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What’s ahead in social media marketing 2026
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Beauty boom fuels surge in online shopping
This report shows that coverage by a major UK newspaper drove a noticeable uptick in online beauty purchases. It suggests that exposure through media, especially on trending beauty or lifestyle topics, can quickly influence consumer demand, prompting surges in e-commerce activity. This underscores the power of editorial coverage and earned media. For marketers, it emphasises the value of PR and storytelling to reach customers beyond traditional paid advertising.
Why this matters
As social media algorithms shift and paid ads become more crowded, earned media and organic buzz offer a credible, cost-effective lever to drive brand visibility and sales.
5 Challenges blocking marketing impact, and how to solve them
In today’s fast-paced environment, marketing teams face barriers like siloed execution, inefficient processes, and limited visibility. Disconnected tools and manual workflows hinder quick adaptation, alignment on priorities, and demonstrating value to the business. Atlassian’s modern work management unifies work into a single platform, offering marketing teams real-time visibility, standardized processes, and outcome-focused reports. Customizable dashboards and AI automation help teams break silos, adapt quickly, and align campaigns with strategic goals. The result is a marketing organization that moves faster, delivers with greater consistency, and proves its impact with confidence, earning trust and influence across the business.
As AI eats web traffic: a rethink for content strategies
Publishers and marketers are witnessing steep drops in organic search traffic, as AI-powered tools and “zero-click” results supply direct answers — reducing the need for users to click through to websites. An expert warns that old SEO tactics alone won’t hold up in the new environment. Instead, brands need to adapt by: measuring deeper engagement metrics, optimising for AI-driven results (sometimes called generative engine optimization or GEO), and leaning into personalised content formats.
Why It Matters
As the mechanics of discovery shift, marketers who rely solely on traditional SEO risk losing reach. Brands must invest in content layered for AI summarization, authoritative storytelling, and richer formats — to stay visible and relevant. Read more.
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Today’s Insight
This infographic outlines 15 social-media marketing trends expected to shape 2026, with a strong push toward AI, video, and more personalised engagement. Most notable: AI is becoming a regular part of content creation and campaign management, not just a buzzword. Short-form video remains dominant across platforms. Also, marketers are reconsidering influencer strategies — micro-influencers and niche creators are rising over big-name endorsements..
Key Takeaways
Use AI tools as co-creators: adopt them for content drafting, scheduling or ad testing, but keep a human touch to preserve brand voice.
Prioritize short-form video and immersive formats to match audience consumption habits.
Partner with micro or niche creators; they often deliver stronger engagement and better ROI.
Embed social commerce and interactive elements to transform engagement into conversions.
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