Building a Business
These Marketing Trends Are Helping Small Businesses Get Ahead in 2026
The classic marketing funnel is broken. As a co-founder of a major marketing firm, here's what I'm seeing work in 2026.
Neil Patel is the co-founder of NP Digital. The Wall Street Journal calls him a top influencer on the web, Forbes says he is one of the top 10 marketers, and Entrepreneur Magazine says he created one of the 100 most brilliant companies. Neil is a New York Times bestselling author and was recognized as a top 100 entrepreneur under the age of 30 by President Obama and a top 100 entrepreneur under the age of 35 by the United Nations.
Want to write for Entrepreneur too?
Apply to join Entrepreneur Leadership network.
More From Neil Patel
Tech
It’s About To Get A Lot Easier to Shop Using ChatGPT. How Can You Make Sure Your Products Appear There?
With ChatGPT Shopping rolling out now, this is what will make brands succeed.
Marketing
After Helping Hundreds of Brands, These Are the Social Media Moves I Recommend in 2026
The social media landscape is changing fast — here's how brands can show up, get noticed and stay ahead this year.
Building a Business
I Used This Simple ‘Onion Strategy’ to Turn Pointless Content Into Paying Customers
Content isn't dead, but the game has changed. With a new strategy, it can still be one of the most reliable ways to grow your business.
Building a Business
This Simple Strategy Got ChatGPT to Recommend My Business to People
ChatGPT mentions aren't luck. Just like SEO rankings, they're earned. Here are four practical ways to increase your chances of being named in AI responses.
Building a Business
The Smart Way To Win Over Your Competitor’s Customers
Every business loses customers. Your job is to be the one they find next and stick with.
Business News
The 2025 Business Guide to Using Reddit Effectively
Reddit isn't new, but its influence is exploding.
Building a Business
I’ve Helped Over 1,000 Brands With Their Marketing — Here Are 11 Social Media Secrets Every Business Should Be Using in 2025
I've spent years working with thousands of brands across industries. If you're a business owner looking to get more out of your social efforts without wasting time or money, you're in the right place.
Marketing
This One Google Feature Is Eating Away at Your Online Traffic — Here’s How to Fight Back
Your traffic isn't disappearing because your content got worse. It's disappearing because Google is evolving.
Marketing
I Wasted Months Chasing Viral Content. This Unlikely Strategy Brought Me Real Customers.
Viral success is unpredictable, short-lived and rarely translates into long-term business growth — do this instead.
Building a Business
I Trusted the Wrong Marketing Metrics for Years — Here’s What I Track Now Instead
Success in marketing isn't just about running campaigns. It's about tracking the right numbers.
Online Presence
I Have Over 214,000 Followers on TikTok. Here’s What I’m Doing Right Now In Case a Ban Happens.
A TikTok ban would have substantial implications for small businesses and content creators. If TikTok goes under, here's what I'm planning to do.
Building a Business
Want to Reach More People? Here’s a Marketing Expert’s Strategy for Every Platform — From Amazon to ChatGPT.
Here's a comprehensive breakdown of all the main platforms you should be considering and how to find success with each of them.
Building a Business
How to Keep Eyes on Your Business Even When Google’s Algorithm Changes, According to a Marketing Expert
If you're only optimizing for Google, you're missing where your audience is spending their time.
Tech
SearchGPT is About to Change How Customers Find Your Business. Are You Ready?
As SearchGPT launches, businesses need to prepare for a major shift in search visibility and marketing strategies. Here's how to adapt and stay ahead.
Building a Business
Starting or Growing a Business? Here’s How to Know When You Should Hire Your First Employee.
When enlisting help, follow these steps to make the best decision for your company.
Building a Business
6 Facts You Need to Know About Starting Your Own Consulting Business
Consider these 'yield' signs which can save you a lot of grief and get you closer to achieving your dreams.
Marketing
3 Mistakes in Marketing I Wish I Had Avoided
Neil Patel shares the first pitfalls he encountered, so you don't have to.
Thought Leaders
Building a Strong Company Brand Is All About Your People
Neil Patel explains why investing in your foundation of people can make all the difference.
Marketing
4 Unexpected Ways Your Website Could Be Making More Money
Ask yourself if you're targeting the right audience and offering a relevant product.
Building a Business
Growing Your Business Internationally? Reinvest Every Dollar to See Results.
Neil Patel shares his strategy for seeing real growth in your company.
Tech
Get Ready for AI-Enabled Advertisements — From Your Fridge
Artificial intelligence will transform advertising in the near future.
Business Funding
I’ve Raised Over $20 Million for My Businesses. Here’s How to Get the Attention of Venture Capitalists.
Think big and pitch with passion.
Building a Business
How Making Naïve Mistakes Led Me to Ultimate Success
Developing confidence in business often means learning from unsuccessful decisions.
Marketing
If You’re Going to Copy a Company’s Marketing Strategy, Make Sure You Do It Better
A marketing plan that worked for one company, may not work for another.
Building a Business
What It Takes to Transform Your Passion Into a Career
Unsurprisingly, you have to think creatively and search for opportunities.
Entrepreneurs
Hate Your Job? Here’s How to Bounce Back and Find Your Passion.
Neil Patel candidly breaks down what it takes to find a dream job in hard times.
Online Presence
How Your Social Media Can Stand Out From the Crowd
Here are a few tips to boost the clout of your social media accounts.
Online Presence
How to Stand Out on Social Media, Even With Heavy Competition
Business on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube is no joke, but there's still plenty of opportunity.
Building a Business
10 Business Tips for Building a Multimillion-Dollar Company
Here's what you need to know if you want to start a business.
