Slightly Off-Brand
Slightly Off-Brand examines how companies build or undermine their brand through the choices they make. We dig into the connection between strategy, value, and performance, and uncover why the smallest moves often matter the most.
Slightly Off-Brand
Why the Smartest Brands Are Doing Less in 2026
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Every year brings new platforms, new tools, and new marketing “must-dos.” But the brand shifts that actually matter rarely come from trends alone. They come from changes in behavior, economics, and expectations.
In this episode, Theresa, Erin, and Frances break down the brand trends shaping 2026 and why the smartest brands are doing less, not more.
We talk about the rise of AI content, why short-form video still works when it feels human, the return of nostalgia, and why proof is replacing brand promises. You’ll also hear why fewer channels with better execution beat being everywhere, how SEO and accessibility are changing, and why brands that narrow their focus will win.
The takeaway: Brand is no longer decoration. It’s a business asset. The brands that succeed in 2026 will be clearer, more consistent, and more intentional about what they do best.