Welcome to 2026! If you’re running a small business or growing your own venture, the start of a new year is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and plan your next move.
In 2025, we watched AI evolve from buzzword to everyday tool. Social platforms started acting more like search engines, and AI bots began doing the searching for you. But don’t worry — this isn’t about reinventing everything you do. Small, intentional tweaks can deliver big results, and that’s exactly what this guide will help you with.
Many of the best opportunities in 2026 come down to using what you already have more effectively and showing up online with more purpose.
In this guide, we’ll explore the real trends shaping small businesses right now, and focus on practical moves you can make to grow smarter this year.
What’s changing online — and why it matters
The new year brings fresh opportunities for small business owners and solopreneurs ready to grow. After 25 years of helping people bring ideas to life online, 123 Reg has seen how fast things can change — and how the right tools make the difference.
First things first: AI is changing the way people find you in 2026. Google and most other search engines now put AI-generated answers at the top of results pages, which means fewer clicks to websites. For online businesses, this makes clear, structured content more important than ever — content AI can easily interpret and choose to show in search results.
The tools you already use are getting smarter with AI. Professional email platforms, office apps, and all sorts of software now come with smart features built in. Tasks that once took hours can now happen in seconds. The challenge isn’t access to AI anymore. It’s knowing what’s there and how to use it without losing the personal touch that makes your business yours.
The challenge isn’t access to AI anymore. It’s knowing what’s there and how to use it without losing the personal touch that makes your business yours.
But customers are catching on. Heading into 2026, there’s growing backlash against percieved “AI slop”. When content feels inauthentic, trust disappears fast. The businesses that do well are the ones using AI wisely while keeping things real. Smart tools save time, but it’s the human touch that keeps people coming back.
Your website still matters — owning a domain name still matters — but it’s not always first. Social platforms like Instagram and YouTube are also top spots for product recommendations and answers to questions. The “shop where you scroll” trend isn’t slowing down.
And given all this, trust is more important than ever. Shoppers are becoming pickier about who they share data with and which brands they feel comfortable engaging with.
It’s not about doing everything in 2026; it’s about doing the right things well.
7 Top Business Tips and Trends to Watch in 2026
Online businesses succeed by staying flexible, not chasing every change. In 2026, the goal is to make small, smart improvements that help your business without adding extra work.
From getting more from AI in everyday software to making your website easier for people and AI to use, these ideas focus on building a better business while keeping it manageable. Here’s 7 key trends for the year ahead, with simple steps you can start today:
1. Discover the AI in apps you already use
Many of the apps you use every day quietly gained AI features throughout 2025. Before reaching for the credit card, it’s worth checking what’s new — you might find tools that really save time. In Microsoft 365, for example, Copilot can draft emails, summarise documents, and turn short prompts into organised tasks. That means things that once took hours can now run automatically in the background, giving you more time to focus on planning and growth.
See also: More Than Email – M365 Add-Ons to Power Your Small Business
2. Create with AI – but keep it authentic
AI can save a lot of time, but audiences are quick to spot content that feels rushed or robotic. Businesses that stand out in 2026 are the ones combining AI with real stories, lived experience, and a human perspective. Use AI to draft ideas or structure content, then edit carefully to make it sound like your brand.
3. Optimise your website for AI search results
With Google’s AI Overviews now appearing at the top of search results, online publishers saw click‑through rates fall by nearly half in 2025, with overall traffic dropping between 15% and 64%. More and more customers are getting just they need from AI the without ever visiting a homepage or blog.
SEO still matters, but increasingly the focus is shifting from search to GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation). That means tailoring your content so AI tools can easily find, understand, and feature it in answers.
Think clear structure, simple language, and real-world expertise that builds trust. For small businesses, this means pages with short answers, strong headings, and E-E-A-T signals (expertise, experience, authority, trust) will get picked up more often by search assistants.
See also: How to Get Your Business Seen in Google’s New AI Mode
4. Balance personalisation with customer privacy
Shoppers want personalised experiences, but they also care about how their data is used. Transparency builds trust, and small, thoughtful steps go a long way. Clear privacy notices, two-factor login, and SSL certificates show customers you take their safety seriously while still offering customised experiences.
