6 Small Business Predictions for 2026 Every Cozypreneur Should Know

Ever feel like the second you finally get into a groove with your business and feeling confident in your work, your marketing, your offers that the economy shifts, the algorithm changes, or a new trend pops up and suddenly you’re back at square one?

That’s NOT going to happen to you in 2026!

After coaching dozens of entrepreneurs and running my own business for the past eight years, I’m seeing very clear trends emerge both online and in person. From more community based events, values led businesses booming, and slow living taking over, here are my 6 small business predictions for 2026 and how to navigate these shifts without burning out!

So grab a cup of tea, get cozy, and let’s dive in.

1. Community-Based Offers Will Be a Major Small Business Trend in 2026

As AI continues to rise, so does our collective craving for real human connection. Even though tools like ChatGPT and AI-generated content are still relatively new, people are already sick of it hurting our planet, stealing artists work, and creating more disconnection bewteen people.

Over 52% of adults report feeling lonely at least once a week, and AI-driven platforms are only expected to increase that number over time. But this creates a huge opportunity for businesses to become the community makers.

In 2026, businesses that thrive will be the ones creating spaces —online or in person—where people feel seen, connected, and supported!

Here's a few ideas to help bring people together and into your business:

• In-person workshops that relate to your niche

• Sip and Shops with exclusive discounts and catering from a local bar or coffee shop

• Renting your storefront for others to host in

• Hosting in person retreats to teach or experience your work deeper

• VIP days or local meetups to connect with your people in person

• Online communities where people can network, share wins, and feel less alone

Just like the one I created inside of Business Besties: the community chat for small business owners! Simply having a group chat to ask questions, celebrate our wins, and hold each other accountable has been so helpful to their but also my own business this past year!

You can learn more about Business Besties and join our cozy community here!

In 2026, community won’t just be a “nice bonus.” It will be a competitive advantage!

2. The Social Media Bubble Is POPPING

Social media isn’t disappearing, but the way small businesses rely on it is changing FAST

Algorithms are unpredictable, engagement is down, and many business owners are feeling exhausted trying to keep up with the content hamster wheel.. In 2026, we’ll see a continued shift toward decentralized social media and diversifying your marketing rather than putting all your eggs in one platform.

If you want to stop learning the latest Tiktok dances, researching trends every week, and finally create a sustainable marketing strategy that creates a more spacious calendar for you, here's the some options for 2026:

• Email marketing

• SEO platforms (like pinterest, youtube, and blogging)

• LinkedIn

• In person networking events

• Flyers, business cards, or radio ads

• Referrals and word-of-mouth

  
  

The big takeaway in this prediction? Social media can still be part of your strategy, but if you want to grow a successful small business while living a slow life it shouldn’t be the only strategy.

3. Long-Form Content (and SEO) Are Back 

After years of 5-second reels and short-form burnout, your community is craving depth and human connection again. Long-form content marketing such as youtube, podcasting, and blogging is officially back! And the research backs it up:

• Long-form YouTube videos (over 30 minutes) accounted for 73% of U.S. users YouTube watch time in October 2024, up from 65% in October 2023

• Only 55% of Americans listened to podcasts in 2020, but that number is up to 73% today

• 77% of internet users read blogs regularly, but only 33% of small businesses have them

  
  

Blogs, YouTube videos, podcasts, and longer form content allow audiences to slow down, actually get to know a business, and build real trust. In 2026, businesses that invest in long form content infused with SEO rich keywords & current trends will stand out!

And you’ll save time in the long run by utilizing SEO - search engine optimization - in your content. Unlike the 24-hour Instagram algorithm, where posts tend to disappear after a day or two, your blogs, YouTube videos, and podcasts stay relevant for months or even years after publishing! 2026 is the year to prioritize long form content so in 2027 you can finally get off the meta hamster wheel!

Ps. There's a little hack to turning ONE piece of content into business growth on multiple platforms! I share that secret + 5 more small business time saving hacks in this blog and video here! ⬇️

4. Value-Led and Ethical Businesses Will Lead the Future of Small Business

Consumers are paying attention not just to what businesses sell, but what they stand for. Now more than ever your values and morals MATTER!

