Branding in 2026: Trust, Meaning, and Strategic Differentiation
Branding in 2026 is defined by trust, meaning, and strategic differentiation as AI levels the marketing playing field. With automation standardizing execution, brands now compete on values, credibility, and consistency rather than mechanics. Consumers expect personalization, transparency in data use, and ethical behavior, while strong brands command higher price premiums and recover faster from crises. Branding has evolved into an enterprise-wide discipline shaping long-term growth, resilience, and legitimacy.