Content Marketing Trends for 2026

Is your content strategy for 2026 ready to go? Or have you created your strategy without looking at updated information? Many content marketers are still prioritizing quantity over true audience value, and the rapid evolution of AI tools is demanding a major pivot. On this episode of FiredUp!, we dive into the core findings of the Content Marketing Institute’s latest research, combined with our own expert predictions. We break down the need for AI-driven personalization, the shift from ABM to ABX strategy, and the critical importance of improving your learning velocity to convert data insights into competitive content assets at the speed required for 2026. This week, episode 116 of the FiredUp! podcast is about content marketing trends for 2026!

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In this episode of the FiredUp! podcast, the Firebrand team shares aligning with sales and understanding buyer behavior and actionable steps you can take right now to prepare your marketing strategy for the new year.

Morgan, and Nicole discuss:

B2B Buyers Demand Thought Leadership: According to the Content Marketing Institute, the number one area that B2B buyers want to see from brands is increased thought leadership. Simple product-heavy content is no longer enough; your content must offer unique, forward-thinking perspectives.
The Pivot to ABX (Account-Based Experience): In 2026, the strategy shifts from rigid ABM to a flexible ABX approach that emphasizes personalized, contextual experiences. This requires leveraging AI tools to achieve true AI-driven personalization and deliver the right content to the right person at the right time.
Operational Efficiency is a Top Priority: Marketers are being forced to do more with less. Operational efficiency is a top focus for 2026, often driven by the adoption of AI tools to automate processes and free up teams to focus on high-impact creative capabilities.
Learning Velocity is the New Competitive Edge: It’s no longer enough to just measure content performance. The new differentiator is learning velocity—the speed at which you convert performance data (measuring not just how content performed but why) into improved assets, new content styles, and strategic pivots.

The gap between content creators (who just follow an editorial calendar) and true content marketers (who are data-driven strategists) has never been wider. Take a look at your top-performing piece of content from this year. Did you measure the why behind its success? Challenge your team to build a process for faster learning velocity in 2026—your competitive edge depends on it.

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