SMB Budgeting Trends: How Small Businesses Are Mastering Marketing In 2026

As SMB owners increase their 2026 marketing budgets — something nearly 7 in 10 expect to do, according to a recent report from Constant Contact — the places into which those investments go take on added significance.

And with nearly three-quarters increasing the time they spend on marketing as well, the expectation for value and return on those investments becomes increasingly important.

68% of those surveyed said they expect to drive the most value from social media and paid ads, showing a “clear preference for channels that allow for direct engagement and targeted reach over broad, traditional advertising.”

(Source: Constant Contact)

“The move here isn’t just to use these channels, it’s to master them,” writes Whitney Filloon of Constant Contact, which also found 31% of those surveyed planned on creating entirely new campaigns this year.

“Don’t just post — connect,” writes Filloon. “Don’t just send emails — build relationships. This is where your marketing investment will work the hardest, so make every dollar (and every minute) count by focusing your energy on what works.”

For more information about how to improve your email deliverability, download A Beginner’s Guide to Email Marketing by Mirabel’s Marketing Manager: