Social Media Marketing Update 2026

Social Media Marketing Update 2026“What marketers need to prepare for next”This briefing explores the platform shifts, algorithm changes, and behavioural trends shaping social media marketing in 2026. It focuses on what is changing, why it matters, and how marketers should adapt their strategies now to stay effective and relevant. Why 2026 Matters for Social MediaSocial media is no longer primarily about broadcasting content.Platforms are evolving into AI-powered discovery, search, and commerce environments.Marketers must shift from volume-led posting to intent-led, value-driven engagement.The Four Forces Shaping Social Media in 2026According to the research, social media in 2026 is defined by:AI embedded everywhereSocial platforms acting as search enginesNative commerce and in-platform conversionA shift from mass reach to trusted communitiesMore webinars like this at Cambridge Marketing College http://marketingcollege.com

The Reluctant Entrepreneur, Mike Konrad, joins Neil Wilkins on the podcast to discuss the trials and tribulations of setting up and running a business.As you'll hear, it's a journey of ups and downs and the learning of many life lessons.Listen to The Reluctant Entrepreneur Podcast https://www.reluctantentrepreneurpodcast.comSubscribe to The Neil Wilkins Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neil-wilkins-podcast/id1327913887

"Behind every great campaign is structure, clarity, and purpose."This session breaks down the key building blocks of an effective marketing campaign, from goal-setting to creative execution and measurement.You’ll see how ideas move from strategy to delivery, with practical steps and examples you can apply to your own projects.Learning OutcomesBy the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:Identify and define campaign objectives that align with business goals.Segment and understand target audiences.Develop clear, persuasive messaging.Select appropriate media and channels.Plan timings and budgets effectively.Measure campaign performance using meaningful KPIs.More content like this at Cambridge Marketing College http://marketingcollege.com

Christiane and Neil discuss finding rhythm in life, The Petite Practice™ STEP System, habit stacking and finding happiness, in this episode of the Neil Wilkins Podcast.Connect with Dr Christiane Schroeter https://doctorchristiane.comSubscribe to the Neil Wilkins Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neil-wilkins-podcast/id1327913887

"How to make your content visible in a voice and AI-driven search world."This session explores the fast-evolving field of Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO); How AI assistants, conversational agents, and generative search platforms are reshaping discoverability. You’ll learn what AIO (Artificial Intelligence Optimisation) really means, how GEO builds upon SEO, and what you can do today to prepare for tomorrow’s search landscape.Session OverviewBy the end of this session, participants will:Understand how AI-powered search differs from traditional search.Learn the principles of GEO and AIO (AI Search Optimisation).Apply techniques to improve visibility in AI-generated results.Build a future-ready content optimisation plan for AI-driven discovery.For more webinars like this, visit Cambridge Marketing College http://marketingcollege.comFor more content like this, visit Neil Wilkins Online https://neilwilkins.online/category/metaverse-marketing/Subscribe to the Neil Wilkins Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neil-wilkins-podcast/id1327913887

Anarchy for a Day, with Kyle AspergerKyle Asperger is the creator of AnarchyForADay.com, where he redefines anarchy as tactical differentiation: teaching leaders how to rethink rules, apply them to their organisations, and carve out their own blue oceans. With a decade of agency experience and a coaching style that’s blunt, spontaneous and unfiltered, Kyle cuts out the fluff and uncovers the truth.Outside of his coaching practice, Kyle is building a name for himself as a film and television actor and voice artist.Download Kyle's zero-fluff, action-first guide built for small business and nonprofit leaders https://anarchyforaday.com/free-pdfConnect with Kyle https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleasperger/More content like this at Neil Wilkins Online https://neilwilkins.online/category/marketing-career/Subscribe to the Neil Wilkins Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neil-wilkins-podcast/id1327913887

The Impact of AI on Branding, with Imogen Ley-ClowesImogen and Neil Wilkins discuss how AI is impacting brands in terms of agency-side and client-side customer experience, automation and brand character.They discuss the nuances of brand character and how taking the time to reflect on strategic brand position is more valuable than simply engaging with the latest AI tools.Imogen is Founder and Creative Lead at Immo Studio, a London-based brand studio http://immostudio.co.ukConnect with Imogen https://www.linkedin.com/in/imogen-ley-clowes/More content like this at Neil Wilkins Online http://neilwilkins.onlineSubscribe to the Neil Wilkins Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neil-wilkins-podcast/id1327913887

Neil Wilkins and Jeff Borschowa discuss strategy, tactics and the often rift between sales and marketing, in this deep dive into how AI may scale the issues in many businesses.But as they find out, there is hope and businesses willing to take conscious and mindful strategic steps, will open up new opportunities for growth and success in the new AI economy.Listen to Jeff Borschowa's Podcast https://pharosbusiness.com/resources/the-lighthouse-sessions-podcast/Connect with Jeff https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-borschowa/More content like this at Neil Wilkins Online https://neilwilkins.online/category/metaverse-marketing/Subscribe to the Neil Wilkins Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neil-wilkins-podcast/id1327913887

"How to refine and improve your content with AI, data, and insight."This session designed to show marketers exactly how to analyse performance, test variations, and tailor content to audience behaviour using AI tools.Participants will leave with a clear method for improving blogs, newsletters, and social posts — step by step.Learning ObjectivesUnderstand how content optimisation works across different channels.Use AI tools to test and improve existing content.Analyse performance data to identify areas for refinement.Apply a repeatable framework for ongoing optimisation.More content like this at Cambridge Marketing College http://marketingcollege.com

Director of Global Sustainable Transformation Practice at Kantar, Emily Hill, joins Neil Wilkins to discuss circular economy and circular business from a marketing perspective.Emily is a sustainability strategist with a decade of consulting experience across brand, insight and innovation challenges. Emily helps brands use their influence for good by uncovering the issues that matter, advising them on where to play and how to show up in order to drive sustainable business growth and positive social change.

Emily answers questions like: How can marketers can make a difference to accelerating the adoption of circular economy? Is circularity a commercial opportunity?
Connect with Emily Hill https://www.linkedin.com/in/ejsimons/Marketing Playbook for a Circular Economy https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/marketing/overviewMeasuring marketing success for circular business models | Ellen MacArthur Foundation https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/marketing/measuring-marketing-success-for-circular-business-modelsInsights from the Kantar Sustainable Marketing 2030 study https://www.kantar.com/campaigns/sustainable-marketing-2030More content like this at Neil Wilkins Online https://neilwilkins.online/category/marketing-sustainability/Subscribe to the Neil Wilkins Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neil-wilkins-podcast/id1327913887