Hey Reader,

There is so much going on in the AI space and it is practically impossible to keep up with it as we get into 2026.

I work in AI full time and cannot keep up with the pace; so, I recommend you don't even try to.

Is that a relief? :)

The one thing we do need to know, accept and embrace is that in 2026, generative AI will become a core - even "native" might I say - part of how we run our business, create content, and connect with our audience.

To give you a high-level overview of what I see happening, that is relevant to us as solo / small business owners, I’ve curated some AI trends, backed by data, that I think will shape how we will grow, scale, and thrive in 2026.

Let’s take a look at what’s ahead 👇

How generative AI will shape your business in 2026

1. You’ll have an AI “intern” on your team.

By late 2026, 75% of all businesses will be using agentic AI that proactively handles tasks (Deloitte, 2025). Your 'AI assistant' might schedule meetings, reply to emails, or manage client reminders; freeing up your brain for bigger things.

2. You’ll create with just a sketch or voice note.

AI will become fully multimodal - combining text, images, audio, and video (Kellton, 2025). Creating content will feel less like typing and more like expressing.

3. Your voice will matter more than ever.

As AI floods the internet with content, authenticity will become your most powerful differentiator (LinkedIn, 2025). Your unique story will be what sets your brand apart.

4. Transparency will become part of good branding.

Global AI laws (like the EU AI Act) will impact how businesses disclose AI use (Deloitte, 2025). Being open and ethical about your AI tools will become standard practice and core to maintaining trust.

5. Personalisation will happen in real time.

AI will help you create “made-for-me” experiences, from emails to offers (Kellton, 2025). If this is done well, your clients will feel more seen, more supported, and so - more likely to convert.

6. Your current tools will get AI upgrades, quietly and consistently

By 2026, almost every tool (Google, Canva, Shopify) will have advanced AI features built in (BizTech, 2025). You’ll work faster without needing to learn a new platform.

7. You’ll have to optimise content for how AI reads it.

You’ll design your brand and online assets for AI visibility. Clients will ask ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity for recommendations. If your brand or business isn’t structured in a way AI understands, you could be invisible.

8. Your online assets will become the source AI platforms reference.

Over 50% of searches will be answered without clicks to a website, directly by AI within a tool like ChatGPT (WisdomAI, 2025). You’ll focus on creating content that positions you as the go-to expert.

9 . Niche communities will become the best way to connect.

People will pay to join small, moderated communities around their passions (Social Media Today, 2025). Building or being part of space that’s curated, connected, and deeply aligned will be part of your business strategy for audience connection and growth.

10. New tools will be made, and discarded within days.

Apps will be temporary, designed to last days, not years (Product Hunt, 2025). No-one will need a dev team to make them — just a spark of creativity and the right AI assist.

11. Real human connection will become a premium offer.

99% of customer support will be handled by AI (Deloitte, 2025). Offering a real conversation in-person will feel luxurious, and highly valued.

💡 What it all means for us:

In 2026, AI will no longer feel like something “extra”. It will become a native way of interacting (just like we do with the internet) and it will become the engine that powers our creativity, content, and capacity to grow.

AI won’t replace us though - it doesn't have the emotional intelligence or life-knowledge we have. It will amplify us if used properly.

You’ll still be the one setting the vision, telling the story, and holding the heart of your business. AI will just make the journey faster, smoother, and more scalable.

What to do next?

✨ If you’re wondering how to start applying these shifts, here’s a simple place to begin: Pick one tool you already use — like ChatGPT, Canva or Google's Gemini — and explore the latest AI feature they’ve added. You’ll be amazed at what’s already available to you without needing to “learn a new system.”

This space will evolve so rapidly, if you haven't embraced it already - I urge you to start now so you don't feel behind entering 2026.

Start small; but start.
​
Abha xoxo

​