LinkedIn has revealed a new report which appears to be like at evolving alternatives for SMBs, primarily based on information gleaned from the 18 million small companies which have a presence within the app.
LinkedIn’s “How Small Companies Can Win in 2026” report highlights key alternatives and developments, which can assist SMBs faucet into the appropriate streams, with a purpose to enhance their efficiency over the subsequent yr.
You may obtain the total 25-page report right here, however on this put up, we’ll take a look at among the key notes.
First off, LinkedIn notes that SMBs are rising, a minimum of primarily based on LinkedIn title exercise:
“The variety of individuals including ‘Founder’ to their profiles globally grew 60% year-over-year and has almost tripled since 2022. Whilst international progress slows, extra professionals are selecting to construct one thing of their very own quite than look ahead to the subsequent alternative.”
I imply, that’s not an actual measurement, however Bureau of Labour information does present that small companies are rising within the U.S. over time, which is mirrored on this stat.
The creator economic system, and the alternatives of internet connectivity have opened new doorways on this respect, whereas LinkedIn additionally notes that AI can be giving extra individuals a means into their very own enterprise.
Which is among the key developments of word. Primarily based on its findings, LinkedIn says that there are three paths ahead for SMBs:
- AI adoption for enhanced velocity and scale.
- Model credibility to boost visibility and belief
- Networks to create the affect that turns consideration into alternative.
These are the three components that LinkedIn particularly focuses on within the report, with information insights to information your pondering on every.
First off, on AI. LinkedIn says that nearly 60% of U.S. small enterprise executives plan to undertake AI throughout their organizations in 2026, representing a five-point enhance from final yr.
“Growing innovation and creativity” is a reasonably broad class right here, however the above itemizing exhibits the place SMBs are at present utilizing AI, and in search of to derive advantages from AI instruments.
The precise advantages might differ, as extra companies are reporting less-than-expected positive factors from AI integrations. However as we develop into additional accustomed to the strengths and weaknesses of those new information processing instruments, that can open up extra alternative to optimize numerous workflows.
When it comes to model credibility, the report appears to be like on the position that social media platforms play in constructing your model presence, and particular codecs, most notably video, in reinforcing model positioning.
As you’ll be able to see in that backside word, short-form video is the place it’s at, in line with LinkedIn’s insights. Which, after all, are additionally coloured by LinkedIn’s personal algorithm, which dictates put up attain, and ensures that video content material will get extra desire.
However both means, short-form video is clearly what LinkedIn’s seeking to underline on this facet.
Lastly, on networks, LinkedIn says that near 75% of small enterprise leaders throughout key markets say that constructing their skilled community is vital to long-term enterprise progress, “whereas almost 40% see their networks as a method to discover new clients.”
And overlaying each of those components, LinkedIn additionally notes that 61% of small enterprise house owners throughout key markets globally have develop into content material creators.
I’m unsure that tagging these individuals as “content material creators” is how they might see themselves, however primarily, extra SMBs are creating extra content material to determine their enterprise presence and develop their networks.
Primarily based on these findings, LinkedIn says that manufacturers ought to look to spend money on AI to automate repetitive duties and enhance on purposeful processes.
On this entrance, LinkedIn is providing three AI-focused LinkedIn Studying programs totally free over the subsequent month:
LinkedIn additionally says that SMBS ought to look to construct their model “with authenticity and belief,” by leveraging trusted voices and enhancing group engagement.
Lastly, LinkedIn says that rising your community strategically may also assist to boost model positioning, and drive higher response.
These are some useful notes, which might assist in your 2026 planning.
You may obtain LinkedIn’s full “How Small Companies Can Win in 2026” report right here, whereas LinkedIn has additionally revealed regional variations of the report for Australia, Brazil, France, India, Italy, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, and the UK.
