LinkedIn has printed a brand new report inspecting the evolving alternatives for small companies, primarily based on information collected from the 18 million small companies on its app.
LinkedIn’s How Small Companies Can Win in 2026 report highlights key alternatives and developments that may assist small companies leverage the precise circulation to enhance efficiency within the 12 months forward.
You may obtain the whole 25-page report right here, however on this submit we’ll have a look at a few of the key notes.
First, LinkedIn factors out that SMBs are rising, at the very least primarily based on LinkedIn title exercise.
“The variety of folks all over the world including ‘Founder’ to their profile elevated by 60% year-over-year and almost tripled from 2022 onwards. Regardless of slowing world development, extra professionals are selecting to construct their very own somewhat than look ahead to the following alternative.”
So, whereas this isn’t a precise measurement, information from the Division of Labor reveals that the scale of small companies in the USA has elevated over time, and that’s mirrored on this statistic.
The creator financial system and net connectivity alternatives have opened new doorways on this regard, however LinkedIn additionally factors out that AI is enabling extra folks to enter their companies.
This is without doubt one of the key traits to look at. Primarily based on its analysis, LinkedIn says there are three paths ahead for SMBs.
- Introducing AI to extend pace and scale.
- Enhance visibility and credibility with model credibility
- A community that creates affect that turns consideration into alternative.
These are the three parts that LinkedIn focuses on particularly within the report, and we embody information insights to information your eager about every.
First, let’s discuss AI. LinkedIn says:Slightly below 60% of U.S. small enterprise house owners plan to implement AI throughout their organizations in 2026, a rise of 5 share factors from final 12 months..
Whereas “rising innovation and creativity” is a reasonably broad class right here, the above record illustrates how small and medium-sized companies are at present utilizing AI and in search of to learn from AI instruments.
The precise advantages might range, as extra firms are reporting lower-than-expected returns from AI integration. However as you grow to be extra conversant in the professionals and cons of those new information processing instruments, you will have much more alternatives to optimize completely different workflows.
From a model credibility perspective, this report seems on the position that social media platforms play in constructing a model’s presence and the position that sure codecs, notably video, play in strengthening model positioning.
As famous beneath, short-form movies are within the candy spot in response to LinkedIn insights. After all, that is color-coded by LinkedIn’s personal algorithm, which determines the attain of your posts, giving video content material better precedence.
However both approach, LinkedIn’s emphasis right here is clearly on short-form movies.
Lastly, in the case of networking, in response to LinkedIn, almost 75% of small enterprise leaders in main markets say constructing knowledgeable community is necessary to long-term enterprise development, “whereas almost 40% think about their community a option to discover new clients.””
And relating to each of those elements, LinkedIn additionally factors out: 61% of small enterprise house owners in main markets all over the world are content material creators.
I am undecided how tagging these folks as “content material creators” makes them see themselves, however basically extra small companies are creating extra content material to determine their enterprise presence and broaden their networks.
Primarily based on these findings, LinkedIn says manufacturers ought to look to spend money on AI to automate repetitive duties and enhance practical processes.
On this regard, LinkedIn is providing three AI-focused LinkedIn Studying programs at no cost for the following month.
LinkedIn additionally stated SMBS ought to attempt to construct a model that’s “reliable and reliable” by leveraging trusted voices and rising engagement with the neighborhood.
Lastly, LinkedIn says that to develop your community: Strategically, it additionally helps strengthen model positioning and drive higher responses.
These are some precious notes that can assist you plan for 2026.
You may obtain the total model of LinkedIn The “How Small Companies Can Win in 2026” report might be discovered right here, however LinkedIn additionally publishes regional variations of the report. Australia, Brazil, France, India, Italy, Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, and England.
