Most small business owners expect to spend more budget and more time on marketing in 2026, according to recent research from Constant Contact.
The report was based on data from a survey of 1,500 small business owners in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Some 68% of respondents expect their marketing budgets to increase this year and 74% expect the time they spend on marketing to increase.
Small business owners cite inflation/rising costs as their top concern for 2026.
Social media is expected to be the marketing channel that drives the most expected value for small businesses in 2026.
Some 48% of small business owners expect to tweak existing campaigns this year and 31% plan to create new campaigns.
Some 54% of small business owners say they're already using AI marketing tools and 27% plan to start in 2026.
About the research: The report was based on data from a survey of 1,500 small business owners in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
