Time flies, but technology sprints. The year 2025 is drawing to a close – and many marketing teams already sense that the coming months will mark a turning point. Campaigns are behaving differently, data sources are changing, and tools are evolving rapidly. Processes that were considered best practice just two years ago may no longer be sufficient in 2026.
But this is precisely where a great opportunity lies: those who set the right course now will be able towork faster, more efficiently and more data-driven in 2026.
Here are the 8 marketing trends for 2026 that companies should be prepared for:
1. Server-Side Tracking Will Become Indispensable
Gartner predicts: In 2026, the exclusive use of client-side tracking will become increasingly problematic. Data protection, ITP, consent mode and ad blockers will tear a big hole in your analytics foundation.
Advantages of server-side tracking:
- More stable, more complete data
- Better attribution
- Reliable commerce signals
- Sound decision-making basis for performance marketing
More about server-side tracking at Blackbit
2. AI Becomes a Productive Part of the Marketing Team
AI is no longer an experiment in 2026 - but an integral part of the daily workflow. Statista reports: Over 70% of companies use AI for automation and analysis.
AI automates:
- Content variants
- Product data maintenance
- Briefings & creative designs
- Evaluations & insights
Teams gain time for strategy and creativity and significantly reduce repetitive tasks.
3. Composable Digital Experience Instead of Rigid Systems
Marketing teams will need flexibility in 2026. Gartner sees composable architectures as a key growth driver - modular, API-first and scalable.
Typical building blocks for a composable setup::
- Headless CMS
- PIM/DAM (e.g. Pimcore)
- Flexible frontends
- Integrations to marketing tools
Advantage: Marketing can react faster - independent of monolithic systems.
4. Content Is Data-Driven and Geared Towards Conversion
Reach alone is no longer enough. According to the Content Marketing Institute, successful teams rely on structured, data-based content strategies.
Successful teams take this into account:
- Intent-based topic selection
- AI-supported research
- Structured content clusters
- Commerce content
- Performance-oriented landing pages
Goal: Content should not only generate clicks, but also deliver real results - more conversions, better customer journeys and measurable ROI.
More about content strategies at Blackbit
5. Customer Journeys Are Becoming More Complex - Tracking Must Keep Up
Customers are increasingly moving non-linearly across channels. McKinsey shows: companies need to capture signals from all channels cleanly.
Marketing teams need:
- Cleanly implemented server-side tracking
- A well thought-out data strategy
- Marketing automation
- Standardized data models
Those who measure precisely gain competitive advantages much faster.
6. Professional Asset Management Saves Time and Money
The volume of digital assets is constantly growing. Gartner sees DAM systems as a key factor for efficiency, consistency and error-free production.
In 2026, marketing teams will rely more heavily on integrated PIM and DAM solutions to efficiently manage images, videos, text variants and other digital content.
Benefits:
- Consistent data
- Clear workflows
- Shorter production times
- Fewer errors
More about Blackbit DAM solutions
7. Speed Becomes the Decisive Success Factor
HubSpot shows: Teams that test and optimize quickly win.
Marketing teams rely on:
- Agile campaign setups
- Short feedback loops
- Automated processes
- Clear database
Marketing teams don't necessarily get bigger, but they become much more effective.
8. Personalized Email Marketing Will Become Indispensable
Email remains one of the strongest channels, personalization significantly increases opening and click rates.
What will be important in 2026:
- Relevant, targeted content
- Segmentation instead of mass mailing
- Automated workflows
- Data-driven triggers and commerce signals
Teams that personalize win back attention, conversions and customer loyalty.
Learn more about personalized email marketing and best practices in our Viani Case Study
Conclusion
2026 belongs to the teams that use technology wisely - not the ones that broadcast the loudest. Those who invest in clean tracking, composable systems, AI-supported workflows and structured asset management will work faster, more precisely and more sustainably.
Marketing is becoming more demanding - but at the same time full of opportunities. This is where real competitive advantages arise.
Would you like to optimize your marketing processes in 2026? Blackbit supports you with tracking, automation, content, AI and composable commerce.
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