Out with the Old, Marketing Habits to Let Go of in 2026
Marketing Habits That Are Dying
Marketing moves at the speed of culture, and some of the "best practices" we learned even two years ago are now just digital noise. If you feel like you're running on a treadmill and getting nowhere, it might be time to prune your strategy.
Many small business owners don’t realize they’re carrying outdated marketing habits — not because they’re doing anything wrong, but because these tactics used to work.
Here are a few common ones to reconsider in the new year:
Relying on “Keywords” to Get Found Online
If your online strategy is mostly about stuffing your website or blogs with keywords and hoping Google does the rest, you’re likely missing opportunities. Search engines — and customers — now care more about helpful, relevant content and real answers, not just specific phrases.
What to ask instead:
Are we creating content that actually helps our customers and answers their questions?
Are we investing in search ads or driving traffic to our website through blogs, email or social?
Trying to Talk to “Everyone” at Once
Marketing that targets “all women,” “local families,” or “anyone aged 25–55” often ends up connecting with no one. When your message is too broad, it feels generic and easy to scroll past.
What to ask instead:
Do we clearly know who this message is for and why it matters to them?
What is the specific 'pain point' we solve best, and who is feeling it most acutely right now?
Posting on Social Media Just to Stay Visible
If your social media feels like a nonstop stream of promotions — sales, offers, reminders — it can start to feel noisy instead of engaging. People follow brands for value, not constant ads.
What to ask instead:
How is our content keeping audiences engaged and entertained?
Are we sharing stories, education, or behind-the-scenes moments — not just promotions?
Making Decisions Based on Instinct Alone
Experience matters, but when decisions are made without looking at what’s actually working, it becomes easy to repeat ineffective habits. Guesswork can quietly drain time and budget.
What to ask instead:
Do we regularly look at what’s performing well and adjust based on real results?
Your 2026 Marketing Resolution
Breaking old habits is the first step toward better results. This year, challenge yourself to:
Prioritize Helpfulness over keyword density.
Prioritize Specificity over broad audiences.
Prioritize Value over constant promotion.
Prioritize Data over gut feelings.
Marketing your small business should feel like a conversation, not a chore. By letting go of these outdated tactics, you’re making room for strategies that actually grow your community and your bottom line.
