Here are our key marketing predictions for 2026, and what they mean for brands that want to stay relevant.
1. Visibility will become less dependent on search alone
Consumers are no longer relying on traditional search alone to find answers to their queries. Depending on the audience, people are increasingly turning to TikTok, Reddit, YouTube, and AI assistants before visiting a website. We predict that in 2026, visibility won’t be about ranking in one place – it will be about showing up consistently across multiple platforms. Brands that rely solely on SEO may fall behind, but those that also invest in a social media strategy and become present on multiple platforms will thrive. Being discoverable will mean meeting your audience where they already are.
2. AI fatigue will drive a demand for authenticity
As AI becomes more deeply integrated into people’s lives, including through social media and search engines, we predict a strong consumer backlash to what many are calling ‘AI slop’. AI-generated content and visuals are flooding every platform, and it’s all looking very same-y. AI art has a distinctive aesthetic that more people are beginning to recognise, reject, and call out. In 2026, authenticity will become a major differentiator.
Audiences will gravitate more towards human artists, designers, writers, and content creators who offer originality and a genuine perspective. Brands that over-use AI rather than human content creators risk losing the ability to stand out. AI can continue to be a useful tool, but brands must remember to use it strategically rather than letting it replace human creativity.
3. SEO will shift from website clicks to visibility in AI Overviews
With AI Overviews now appearing before traditional search results on many search engines, user behaviour is already changing. People searching for answers online may be less likely to click through to blog posts or long-form content when the information they need is summarised directly at the top of search results. In 2026, we predict that SEO practices will move away from purely chasing top rankings, and towards getting your brand mentioned within the AI Overviews. Standing out in search will rely less on keyword density and more on:
- Strong brand recognition
- Clear industry expertise
- Trust and credibility
Therefore, a strong SEO strategy intertwined with cohesive branding will become more important than ever.
4. B2B brands will become more experimental
We predict that more B2B businesses will adopt the bold, personality-driven approach that many B2C brands, like Duolingo and Ryanair, have embraced successfully. In 2026, B2B marketing will become less risk-averse, more experimental, especially on social media, and more focused on connection than conversion
This will lead to an increase in behind-the-scenes content, less polished posts, and content that doesn’t always have a clear sales message attached. Instead, the goal of social media campaigns will be to show brand personality, values, and the humans behind the business.
5. Brands that prioritise transparency will stand out in a crowded market
Our prediction (and hope) for 2026 is that brands will leave behind tactics that undermine trust. Fake apology letters and staged ‘internal email leaks’ used to promote sales have become overused. These trends erode credibility and ultimately harm brand reputation. Brands that prioritise transparency towards their audiences will stand out in a crowded market.
How Hydra Creative can help your business reach its 2026 marketing goals
At Hydra Creative, our full service business growth retainer gives you access to a complete marketing team, without the cost or complexity of managing one in-house. From branding and content marketing services to SEO management and social media, we create digital marketing strategies that are designed for long-term growth. If you want your brand to stand out and stay authentic, we’re here to help.
Contact our friendly team today for an initial consultation.
