Online marketing is always a rapidly evolving industry, but I think 2025 was really a banner year. And the new year is a perfect time to review and renew your marketing goals for 2026.
As a CEO for small business marketing in Metro Atlanta and Gulf Coast, I am so excited for what’s coming for local businesses this year. Here’s what we think you should be focusing on in your marketing department.
Pause, and Learn
Before you change a thing… renew your knowledge of your customer base. This could mean a large-scale project like a new loyalty program, an updated Customer Relationship Management (CRM) strategy, or merely doing research on what people in your potential customer base are interested in online. An annual review of everything you know about your customers and how they tend to interact with your company will guide your ultimate long-term strategy for 2026.
AI Marketing Ideas
This is the year for your small business to add in some short-cuts, content sparks, and lead generation using AI. The technology is becoming more accessible to smaller companies. The best way to start, I think, is to research the tools and the strategies that are working for your industry. For some ideas on thoughtful AI use, check out our recent blog on this!
Tell Your Story
Not only do you need to know your customers, but this year, your customers must learn more about you and your company. The more they know, the more they’ll find a connection with your brand and your business. I see a stronger desire from consumers to know who their products and services are coming from. You are an expert in your field, let your customers get to know who you are. An easy way to start this is posting consistent and authentic content on social media.
We strive to stay at the forefront of online marketing, so you can focus on creating a great product. Can our local business marketing experts give your business a fresh start this year?