we offer anything new or different than anyone else?

For those of us who are legit, who have products that really do solve problems, well– it leaves us in an interesting place.

While some would argue it’s almost impossible to stand out in the world, I believe we actually have a unique opportunity to stand out– an opportunity to lean into building trust and being a business that operates with integrity and honesty,  

an opportunity to get back to the way business was done before social media was a thing, you know– that thing where we talked to each other face-to-face. 

So how do we do it, practically speaking? How do we get back to that intimate way of doing business? How do we build trust with new clients and customers?

I think there are probably hundreds of ways to do it, but here’s the 5 I’ve got on my mind.

Referrals and Networking

Think about it– how much more likely are you to buy something from someone you know, or someone a friend recommends? Compared to a random ad you see on Facebook.

Website Branding

A website that’s personalized and branded. We used to feel legit if we had a polished, professional website, one that looked corporate and important. And while professional and polished is not bad, you need more than that. You don’t want to blend in and look like everyone else. You want to stand out.

Use messaging that reflects your values and different ways of doing business, and not just the same blah, blah sales messages that everyone else is using. 

Use Quality brand photos that are unique to your brand and not the same stock photos that everyone else uses– it will show you really are a one-of-a-kind small business with your own way of solving problems that’s different from everyone else.

Social Media– But not how you think

Instead of using social media as a platform to sell on and gain a massive following, use it as a place to share your values, your ideas, and the behind-the-scenes of your business. Use it as a place to connect with the people who would love to buy from you.

Straightforward Marketing

I think as consumers, we’re craving to-the-point marketing. We don’t want to scroll through pages and pages of sales slop. We want to know simply what you’re selling, if it can help me, and if I can trust you.

Honesty

Be honest and upfront about what you’re selling. Don’t pretend that what you’re selling will work for everyone. Be brave and even talk about the problems your product won’t solve.

I’m quite certain I’ve barely scratched the surface with the shifts coming in 2026, but I do know what I’m craving, and what I’ve been hearing from some of the “experts” in the small business world–

and it’s not more pointless noise. It’s not fake marketing. It’s not more followers. It’s not making your brand and business look like everyone else.

So for me in 2026, I’m focusing on my network and referrals, on my website and brand, on how I’m showing up on social media, and on being straightforward and honest with my message.

I’d love to know how you’re showing up!