It’s a balancing act. In a 2024 global survey, 64% of consumers said they prefer to buy from companies that tailor experiences to their needs… but more than half reported “high concern” over the privacy of their personal information!
5. Sell where your customers scroll
People are searching less on Google and more on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube — and that trend is only growing in 2026. Short videos and posts that answer real questions or show products in action get the most attention. Even quick clips or simple posts can reach the right audience and build awareness fast.
6. Automate your accounting with AI tools
AI accounting tools really took off in 2025, now connecting more easily than ever to banking apps for live insights. Not every small business is using them yet, but they can give a clearer picture of cash flow and costs — without making your accountant break into a cold sweat. The goal isn’t just automation, it’s smarter decisions without added work.
See also: 10 Ways AI Can Help Your Small Business Grow
7. Equip your team with the right remote-work apps
Remote work isn’t going anywhere — around 40% of UK workers already do some work from home, with about 26% mixing office and home work and 13% fully remote. Most hybrid workers today simply don’t want to return to full-time office work, showing that flexible setups are now part of everyday business.
The right collaboration tools make all the difference. Platforms that combine email, documents, chat, and tasks — plus AI features like meeting summaries or scheduling — help small teams stay productive wherever they are, keeping everyone connected whether they’re at home, in the office, or on the go.
Learn more about Business Email with Microsoft 365
But some things never change…
Even as tools and trends shift, the basics still keep your business on track: a great website, an organised team, and safe data. These fundamentals make the biggest difference, no matter the year.
Build a website that works for you (and your customers)
Your website is where people find you, check your offers, and pick your brand. A fast site that works on any device keeps them around and helps search results.
In 2026, fast, mobile-friendly pages are still key — people expect sites to load in seconds on phones, tablets, or computers. Clear, easy-to-use sites also help you appear higher in search results.
With tools like Website Builder and Managed WordPress Hosting, it’s easy to build and manage a fast, secure site. Built-in AI can help with layout and content, so you spend less time setting up and more time running your business.
See also: How Much Does a Website Cost in the UK? Less than you think!
Secure your domain name, protect your brand
Your domain name is your web identity. With 123 Reg, you can manage everything in one place to protect your name and help your brand grow:
☐ Protect your name: Register matching domains (.co.uk, .com, .uk) to stop others from copying your brand or creating fake sites. This keeps your online identity safe and prevents confusion for customers.
☐ Manage multiple domains: Keep all your domains and websites under one account so renewals, updates, and settings are easy to track. No more juggling logins or losing sight of what’s active.
☐ Expand your reach: Use additional domains or subpages for new products, marketing campaigns, or local pages. This helps you target different audiences while keeping everything linked to your main brand.
See also: How to Buy a Domain Name
Protect your business and stay safe online
Online threats are getting smarter — from phishing to AI scams — and 2026 will bring more of the same.
Staying safe doesn’t have to be complicated. With these tools, your site and data stay safe, so you can focus on running your business:
123 Reg has you covered:
☐ SSL Certificates to help keep your website and customer data secure
☐ Domain Ownership Protection to prevent others from taking or copying your domain
☐ Hosting plans with backup – built-in backups and malware checks for easy recovery
See also: Website Security – How to Keep Your Business Safe Online
Keep your team organised, wherever they are
Great teams make great businesses. Professional Email with your brand address sets the right tone. Microsoft 365 adds docs, calls, and calendars for easy teamwork. And if you need help, 123 Reg supports setup and keeps things running.
Wrap Up
2026 is changing how people find and connect with your business. AI tools across email, office apps, and everyday software save time — but the best businesses use them wisely while keeping content and interactions genuine. Focus on the basics: a fast, easy-to-use website and organised teams with a friendly, human touch. Smart steps like these make work easier, build trust, and help your business stand out online.
Last year, 123 Reg turned 25. It’s a milestone that reminds us why we started. We give small businesses the confidence and support to build something they’re proud of. We’re here to help you do the same this year.
