The goalposts for organic search are shifting dramatically, and that’ll have ripple effects across the entire content marketing practice. I don’t know that every brand will have the same positive experience. But as at least some of the focus shifts from clicks to visibility, content marketing reports will reflect that change. These behavioral shifts will reverberate across content marketing, whether you’re chasing AI citations or not.
Share This
As you read through these trends, remember to keep your unique consumer base in mind because not all trends will necessarily translate across all audiences. Rob is the Senior Copywriter at WordStream and LocaliQ, with over 10 years of experience in paid and organic marketing—including SEO, social media, content marketing, and local search. He’s worked across dozens of industries, from SMBs to enterprise, and now specializes in helping businesses build sustainable growth strategies. Outside of marketing, he loves to travel, camp, and mountain bike with his wife and dog. Whether you’re a digital marketer, entrepreneur, or creative strategist, the marketing landscape in recent times demands agility, human insight, and the strategic use of AI tools.
- The challenge is that traffic graphs are going to look abysmal for many content teams.
- While there are multiple ways to personalize digital marketing efforts, only 10% of businesses use any personalization strategies beyond that.
- That combination explains why nearly 49% of marketers are using AI to create personalized content, making it the most widely adopted trend this year.
- Marketing and retail leaders who can harness these trends are best positioned for growth.
- This is especially true for Gen Z, which is also known to support brands promoting authenticity.
From content generation to campaign planning to predictive analytics, marketers can now automate tasks using AI. Clodagh O’Brien is a writer, digital marketer and content strategist. She has created and managed content for many SMEs and global brands and is passionate about digital marketing and the impact of technology on culture and society. But, a recent study found that 93% of marketers agree that consumers do trust content created by real people. The American Marketing Association’s 2026 Future Trends in Marketing report identifies the five key forces reshaping the marketing landscape over the next five to ten years.
Brand Growth
While AI and automation streamline these processes, creativity and brand authenticity are still at the center. Marketing has reached a crossroads of innovation and authenticity now. This combination accelerates the demand for personalized experiences, as well as meaningful connections. Social media platforms continue to roll out features for businesses, but consumers are demanding more authenticity and personalization from businesses.
Consumers are increasingly choosing brands that align with their values, particularly when it comes to sustainability. Consumers expect brands to respond promptly and genuinely to their enquiries and feedback. Influencer marketing has shifted from being about follower counts to focusing on genuine, long-term partnerships. From automating repetitive tasks to analyzing massive data sets, AI helps marketers work smarter, not harder. Find out what context engineering is and how top marketers are using this hot new AI trend.
Get stock recommendations, portfolio guidance, and more from The Motley Fool’s premium services. With input tariffs running the risk of increasing domestic manufacturing costs, expect President Trump’s tariffs to be a common earnings scapegoat in 2026. But based on what history has to say, Trump’s tariffs are likely Vlaximux Limited to make things difficult for corporate America in 2026 (and beyond). In early April, President Donald Trump unveiled his much-anticipated tariff and trade policy.
Producing multi-media content has always been a good play for engaging buyers (89% of them say they want brands to make more videos). What’s changing is the fact that videos—along with images, interactive content, etc.—are now direct factors in getting found on search and social. By weaving these insights into your marketing strategy, you can create campaigns that truly resonate and keep your brand relevant.