Everyone who owns or runs a business should pay attention right now to every element of their 2026 marketing strategy. Sometimes tunnel vision keeps the full spectrum of marketing avenues out of view. Let’s take the blinders off, and while we’re at it, point out the 2025 mistakes that you do NOT want to repeat this year!

This 2026 marketing checklist is designed to help local and small businesses streamline their efforts by focusing on high-impact, authentic, and hybrid (digital + physical) strategies, ensuring your brand stands out in a competitive landscape. Ready? Let’s go!

1. Strategy & Brand Foundation (Jan 2026 Reset)

• Audit 2025 Data: Review what worked and stop doing what didn’t.
• Define Core Goals: Set clear, measurable, revenue-driven goals rather than general intentions.
• Refine Audience Profile: Update your ideal customer profiles (ICPs) based on 2025 behavioral data.
• Update Brand Assets: Ensure logos, color schemes, and taglines are consistent across all platforms.
• Focus on Trust: Highlight customer reviews, testimonials, and authenticity to build community, not just a following. 

2. Signage & Physical “In-Real-Life” Marketing

• Storefront Audit: Ensure exterior signs are modern, not faded, and accurately reflect your current branding. (Sign Biz Members are well-trained in signage audits, including ADA signage.)
• High-Impact Display: Utilize window decals, banners, or sidewalk signs to drive immediate foot traffic.
• Internal Branding: Use lobby signs, wall murals, or floor graphics to enhance the customer experience.
• Digital Signage: Integrate LED screens for real-time, interactive, or dynamic content (e.g., daily specials).
• Proximity Marketing: Use QR codes on all printed materials (flyers, postcards) to link directly to your website or Google Review page.
• Safety & Compliance: Ensure all outdoor signs comply with local regulations and are in safe, high-visibility locations. 

3. Digital Marketing & SEO (2026 Focus)

• AI-Driven SEO: Optimize website content for AI search engines (like Perplexity or Gemini) rather than just traditional keyword search.
• Mobile-First Design: Ensure website loading speeds are under 2 seconds and fully functional on mobile devices.
• Google Business Profile (GBP): Keep hours, photos, and posts updated for local search visibility.
• Data Privacy: Build first-party data infrastructure (SMS marketing, email lists) rather than relying solely on third-party tracking.
• Short-Form Video: Prioritize producing 15-30 second, high-engagement videos for social platforms. 

4. Content & Promotional Strategy

• Repurpose Content: Convert old, high-performing blog posts into short-form videos or infographics.
• Focus on Retention: Invest more in loyalty programs, referral schemes, and post-purchase follow-ups to increase customer lifetime value.
• Local Partnerships: Sponsor community events or partner with neighboring businesses for cross-promotion.
• “Mention This Ad” Discounts: Use direct mail or printed flyers with specific, trackable, offline-to-online offers. 

5. 2026 “Stop Doing” List (Iron ’em out!) 

• Stop posting on social media without a defined strategy.
• Stop trying to be on every single platform (focus on where your audience is).
• Stop ignoring your Google Business Profile or negative reviews.
• Stop using generic, AI-generated content without adding a human, authentic touch.

We hope this “all in one” checklist has proved helpful! Best of success in all you do.