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  1. The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast
  2. 6 Marketing Trends That Will Shape 2026
6 Marketing Trends That Will Shape 2026

6 Marketing Trends That Will Shape 2026

The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast · Jan 8, 2026

Marketing in 2026 will prioritize authenticity, local SEO, customer retention, and micro-influencers to build trust and stand out.

Treat a Google Business Profile as a Publishing Platform, Not a Static Listing

For local businesses, a Google Business Profile should be a dynamic content hub, not just a directory listing. Consistently adding posts, images, and services, while using interactive features, signals positive activity to Google. This ongoing management is crucial for maintaining high visibility in local search results.

6 Marketing Trends That Will Shape 2026 thumbnail

6 Marketing Trends That Will Shape 2026

The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast·a month ago

Partner with Niche 'Trust Brokers' for Relationships, Not Paid Posts

The effectiveness of large-scale influencer marketing is waning as audiences recognize inauthentic paid promotions. A better strategy is to identify smaller creators, or 'trust brokers,' with high engagement and genuine community trust. Focus on building real, long-term, mutually beneficial relationships rather than transactional one-off posts.

6 Marketing Trends That Will Shape 2026 thumbnail

6 Marketing Trends That Will Shape 2026

The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast·a month ago

Counter AI-Generated Content by Sharing Uncomfortably Real Business Stories

As AI makes content creation feel robotic, businesses must stand out by publishing authentic, behind-the-scenes content. This includes showing processes and unique stories. If sharing content doesn't feel slightly uncomfortable, it is likely not real enough to build trust and differentiate your brand.

6 Marketing Trends That Will Shape 2026 thumbnail

6 Marketing Trends That Will Shape 2026

The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast·a month ago

Develop New Products for Loyal Customers Instead of Chasing Cold Leads

Instead of focusing budgets on acquiring new customers, businesses should invert their spending to serve existing ones. A powerful growth strategy is to identify the needs of your best customers and create new services or premium options specifically for them, maximizing lifetime value from those who already trust you.

6 Marketing Trends That Will Shape 2026 thumbnail

6 Marketing Trends That Will Shape 2026

The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast·a month ago

Truly Disruptive Marketing Involves 'Mischievous' Acts That Make Your Accountant Nervous

To be memorable, marketers should pivot from purely digital tactics to quirky, offline activities like pop-up stands or unusual collaborations. These offline events generate buzz that can be amplified online. If an idea doesn't seem slightly risky or unconventional, it's likely not bold enough to capture attention.

6 Marketing Trends That Will Shape 2026 thumbnail

6 Marketing Trends That Will Shape 2026

The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast·a month ago