As we head towards 2026, it’s easy for small businesses to feel overwhelmed by marketing advice.

One minute you’re told you must be on every social platform.
The next, you’re being sold the latest shiny digital promise.

But here’s what hasn’t changed…and won’t change in 2026 either…

Local businesses still need local customers!

And the businesses that do best aren’t reacting last minute…they’re planning ahead.

What Will Matter Most For Local Businesses In 2026?

From everything we see working for our advertisers right now, a few things are becoming crystal clear:

1. Trust will matter more than trends
   People are more selective about who they spend their money with.
   They want to recognise your name, see you regularly, and feel confident you’re established and reliable.

Being featured in a trusted local magazine does exactly that.

2. Being “seen” isn’t enough…you need to be remembered
   One-off ads and sporadic marketing rarely deliver results.
   The businesses getting the best response are the ones who show up consistently and stay front-of-mind.

That’s where regular local advertising really earns its keep.

3. Local content will continue to outperform generic noise
   People love reading about:

• Local businesses
• Local stories
• Familiar places
• People they recognise

It feels relevant, relatable and real…not generic or salesy.

And that’s why local magazines are still so popular with readers.

Why Print Still Has a Strong Place in 2026

Despite what some people say, print isn’t dead…it’s evolved.

Local magazines:

• Are physically picked up, flicked through and kept
• Aren’t competing with constant online distractions
• Create a sense of credibility and permanence
• Are trusted by readers in a way many digital ads simply aren’t

For many businesses, print works best alongside digital…not instead of it.

The Businesses That Win in 2026 Will Be the Ones Who Plan Ahead

One thing we see time and time again:

The most successful advertisers don’t wait until the last minute.

They:

• Think ahead about their marketing
• Secure their place early
• Use their advert as part of a wider, consistent plan

And because of that, they get better results.

Why Not Consider Being In The Next Local Eyes Book?

Our next Local Eyes magazine is already being planned…and spaces always go quickly.

If you’re thinking about:

• Growing your visibility locally
• Getting in front of more local customers
• Having a more consistent flow of enquiries, orders and customers
• Starting 2026 with your marketing already working for you

Now is the perfect time to get involved.

Get in touch to secure your place in the next book
or
Request a media pack to see how Local Eyes can support your business in 2026.

Because the best time to think about your 2026 marketing…is before everyone else does!