Social Media Trends for 2026

We recently attended a webinar all about predicted social media trends for 2026. We've put our learnings from the webinar into a short article and tailored it to the floral industry. Keep reading to get a head start on your social channels for 2026👀

Social Media Trends for 2026

1. The AI Content Overload.

2. Community-first platforms dominate.

3. Search Everywhere Optimisation.

4. Relationship Marketing Returns.

5. Gen Alpha Unplugging.

6. Founder-led brands.

   
   

1. AI Content Overload

Stylised maroon "AI" text centred within an atomic orbit design on a white background, conveying a futuristic, technological theme. AI content continues to dominate the content we see on social media platforms with more tools becoming increasingly available, including Sora 2, Gemini, ChatGPT, Meta Vibes, Perplexity, Veed and Claude to name a few. The use of AI can make content feel very similar across different businesses, so it's more important than even that your social content stands out and shows off your unique floristry style.

Take a look at our How to use AI in your floristry business article for tips on how AI could help streamline things in your business.

Key takeaways:

• AI should be used as a tool not a replacement.

• Invest in human oversight - don't put something completely AI onto your socials. Tweak or edit the content to make it sound like your brand (and always include a call to action!).

• Be transparent about what content is AI if you want to be regarded as trustworthy by your followers.

2. Community-first platforms dominate

Following the Covid-19 pandemic, people are craving human interaction and turning to platforms like Reddit, Substack and Discord over traditional sites like Facebook. WhatsApp is also seeing a rise in community chats too, where brands can share updates and news with their followers via the app.

💡Creating your own community chat for your shop could be a great way to share new ranges, designs and finishing touches with your customers (so long as they consent to marketing).

In real life (IRL if you're down with the kids) events are making a huge comeback too and could be a great way to engage with your customers through floral workshops.

Key takeaways:

• Show up consistently - join in conversations, respond to comments on your social posts and review platforms. It's all about building trust in your brand.

• Depth over breadth - long gone are the days of counting your followers. It's better to have fewer deeply engaged followers than lots of passive followers.

3. Search Everywhere Optimisation

What we've known as SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) for many years is now being coined Search Everywhere Optimisation as it includes social media and AI search, as well as search engines. For example, we asked ChatGPT to recommend a florist in Keighley and it came up with plenty of results, eflora subscriber Audrey Asquith reassuringly came up as the first suggestion! This is why it's so important to keep your website, Google Business and social media pages current with your most up to date information.

A screenshot lists local florists in Keighley, featuring Audrey Asquith, a well-rated florist. The right side shows the shop's exterior with plants.

You've probably already seen social posts or AI summaries when you last Googled something, another reason why it's really important to keep your digital footprint up to date. Our Beginner's Guide to SEO and Social Media SEO articles have some handy tips if you're looking for more help.

Key takeaways:

• SEO is evolving, not dying - it's evolving into other digital landscapes such as socials and AI, not just traditional search engines.

• Structure is your secret weapon - think clear headings, concise answers, lots of SEO keywords and logical organisation. Write for people scanning your content.

• Your reputation is everywhere - respond to any comments left about your business on review sites such as Trustpilot or on Google.

4. Relationship Marketing Returns

It's far harder to gain organic reactions to your social content than ever before. The social media landscape is now all about relationship building and having conversations with customers in your comments, through DMs or even on live streams.

Top tip! Communicate with other business in your area over socials by commenting on their posts in a playful, fun way to help you reach new audiences.

Key takeaways:

• Speed and substance both matter. People expect a response to a comment within 24 hours as a minimum, with most people expecting a response within an hour. Put together a plan on how you can respond to your customers in the most efficient way.

• Engage with other businesses in your area over socials - share their content and collaborate with them to get maximum engagement. Build those relationships.

• Depth beats reach every time. Always be helpful when responding to comments or questions on your social posts.

5. Gen Alpha Unplugging

Gen Alpha (12-15 years old) are choosing to unplug and switch off from a digital world. They're opting to use Direct Messages (DMs) and AI to answer questions and get information. Whilst you might not be targeting this audience, their behaviour has a huge influence on digital marketing so they're certainly one to watch.

6. Founder-led brands: eflora florists Michelle and Karen from Flowers by Michelle in Pontefract

This is all about bringing the founder of your brand to the forefront of your marketing activity (so get yourself and your team in front of the camera!). People are no longer just buying into products, they're buying into people and the people behind the products. Did you know that 82% of consumers are more likely to trust a company when its leadership is active on social media? So get in front of the camera and start sharing a bit of behind-the-scenes info on your shop, the challenges of running a floristry business or new products.

Key takeaways:

• Your founder is your advantage, people connect with people, not logos. People want a face, authenticity and a story.

• TikTok demands personality. It rewards content with human connection and story telling over other social media platforms. So if you're using TikTok, don't forget to make an appearance regularly.

• Consistency over perfection - keep up with your posts. Show up on your socials regularly and let your personality shine.

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It’s the creativity that makes floristry. The artistry, the ability to create something that brings tears of joy, that says “I’m thinking of you”.

Florists need websites that bring their creativity to life - an online shop window to reflect their brand. That's why we've created eflora. Stunning, individual ecommerce websites, with an abundance of design options to match your unique style…