When we first published this article in 2023, voice search, artificial intelligence and personalization were the trends everyone was watching. A few years later, some predictions came true faster than expected, and others evolved in surprising ways. Here’s our updated take for 2026.
1. AI went from marketing tool to search engine
In 2023 the conversation was about AI-powered marketing tools. In 2026 AI is also where people search. Google’s AI Overviews and AI Mode, ChatGPT search, Perplexity and Microsoft Copilot answer questions directly and cite their sources.
What to do: answer customer questions clearly on your site, keep business information consistent everywhere, add structured data, and show real expertise. Read our full guide: How AI Search Is Changing SEO in 2026.
2. Voice search became conversational search
Voice assistants never replaced typing, but the conversational style of voice search spread everywhere. People now type and speak longer, more specific questions, especially to AI tools.
What to do: create content that answers detailed, real-world questions, like “what should a nonprofit look for in a website,” not just short keywords. FAQ sections and how-to guides work well.
3. Personalization grew up, with more respect for privacy
Personalized marketing is still powerful, but privacy rules and browser changes have made heavy third-party tracking less reliable. The winners rely on first-party data that customers share willingly.
What to do: build your email list, use segmented email marketing journeys, and personalize based on what customers tell you and do on your own site.
4. Short-form video is a standard expectation
Reels, TikTok and YouTube Shorts became core channels for reaching new audiences, and short video now shows up in search results too.
What to do: repurpose what you already know into quick tips, behind-the-scenes clips, before-and-afters and FAQs. See our guide to social media for small businesses.
5. Local search and reviews matter more than ever
For local businesses, the Google Business Profile and reviews remain among the most influential factors in being found and chosen.
What to do: follow our Google Business Profile checklist and make asking for reviews part of your routine.
6. Accessibility and speed are table stakes
Fast, accessible websites rank better, convert better and reach more people. For public agencies, accessibility now has a specific legal standard.
What to do: audit your site for speed and accessibility, and fix templates first. Our website design and redesign services build these in from the start.
7. Chatbots became genuinely useful
AI-powered chat assistants can now answer common questions, book appointments and route leads around the clock, when they’re set up with accurate information and a clear handoff to a human.
What to do: start with your top customer questions, and always make it easy to reach a real person.
What stays the same
Some fundamentals never change: know your audience, offer something genuinely valuable, make it easy to take the next step, and measure what’s working.
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest digital marketing trend in 2026?
AI-driven search. It changes how customers find information and how businesses earn visibility.
Is voice search still important?
Dedicated voice searches matter less than predicted, but the conversational, question-based search behavior they introduced is now everywhere.
How can a small business keep up?
Focus on a few high-impact basics: a fast website, strong local SEO, consistent social content and an email list. Then add more as you grow.
Stay ahead with A Treehouse Group
From SEO and social media to websites and printing, we help organizations keep up without chasing every fad. Request a free proposal.
