By Riley Kidd | Kidd Digital
Social media keeps changing, and it can feel impossible to figure out what actually works. But if you pay attention to the algorithm shifts on each platform, patterns start to emerge. The right strategies can drive eyes to your brand, boost engagement, and sway the algorithm in your favour.
Here are the five key social media strategies every small business should focus on in 2026.
1. Prioritise Talking-Form Videos
2026 is all about authentic connection. With AI-generated content flooding feeds, audiences can spot “lazy” marketing from a mile away. Videos of you talking about your brand, showing behind-the-scenes content, or having creators review your products feel personal and build trust fast.
Talking-form videos also increase watch time, signalling to the algorithm that your content is engaging. More people see your posts, and your brand gains credibility.
How to do it:
- Record yourself explaining your products or services.
- Show behind-the-scenes footage of your business.
- Feature creators reviewing or promoting your product.
This type of content makes your brand trustworthy, relatable, and memorable.
2. Use Collaborative Content and UGC
Social media platforms value people over brands, and your brand can benefit from this. Collaborating with content creators or encouraging user-generated content (UGC) expands your reach beyond your immediate audience.
How it works:
- Invite creators to review or showcase your product or service.
- Host giveaways or challenges that encourage people to post their favourite product or experience.
- Share user posts in your feed or stories to amplify engagement.
The result is organic reach, fresh audiences, and social proof—all helping your business grow online.
3. Master Hooks in Your Posts
Attention spans are shorter than ever. To stop viewers from doom-scrolling past your content, you need a powerful hook in the first few seconds.
Start with a bold statement or a question, provide a solution or takeaway, and finish with a CTA. This keeps people engaged, encourages interaction, and drives them toward your business.
Pro tip: Hooks work best when paired with clear value and action. Start strong, deliver value, and then tell people what to do next.
4. Maximise for Social Searching
More people are using social media as a search engine, so SEO doesn’t stop at Google. Strategic keywords in captions, hashtags, and video descriptions can bring your content to the people actively searching for what you offer.
How to do it:
- Write captions with searchable keywords relevant to your product or service.
- Avoid overly broad hashtags; niche-specific tags perform better.
- Address your audience’s problems and show how your business provides the solution.
This boosts algorithmic visibility and helps your posts appear in search results and feed recommendations.
5. Prioritise Local Tagging
Connecting with your local audience makes your content more relevant and relatable. Using area-specific hashtags and referencing local events or trends increases the chances of your content showing up for nearby viewers.
How to do it:
- Tag your location in posts and stories.
- Use hashtags specific to your city, suburb, or region.
- Incorporate local culture, events, or humour to engage your audience.
Local tagging strengthens community connection and can turn nearby viewers into loyal customers.
Staying Ahead in 2026
Social media is constantly evolving. Small businesses that monitor trends, optimise for social search, and create authentic, engaging content will stay ahead of the algorithm and reach the right audience.
At Kidd Digital, we help businesses:
- Track and optimise strategies that work.
- Stay visible in their niche.
- Create full content plans designed for growth.
2026 is the year to level up your social media marketing, build trust, and get your brand seen.