What’s Next for Content Writing in 2026 (and What’s the Same!)
What a year for content marketing.
2025 was full of AI fear-mongering, ‘Is SEO dead?’ debates, and, well, a lot of frustration for writers and marketers alike.
Honestly, 2026 is set to be very similar, but that’s not a bad thing.
It turns out that SEO isn’t dead, and while more brands are using AI, it’s not completely replacing writers, content still needs a real human hand to deliver depth, clarity, and context. And, of course, to meet content writing best practices.
While I don’t have a crystal ball (though I wish I did), I’ve done the research and looked at what top marketers are predicting for the year ahead.
Take notes of these ideas to help you stay ahead in the future of content writing.
Using AI as a Tool (But With A Heavy Human Hand)
If you thought 2026 might finally be the year we stop talking about AI in content marketing, I’ve got some bad news.
Your LinkedIn feed is set to be full of AI posts for the next 12 months again, at least.
But 2026 is not about AI replacing human-written content. Top content marketers suggest 2026 will be the year of agentic workflows and your readers using AI as a search engine.
Outside of these uses, you still need to write engaging content that meets the best practices, and this still needs a real writer. Unless you want to blend into the background of course.
Why Shouldn’t You Use AI For Content
Why? Because AI cannot create new research or any good from-scratch content.
Sure, AI can create a succinct summary. It can even switch up its tone of voice if you prompt it well. However those tell-tell signs of robot writing will still be there. AI cannot create new viewpoints, so kiss thought leadership goodbye.
Sam Kriss’ recent New York Times article ‘Why Does A.I. Write Like… That?’ gives an excellent rundown of the generic chatbot voice. Kriss notes that AI is fixated on the rule of three (e.g., three short sentences or delivering ideas in triplets) and most AI will use “It’s not X, it’s Y” at least once in its prose.
Sure, these techniques have been around since pen was put to paper (perhaps), but seeing them in every LinkedIn or blog post isn’t normal.
And let’s be clear, AI will not rescue a weak content strategy.
It will not make up for unclear goals or a poor grasp of content planning and writing fundamentals. Also, AI can’t give SEO reports, you need to look at the read data to create a content plan.
But if you already use AI tools to help brainstorm or draft, you are ahead of the curve.
What is next is being strategic about how you use those tools and focusing on what AI cannot replicate. That means genuine human insight and copy that reads without any of the AI tells (hello, ‘rule of three’ and It’s not—It’s—!)
This is likely to be the foundation for the future of content writing.
Following The Best Practices in Web Content Writing
Stop what you’re doing!
Google just released its 2025 Core Update.
The December 2025 Google core update is basically a reminder that Google loves content that actually helps people.
Stick to solid content writing best practices, plan your content thoughtfully, and focus on what people actually want to read.
Good content still needs:
- Purpose: Know what problem you are solving
- Structure: Make it scannable and logical
- Value: Give readers something they care about
The key to 2026 is combining these practices with content planning and writing that prioritizes intent over keywords.
You can tick all the boxes, but if the content isn’t interesting or relevant, no one will stick around. Ask yourself: would you read it?
That’s how your work stays relevant, no matter what the algorithm does.
Human Connection Is the Real Edge
Back to the AI discussion. Sorry!
The irony of all this AI talk is that it makes human connection more valuable.
As more content becomes generated, algorithm-driven, or templated, voices that are real stand out. And this is what you can use to give your brand or blog an edge — as far as your tone of voice guidelines allow.
Alongside sounding more human, readers value genuine perspectives and depth beyond the information the LLM has been trained on, including:
- Current user stories
- Founder interviews
- Behind-the-scenes insights
Don’t be afraid to throw a few real examples into your content, even if they’re explaining something that you tried and didn’t work out the way you expected it to. This is much more human (and let’s face it, interesting), than what an LLM can spit out.
An industry specific writer can help in this case, such as a professional food blogger or an iGaming content writer.
Real stories and thoughtful analysis is central to how to content write in a way that connects beyond AI.
Put Your Data To Use
Data-driven content is by no means new.
But after a year of experimentation, going back to the basics and actually looking at what your readers want via GSC or GA4 can help to fine tune your content marketing strategy.
Pick a few KPIs and track them religiously.
And here’s your reminder that while traffic and clicks are great, truly valuable content should also drive conversions and retention.
Content Beyond Text
Don’t worry fellow writers, content writing is not disappearing anytime soon (I hope!)
However, there’s a big push to combine blogs and copy with video, audio, gif graphics, and other interactive content.
Believe it or not, around 70% of consumers use short-form videos to search for products or services.
Whether it is a quick explainer clip, founder Q&A, or educational series, video helps your message live where people already are. The words are still the base layer, but you can use other formats as ways to amplify them.
What to Do Next
So, that wraps up my whistle-stop tour of what’s next for content writing in 2026. Who knows, one month into the year might prove this all wrong. But for now, the signs point to these five ideas as the main areas to focus on.
Buckle up, we’re in for another ride!
Need a driving partner? I’m a freelance writer ready to help you out in 2026.
See my freelance writing services here or get in touch today!
