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With 2026 officially underway, marketing is entering a phase of refinement rather than reinvention. After years of rapid experimentation across platforms, technologies and formats, audiences are signalling what they value most: relevance, credibility and cultural awareness. For marketers, this means focusing less on scale for its own sake and more on signals that build trust and resonance. At TYPHOON 10, we see five trends shaping how brands will connect with audiences in the year ahead.
Trend #1: The Rise of Micro-Influencers
Influencer marketing is shifting toward smaller, more focused creators. Micro-influencers with niche audiences are gaining credibility because their content feels rooted in lived experience and genuine interest. Viewers increasingly believe they receive more reliable opinions from creators who specialise in a specific category rather than those who promote across many.
For brands, this shift encourages deeper partnerships built around shared values and long-term collaboration. Micro-influencers offer access to engaged communities where relevance carries more weight than reach. In 2026, influencer success will be measured by trust and cultural fit rather than follower count alone.
Trend #2: SEO Blogging Returns Through AEO
Search behaviour has evolved alongside AI-driven platforms. Consumers now turn to tools like ChatGPT, Gemini AI and Perplexity for information, discovery and decision-making. This change is bringing renewed focus to SEO through Answer Engine Optimisation.
Well-structured blogs that address specific questions and provide credible insight are more likely to surface within AI-generated responses. In 2026, SEO-friendly blogging will play a renewed role in driving organic traffic, building authority and ensuring brands remain discoverable across both traditional search engines and AI interfaces. Content depth and clarity will matter more than keyword density.
Trend #3: Personal Branding Within Marketing Teams
Brands are increasingly amplifying the voices of their own teams. Marketing professionals are becoming visible ambassadors, sharing expertise, opinions and behind-the-scenes perspectives. Zaria Parvez’s impact at Duolingo highlights how in-house talent can humanise brand presence and build community at scale.
This approach extends beyond social media managers. Leaders and marketers such as Grace Andrews, Irina Novoselsky and Bri Reynolds show how personal branding creates trust through authenticity and experience. In 2026, organisations will actively support employee-led visibility as part of their brand strategy, recognising that people build credibility faster than logos.
Trend #4: Maximalism Returns to Design and Fashion
Visual culture is moving toward expression and boldness. After a year dominated by minimal and muted aesthetics, Gen Z and Millennials are embracing colour, texture and statement visuals. Maximalism reflects a desire for individuality and emotional impact, especially in digital spaces crowded with similar-looking content.
Brands that adopt richer palettes, expressive typography and layered storytelling will feel more aligned with cultural sentiment. In 2026, design will serve as a signal of confidence and creativity, helping brands stand out in environments where attention is increasingly scarce.
Trend #5: The Rise of #NoAIUsed
After widespread AI adoption, audiences are becoming more discerning about how content is created. Visible human effort is emerging as a marker of value. The #NoAIUsed movement reflects a growing preference for work that feels considered, crafted and personal.
This does not signal a rejection of technology but a rebalancing. Brands that combine AI efficiency with clear human input will create work that feels intentional. In 2026, authenticity will be communicated through transparency, originality and restraint in how automation is applied.
Looking Ahead
Marketing in 2026 will reward brands that align with culture while staying rooted in trust. From niche creators to employee-led storytelling, expressive design and thoughtful content, the focus is shifting toward connection over volume. At TYPHOON 10, we see these trends as an invitation for brands to show clarity, confidence and humanity in how they communicate.
Connect with our T10 team to see how we can help future-proof your marketing.
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