We’ve already seen what happens when companies ignore and remove the values they once stood for. In one high-profile DEI-related example, Target experienced a $20 billion market value loss, major stock declines, and a CEO resignation.

Even months later, people are STILL boycotting their stores and who knows if they will survive long term. Let's ensure the same doesn't happen to you, by being bold and in alignment with what you believe in.

Simple ways to run a values led business:

• Clear mission statements on website/social media

• Making social missions a core content pillar

• Ethical decision-making at every stage of the process

• Accessible pricing options like sliding scales

• Ongoing community involvement or donations

If you are looking for even more ideas, this book by Ben & Jerry's aka the OGs of a social mission based brands is a quick read with tons of golden nuggest of wisdom from two dudes who built an empire based on their values.

People want to support businesses that align with their values—and they’re willing to walk away from the ones that don’t. This might repel a few potential customers, but it'll also create a more loyal community that feels good supporting your small business.

5. Lower-Ticket Offers Will Outperform High-Ticket Pressure

With ongoing economic strain, consumer behavior is shifting. High-ticket offers aren’t disappearing, but they’re becoming harder to sell consistently especially to new audiences. As my mentor used to say "there's a buyer at every price point". But if you business only focuses on the big spenders you are leaving not just money, but connections on the table. By rounding out your product suite with low tickets offers you'll:

• Allow people to enter your world of work more easily

• Create a natural upsell funnel instead of pressure-based sales

• Support steadier, more predictable revenue month after month

• Create bigger impact and infuse amplifying your brand recognition

Low ticket offers could be as simple as an e-book, digital download, or masterclass if you are a virtual/online small business. Or creating samples, print of demand products, or different version of your products if you are a physical or handmade business.

This wider range of offers gives customers options no matter what their budget is and gives business owners more stability without needing to constantly “launch" on social media. Not sure where to get started with your first low ticket passive product?

Rest and Revenue: The Cozy Way to Grow Your Business in 10 Minutes a Day will walk you through step by step of brainstorming, creating, branding, marketing, and launching your first passive product! Listen to the first episode "The Hot Goss on Passive Products" here:

6. Cozy Content and Slow Living Will Continue to Go Viral

Slow living isn’t just a trend—it’s a response to burnout, hustle culture, and constant urgency we've been battling since the industrial revolutions.

In early 2024, people searching for "slow-living" on Google was 63% higher than the same period the year before, and that momentum hasn’t slowed. "Cozy gaming" and "cozy hobbies" videos continue to go viral on Tiktok and Instagram. Content that feels personal, calm, and human continues to perform well no matter the platform!

In 2026, audiences will gravitate toward:

• Cozy, personal storytelling paired with comfy visuals

• Conversations that centers the person behind the brand

• Content that helps them slow down, relax, and feel at ease

  
  

Not only will this help your marketing perform well, it will create a neural connection for your community between those feel good emotions and your brand. They'll be more apt to buy because of the experience and feelings you create, not just the products.

Beyond marketing and profits, slow living offers benefits for small business owners aka YOU too! When you’re not operating in constant urgency, creativity has space to return. Ideas flow more easily, decision-making feels clearer, and your work becomes more intentional instead of reactive. Slowing down also supports deeper focus allowing you to actually finish projects, stay motivated, and follow through without burning yourself out.

Closing Thoughts: 2026 Is YOUR Year

2026 will reward businesses that focus on building communities, leading with their values, diversifying their marketing and products, and living a cozy life. These shifts aren’t just trends—they’re opportunities to create a business that’s sustainable, spacious, and successful long term!

If you approach the year with intention, you won’t be scrambling to keep up. You’ll be setting the pace. Standing in your power. And creating your legacy. So sip your tea, share your truth, and embrace a cozier business that benefits you and your customers for years to come!

Psst...Need help mapping out your business plan for Q1? Creating your first passive product? Teaching your nervous system it is safe to slow down? Click here to start working together building a successful small business while living a slow life!

Until next blog and vibey video...

Stay cozy & magical!