Welcome to the January 2026 edition of Thrive Insights. A fresh, focused roundup to help you start the year with clarity and momentum. This month, we’re sharing three key reads shaping the conversations ahead:

The Top Content Marketing Trends to Follow in 2026 & The Predictions Shaping the Year Ahead – Part 1,
How to Grow Your Brand: Practical Advice for SMEs, and
The Human Connection: Trends Shaping Marketing in 2026.

The Top Content Marketing Trends to Follow in 2026 - Part 1

& The Predictions Shaping the Year Ahead

Content marketing in 2026 is entering a new era, one where AI is built into every layer of, audiences demand higher levels of authenticity, and trust becomes the defining differentiator for brands. The rules are shifting, discovery is fragmenting, and teams must evolve to stay relevant.

Here in part one of our latest article, we distil the leading research, expert insights, and industry predictions into a clear, actionable guide for the year ahead.

How to Grow Your Brand: Practical Advice for SMEs

SMEs are entering 2026 with a unique challenge: the market is faster, noisier and more competitive, yet the potential for meaningful, sustainable brand growth has never been stronger. The organisations that will stand out aren’t the ones doing the most, but the ones doing the right things with clarity and consistency.

Here are some ideas on how SMEs can build a brand that cuts through and keeps growing.

The Human Connection Trends Shaping Marketing in 2026

Marketing is no longer just about algorithms, automation, or analytics. It’s about human connection. In a world saturated with content and AI-generated messaging, brands that prioritise empathy, authenticity, and emotional resonance are the ones that stand out.

At Thrive Marketing, we believe that the future of marketing is deeply human. Let’s be honest it always has been but somewhere, something, got lost along the way! Here we share what we believe are the key human connection trends shaping how businesses engage, communicate, and grow in 2026, along with some tips.

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