{"id":10298,"date":"2023-12-19T11:50:15","date_gmt":"2023-12-19T10:50:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/?p=10298"},"modified":"2026-01-16T11:18:21","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T10:18:21","slug":"small-business-tech-trends","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.answerconnect.co.uk\/blog\/business-tips\/small-business-tech-trends\/","title":{"rendered":"Embracing technology: Small business tech trends in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

2025 will be remembered as the year that AI shook the world. While it will be a key theme again in 2026, AI is just one of the small business tech trends to be excited about. Businesses are set for a new year filled with opportunities to achieve goals with game-changing tools and services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. No code development platforms (NCDPs)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Would you love to build digital products but you don\u2019t have any software developers in-house? Well, that\u2019s no longer an obstacle. No-code platforms like Bubble<\/a> and Airtable<\/a> have made it possible to streamline workflows, create rapid prototypes, and get to market fast with a minimal viable product (MVP) \u2013 all without developers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of all of the small business tech trends on the horizon, this could be the biggest game changer for small businesses. NCDPs give them the freedom to experiment with ideas right away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. The expansion of AI tools <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Businesses shouldn\u2019t ignore AI in 2026. While it\u2019s still in its infancy, it\u2019s revolutionizing how companies help customers, create content, optimize supply chains, cut costs, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

AI has been a major talking point \u2013 in and outside the office \u2013 all year. And that\u2019s not going to change in 2026. There will be more AI tools coming and all types of businesses will be experimenting with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cExperiment\u201d is the keyword as there are questions and concerns surrounding AI. 78% of consumers prefer to speak to a human<\/a> over an AI\/bot. So how AI will help businesses without coming at the expense of the human touch is unknown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Woman<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3. Automation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tech companies have been automating processes for years but the trend has slowly spread to other industries. And that applies even to industries\/companies that aren\u2019t known to be tech-savvy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Restaurants, gyms, freelancers, etc. are using automation to book appointments, welcome new customers\/staff (CRM automation), and manage digital campaigns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Virtual and augmented reality tools<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences will no longer be exclusive to cutting-edge tech companies. A new wave of third-party tools and application programming interfaces (API) is expected to land in 2026, making the technology accessible to everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AR and VR let people interact with products and services in a unique way. Like AI, there\u2019s an endless list of possible use cases: immersive experiences for customers, training programs, and \u201con-the-job\u201d assistance just to name a few. This could change the \u201caverage\u201d website\/app experience as we know it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. More hybrid & remote working <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Remote working was essential for businesses in 2020. Many saw the benefits and stuck with it. It became so popular that it changed cities! Bloomberg reported in 2023 that remote working was costing Manhattan $12 billion a year<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

CEOs like remote\/hybrid setups as they save on real estate costs and attract talent from all over the world, but it\u2019s popular among employees too. Hybrid working is especially popular with younger employees<\/a>. So not offering remote\/hybrid work could be a deal breaker. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Smiling<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

5. A greater focus on sustainability<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Businesses are paying more attention to the impact they have on the planet. With ESG scores, net-zero targets, and a global shift towards green energy \u2013 the focus on sustainability keeps growing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From small cafes to cutting-edge tech startups, sustainability is a focus area for business leaders. Businesses that invest in sustainability will attract more environmentally-conscious customers and may <\/p>\n\n\n\n

receive tax credits and other incentives from governments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Giant<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

6. 24\/7 customer service<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Small business owners miss around 62% of calls<\/a>. Despite the technology being available, companies neglect the phone \u2013 a powerful tool to secure leads, make sales, and build relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, a common small business tech trend for 2026 will be 24\/7 customer service<\/a>. Many businesses frustrate customers by using bots, voicemail machines, or directing customers to forums for help. Having a 24\/7 answering service is an easy way to stand out from the competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An answering service offers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n