2026 is the year the advantage shifts from doing more… to building a simpler, smarter system. In this episode of Push Forward, I’m sharing 26 Predictions of 2026—thetrends and platform shifts that will shape how creators and small businesses get discovered, earn trust, and convert attention into income.

We’ll cover what’s happening across marketplaces, social discovery, AI content, agents, and data—then turn it into practical moves you can apply to your content, your link-in-bio funnel, your offers, and your growth plan.

What we cover:

• Why the “AI slop era” makes real creators more valuable

• How social discovery is replacing traditional search

• What agent-first shopping means for your product pages and offers

• How to build trust signals that convert (without huge budgets)

• Why omnichannel is no longer optional for growth

Not all online voices are the same. We break down the key differences between influencers and creators, showing how each can impact your brand, content strategy, and partnerships. Learn which path aligns with your goals and how to make smarter collaboration decisions.

New to the creator economy and not sure where to begin? This episode is your on-ramp. We define the creator economy in plain language, show you how money actually flows (ads, sponsors, subscribers, affiliates, products, services), and walk you through a simple system to choose your content type, ideal platforms, and first offers. You’ll leave with a 90-day action plan, a lightweight tool stack, and a clear path to your first paying fan.