Small business trends to watch in Q1 2026

The start of the year is always a vital time for small businesses. It brings opportunities to fine-tune your strategy, streamline your operations, and leverage trends to drive growth. From AI adoption to social commerce and scheduling automation, the moves you make now can set the tone for your entire year. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the trends, stats, and strategies small business owners should keep an eye on this quarter and how Setmore can help you stay on track.

Work smarter, Stay human

AI and automation are trending for small businesses, and it’s easy to see why. About 75% of SMBs investing in AI say it’s transforming how they work, and tools that handle repetitive tasks can free up more than 20 hours a month for teams. But we believe technology should support, not replace, human connection.

For service-based businesses like salons, clinics, and studios, Setmore uses automation to take care of the little things – sending reminders, confirming appointments, and keeping calendars in sync – so you and your team can focus on what really matters: connecting with your clients, delivering great service, and building relationships.

A great way to get started this quarter is to look at your recurring tasks – like your bookings, payments, notifications –  and see where automation can save time without cutting out the human touch. That way, you get the efficiency of smart tools while keeping your business genuinely human.

Easy appointments 🤝 Happy clients

In 2026, customer convenience is everything. Around 78% of online bookings are made on mobile devices, and 90% of customers now prefer booking online – a notable trend that shows people expect to book quickly and easily from their phones. If clients can’t book, pay, or manage appointments quickly on their phones, you risk losing them before you even meet. 

Having things like a branded Booking Page, online reviews,, social media integrations, and automated reminders can make a big difference. They reduce friction, cut down on no-shows, and give your team more time to focus on providing great service. 

Reviewing and testing your booking flow makes sure it’s easy for clients to go from discovering your business to confirming an appointment in just a few taps. When the booking process is simple and mobile-friendly, clients are happier and more likely to come back, and your business runs smoothly from day-to-day. 

From scroll to schedule 📲

Online shopping and social commerce are becoming a real revenue driver for small businesses. TikTok Shop and Instagram Shopping alone are expected to make up over a quarter of all social commerce revenue in 2025, highlighting just how powerful these platforms have become. The traffic is already there — and businesses can use that presence not just to boost engagement, but to turn browsers into clients by making it easy to go from discovering a service to booking it.

One simple way to capture attention is by adding a “Book Now” button wherever clients find you — on Facebook, Instagram, your website, and even your Google Business Profile. Making it easy for clients to book instantly doesn’t just save time, it turns every click into a potential appointment. 

Ensure your Booking Page is connected across all platforms and keep an eye on which channels bring in the most appointments, so you can focus on what works best for your business.

Booking to bank 💸

Keeping tabs on your finances might not sound exciting, but it’s crucial for running your small business smoothly. The good news? Your cash flow isn’t just numbers on a screen, it’s real-time insight into what’s working, what’s trending, and what process might need a tweak before it turns into a bigger problem.

Small businesses that connect their booking payments to Stripe, Square, or PayPal get paid faster, miss fewer invoices, and make planning for growth way easier. Clients can pay instantly when they book or in person, so you spend less time chasing money and more time growing your business.

Take a quick audit of your payments: track payment completion, see which services bring in the most revenue, and consider turning on ‘Require Payment Upfront’ to protect your time and get paid before the appointment. Simple changes like that keep the cash flowing and let you focus on what really matters: building your business.

Small actions, big impact

More and more, people are choosing businesses that reflect their values. Sustainable practices don’t just feel good – they actually help retain customers and build loyalty. Even small actions can make a difference. For example, Setmore donates 1% of it’s revenue to tree planting, helping reforest communities around the world.

There are plenty of ways small businesses can give back too. You could highlight the use of eco-friendly products, reduce business waste, donate a portion of your sales to a local charity, volunteer in your community, or support causes that matter the most to your clients. 

Showcasing these efforts on your Booking Page, adding links to information about your giving back, sharing in your booking policy, and in your appointment confirmations not only makes it easier for clients to support you, it demonstrates that your business stands for more than just profit and that kind of transparency builds true connection and loyalty.

Teams that just click 

Remote and hybrid work are still shaping the way small businesses operate, and it turns out it can actually boost productivity — around 61% of employees report getting more done at home. But being productive isn’t just about where your team works, it’s about staying coordinated and in the loop. For service-based businesses, knowing who’s available and when is crucial to keeping clients happy and operations running smoothly.

Centralized team calendars and multi-location management make it easy to assign bookings, avoid double-bookings, and ensure every client gets the attention they need. Team members can even share their own booking links, manage their calendars, and add their own contact info, giving them autonomy while keeping the whole team connected.

A great place to start is making sure all team calendars are synced, each member has their own login and access, their booking link set up, and automated reminders are in place for both team and clients. This way, your team can focus on delivering excellent service without getting bogged down by day-to-day headaches, and clients always know exactly who to reach and when.

Grow smarter this quarter 🌱

Want to make this quarter your best yet? Our team is here to help you grow — whether it’s setting up your account from scratch, fine-tuning your existing setup, or finding little tweaks that make your day-to-day run smoother. 

Ready to see how Setmore can transform your year? Book a free demo today and get expert help from our team. 

Make 2026 your best yet

The beginning of the year can feel overwhelming — there’s a lot to juggle between bookings, payments, keeping clients happy whilst focusing on your goals. But don’t worry, we’ve got you. By embracing smart tools, keeping an eye on key trends and metrics like cash flow and team productivity, and making it easy for clients to book and pay, you can start the year strong without the stress.

by Julia

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