Get Ahead in 2026: Your No-Nonsense Social Guide
Social media moves fast, especially for consumer brands trying to win attention (and baskets) in 2026. Audiences want personality, real talk, and stuff that actually helps or entertains them - not just pretty pictures. Here’s a simple way to get your brand set for a strong start.
1. Be clear on your objectives
Before you start posting, get clear.
Are you trying to boost engagement? Grow a foodie audience? Drive people to your D2C site? Pick a handful of goals you can actually measure - no vanity numbers needed.
2. Get Under the Skin of Your Consumer
What do they care about? What are they buying? When do they scroll? There are some great analytics tools to help. You can also look at customer feedback and market trends to guide your content. In 2026, AI makes it easier than ever to predict what will land, so embrace it.
3. Pick the Platforms That Matter
You don’t need to be everywhere. For consumer brands, the big hitters remain:
Instagram & TikTok – short video, recipes, behind-the-scenes, creators.
Facebook Groups – handy for niche communities and local fans.
Emerging AR spaces – great for younger audiences who want to “try on” or “try out” your brand.
LinkedIn – not to be dismissed. Every person on there is a consumer.
Choose where your shoppers already hang out.
4. Build Clear Content Pillars
Before you try to plan weekly posts, get your content pillars nailed. These are the 3–5 themes your brand should consistently show up with - the stuff you want to be known for.
For consumer brands, this might look like:
Product & Usage – recipes, hacks, how-to's, unboxings
Brand Story – founder moments, behind the scenes, sourcing
Community – UGC, reviews, creators, foodie fans
Lifestyle & Occasions – seasonality, trends, moments your product fits
Purpose – sustainability, values, craft, local credentials
Pillars stop your content becoming random and help every post reinforce your brand’s world. They also make planning 10x easier because you’re not starting from scratch each week.
5. Build Content People Actually Want
Think less “brand broadcast”, more “brand personality”.
Focus on:
Quick, authentic video
Product hacks / how-to's
Real people using your product
Stories from your team or brand journey
Polls, quizzes and “this or that”
AI personalisation to tailor content for superfans
Plan it out in a simple monthly calendar so you stay consistent.
6. Show Up Regularly
You don’t need to post every five minutes, but you do need a rhythm.
A couple of strong pieces each week + light, snackable content in between = visibility without burnout.
7. Talk Back
Reply to comments. Share UGC. Say thanks. Consumer brands that feel human win every time. Bonus points for working with micro-influencers as they’re still the most trusted voices.
8. Track What Matters
Keep an eye on:
Saves and shares (the real engagement)
Click-throughs and conversions
Sentiment - are people loving it or rolling their eyes?
Which formats consistently win
Use the data to tweak, refine, and go again.
9. Stay Flexible
Trends change. Algorithms shift. New tools pop up overnight.
Don’t be afraid to test new ideas - AR try-ons, AI-generated creative, social commerce features. Early movers always get the edge.
Social in 2026 isn’t about being everywhere, it’s about being intentional, creative, and genuinely useful to your consumer. Nail your goals, know your audience, show up with personality, and stay agile.
Eyes Wide Open can support you in building strategies that combine creativity with measurable impact. To explore how these strategies could work for you, get in touch with our team today. We would be delighted to discuss how we can help elevate your social media presence and drive your business.