AI MARKETING 2026: BIG CHANGES CONSUMERS WANT THEIR WAY

As we move into 2026, there are big changes in the world of AI marketing. New AI apps. New AI browsers. New ways consumers expect to engage. And it’s already changing how we do business.

My take:
When I work with clients on 2026 marketing strategies, I emphasize one core rule: Keep up with emerging technology — or risk being rendered obsolete. This isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about understanding human behavior. Consumers quickly adopt tools that make life easier, faster, and more intuitive. When businesses don’t keep up, customers don’t wait — they go elsewhere. Every successful AI application today is built around one question: “How does this remove friction for the consumer?”

The AI App Explosion Is Real
There are now thousands of AI applications that didn’t exist in early 2025. Custom AI apps are becoming mainstream. Many business owners already have some in place. I do. And I spend much of my time advising clients on which technologies will give them a true competitive advantage. Modern AI apps are increasingly intuitive, require minimal training, and are designed for everyday business users.

AI Is Already Everywhere — Like It or Not
AI adoption is moving faster than anyone predicted. If you use a phone, computer, or smart device, you’re already using AI daily. Search engines that dominated the past 30 years are now rapidly evolving to stay competitive with new AI-first platforms, including:
OpenAI’s ChatGPT
Microsoft Copilot
Apple Intelligence
Google Gemini
Perplexity, Comet, Discord …..and many more.
And let’s not forget: Siri and Alexa - training human behavior for over a decade.

What You Can Do Now: Try a Voice AI App.
One of the fastest-growing AI categories is voice-to-voice conversational AI. Consumers increasingly expect voice interaction — whether on smartphones, desktops, or websites. Most businesses already use chat widgets on a homepage. Next evolution is to add Voice AI alongside it. Voice-activated AI is reshaping how users search, shop, transact, communicate.
See our new AI Voice to Voice, and Chat: https://trumpet-social-media-ai-819430833118.us-west1.run.app/

Why Voice AI & AI Browsers Matter in 2026
Adoption will accelerate as users rely more on voice-first experiences. Businesses embracing this shift will benefit from:
Operational+cost efficiencies
Richer customer experiences
New digital engagement
Fresh AI-powered social campaigns

Current stats:
More than 8 billion voice assistants now in use globally with 154+ million U.S. voice users engaging. In 2026 installing a Voice AI app isn’t optional — it’s a strategic move that:
Future-proofs your website
Boosts organic visibility
Enables personalized marketing

Looking Ahead
I’ve partnered with Next-Gen experts in AI programming, Web 2.0, UX to deliver powerful, future-ready solutions for my clients.
Let's connect. Here’s to a bold innovative 2026. 🚀

Author: Carol Blomstrand
Founder/CEO, Trumpet Social Media