B2C Marketing Strategies We Expect to Trend in 2026

1. Authentic Creator-Brand Collaboration Becomes Table Stakes

The line between brand and creator continues to blur. Consumers are tired of uber-polished ads and crave content that feels human, real and relatable. According to recent commentary, 2026 will lean into what’s been called “unshittification,” the new term that describes brands behaving more like creators, posting content not purely as ads but as valuable storytelling.

For example, a brand selling children’s products might invite micro-influencers to co-curate play kits and produce candid unboxings instead of capturing staged product shots. Food and beverage businesses could collaborate with a creator who shows how a snack fits into your daily ritual—not just an ad, but part of a narrative. These partnerships build trust, reach niche audiences and generate content that doesn’t feel like obvious promotion. In short: you become part of the creator ecosystem instead of just buying ad space.

2. Hyper-Personalization and AI-Driven Experiences Elevate Messaging

By 2026, AI won’t be optional; it’ll be woven into nearly every facet of marketing. From what we’re seeing, brands that leverage AI earlier on to anticipate context, personalize interactions and create purposeful content will stand out.

A tech brand, as an example, might leverage data from user behavior to trigger a micro-moment—i.e., a website visitor who looked at “wearable fitness tracker” is invited to a live wellness demo with a time-limited discount. Or, a CPG snack brand might use a conversational AI chatbot to recommend a personalized bundle based on their dietary profile. The strategy is to move beyond broad segments, anticipate needs, and deliver the right narrative to the right person at the right moment. Done well, that builds loyalty, not just clicks.

3. Micro-Moments and Purpose-Driven Marketing Go Center-Stage

One of the more interesting consumer behavior shifts projected for 2026 is what some forecasters call “minorstones,” which, in contrast to milestones, are small but meaningful wins. In marketing terms, that means brands will lean into stories of daily progress, micro-accomplishments and small victories rather than always shooting for the stars.

Imagine a law firm that publishes client stories about signing their first contract rather than waiting to say, “Major acquisition closed!” Or a food brand that celebrates achieving a clean-label certification in addition to sharing its launch into a top supermarket. The emotional resonance comes from the “you did this” moment—making purpose-driven storytelling measurable and relatable. When you align your messaging to the everyday, the personal, the small wins, you connect on a deeper level.

4. Innovation and Immersive Content Become More Valuable

Digital marketing will remain dominant next year, but the channels will get a lot smarter (think voice, AR/VR, and interactive livestreams) and hybrid community events will probably see a much-needed resurgence. Years ago, INMA predicted “the rise of voice,” more immersive reality experiences and user-generated content would “shape advertising by 2026,” and we agree.

For a fashion brand, this shift could look like a real-time virtual demo of the newest line where models show off the latest styles by taking direction from a live chat. For a wellness or beauty brand, perhaps an AR-powered try-before-you-buy experience via mobile. The key: don’t simply broadcast; engage. Invite yourself into the consumer’s world rather than making them always enter yours. Brands that play in these spaces early build novelty and memorability.