Nothing like coming back to work after the holidays, said no one ever ☠️ Regardless, here we are, and it is time to take 2026 by the horns!
And yes, we know… right now the internet will be filled with “things that you should or shouldn’t do in 2026…” Because every new year comes with a fresh wave of advice about everything and anything:
- Drink this new tea.
- Post more.
- Try this platform.
- Use this tool.
- Try this diet.
- Follow this trend before it’s “too late.”
And every year, everyone, including small business owners, is left feeling behind, overwhelmed, and wondering why none of it seems to stick… and that is annoying. So let’s start 2026 with something different: focus.
You Need Better Focus
Yes, yes… 2025 was a year! And maybe things moved faster (or slower, or weirder) than you thought they would… and that is ok. What matters is that we use those lessons to have a better 2026, and there is no better way to start than by focusing on what really matters and works.
And this can look a couple of different ways: leaving certain platforms or tools to focus on other ones, or pivoting from certain processes or clients… or something as simple as not chasing virality, trends, or every single platform.
So… what should you focus on?
Your Audience
Knowing your audience is ALWAYS an important thing to focus on:
- Who are they?
- What do they want?
- Where do they spend their time?
Focusing on your audience first is how you determine which problems to solve, which services to offer, and where to offer them.
Without knowing your audience, chances are you will end up spreading yourself thin while trying to appeal to everyone, everywhere, all the time, leading you and your brand to inconsistent messaging, burnout, and content that feels rushed instead of intentional.
Your Objectives
Posting for the sake of posting and having something up should 100% stay behind. Just because you can post doesn’t mean you should, as content without purpose quickly turns into noise, for your audience and for you.
Before you post anything in 2026, ask yourself:
- What is this helping my audience understand?
- Does this build trust or clarity?
- Does this support what I actually want my business to be known for?
If the answer is “No,” that is a post you should reconsider. Posting just to meet a schedule can do more harm than good.
You could consider pausing your schedule or repurposing an old post/topic instead. Or maybe revisit our blog for some insight on what to do when you are out of ideas 😉
Consistency
We are sure you know that consistency has little to do with posting volume and a lot to do with expectations… and if you didn’t, well, now you do.
Your audience doesn’t need daily content. They need:
- A recognizable tone.
- A clear message.
- And a reason to keep coming back.
Showing up three times a week with intention will always beat daily posts made under pressure. Consistency builds trust: when people know what to expect from you, they feel safer and more comfortable with you and your brand.
The Metrics That Matter
We discussed this in a previous blog post: going viral, getting a bunch of followers, and lots of likes feel nice, but they don’t tell the whole story, nor do they define success.
While the follower count is important, real results look very different than just a big follower or like count. Are your followers…
- Replying to your stories or DMs?
- Recommending or talking about you to others?
- Referencing a post during your interactions or discovery calls?
- Mentioning how they have “been following you for a while”?
Those are the moments that matter and build real connection. Those are the signs your marketing is working even when the numbers don’t look flashy.
Being Human
The number of times people forget about this is too damn high. And no, we are not talking about AI usage only (“in today’s digital landscape…” ☠️)
You don’t need to sound corporate to be taken seriously. In fact, overly polished, formal content can create distance instead of connection. People don’t connect with brands that feel cold or scripted; they connect with people who sound real, relatable, and confident in what they do.
Being professional and being boring are not the same thing.
Your personality, your perspective, and your lived experience are not distractions from your marketing: they are a crucial part of it.
Sustainability
If your marketing efforts are consuming your business time and resources rather than supporting its growth, it is time to pivot. A strong strategy must work the same way when you have unlimited time, energy, and motivation as when you don’t; otherwise, it’s a fast track to burnout and not something that will help you grow.
In 2026, sustainable marketing looks like:
- Realistic content schedules.
- Systems that reduce last-minute stress.
- Flexibility when business or life shifts.
- Strategies you can actually maintain.
And yes, I get it… It might sound as if you are “doing less” and maybe even “falling behind,” but in reality, you are building something that lasts.
The 2026 Mindset: Focus on What Matters
So, what if we start the year with a reminder?
Remember that the most revolutionary act for a small business in 2026 won’t be chasing the next big thing. It will be the quiet, confident decision to ignore the noise and commit to what actually works for you.
Forget the pressure to be everywhere, do everything, and sound like everyone else. The real competitive advantage isn’t found in another platform or a viral trend; it’s in your unique focus.
Be more intentional.
So take a deep breath. Let this be the year you start building a space that’s authentic, sustainable, and truly yours. Your audience, your sanity, and your bottom line will thank you.
