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4 Social Media Trends for Business Growth in the New Year

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Published on January 7, 2026

7 people leaning against a red wall looking down at their phones.

The new year brings with it a stream of new opportunities for businesses to grow online. If you want to increase your profits and grow brand awareness but you’re stuck for content ideas, getting involved in social media trends can help.

But which trends are worth your while? I’ve found the four social media trends that businesses have been using to boost engagement with their Instagram and TikTok profiles this January. With step-by-step instructions and links to trending audios, it’s easy to replicate their success.

TikTok Trend: “Vision Boards Don’t Work”

🎵 Trending audio: Everything Is Romantic remix by Charli XCX

People tend to be either believers or cynics when it comes to vision boards. This TikTok trend for January targets both groups, combatting the statement “vision boards aren’t real” with footage turning their dreams into reality.

Businesses can use this trend to acknowledge their achievements, posting images they once aspired towards with their own footage. Not only will this inspire other small businesses, but also help build connections with your audience.

two screenshots of Shani Wigs TikTok post showing the vision board image (left) and the reality (right) — This wig brand shows how it was able to get its wigs shown on a daytime TV show. Source: TikTok user Shani Wigs

How To Use This TikTok Trend

Find around five to 10 images that show your biggest business achievements. These are your “reality” photos
Use photo apps like Pinterest to find third-party images that closely match your reality images to act as your “vision board” pictures
Click the linked sound and select “Use sound”
Select your images, pairing each vision board shot with its matching reality picture
Over the images, write the captions “vision board” and “reality”

Instagram Trend: Sorry, I Lied...

New Year, new you. This January, creators have taken to Instagram to come clean about the white lies they tell, which range from purposely gatekeeping their outfits to being secretly relieved when plans fall through.

This Instagram trend is a lighthearted way to show the human side of your brand. You could ‘fess up to any bad habits you have at work, or put a positive spin on it by sharing the elements that you secretly love about your job.

three carousel posts showing Colorful market scenes with people browsing stalls and playful text overlays about a creative Sunday therapy session. — This Flea Market thought outside the box by using this trend to show benefits and features that customers can expect from their events. Source: Instagram user Sunday Soul Sante

How To Use This Instagram Trend

Create a new Instagram post and select multiple photos
Add the caption “Sorry, we lied…” to the first photo
Add one short confession caption to each photo

TikTok Trend: It’s Got Wabi Sabi

🎵 Trending audio: Whirly Bird remix by Lux

Ever heard the term “Wabi Sabi”? This is the Japanese tradition that celebrates the beauty in imperfection. And after it was discussed on cartoon King of The Hill, TikTok creators quickly began using the soundbite to embrace their own quirks and imperfections.

Consider using this trend in January if you sell handmade products, like cakes, pottery, or artwork. I’ve seen this sound used to make fun of products that haven’t gone to plan, such as oddly shaped soaps, or even to upsell them (provided they still work as advertised).

right screenshot shows a green ceramic cup with matcha in, and the right image shows a green and white soap bar with a wonky edge — This trend gives brands the opportunity to sell products that didn’t turn out perfectly. Source: TikTok users Vivian and GlenHaven Soap Company

How To Use This TikTok Trend

Click the linked sound and select “Use sound”
Take multiple short videos showing your imperfect, personalized, or handmade products
Add the caption “it’s got Wabi Sabi” at the 8-second mark

Instagram Reel Trend: How Life Sounds When...

🎵 Trending audio: Go Go Juice by Sabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter’s upbeat and relatable songs make them a perfect addition to trending social media posts. A popular Instagram Reel trend for January uses her song Go Go Juice to encompass moments of carefree bliss, such as going on a shopping spree or taking a well needed nap.

Businesses can jump on this social media trend from a customer’s perspective, showing how great life can be with their product. Alternatively, it’s a great way to celebrate exciting business moments like selling out your stock or reaching record profits.

right screenshot shows a person sat on the floor in a white pajama set with bows on it. Left image shows a person in an apron holding a croissant — This trend fits a range of brands, from clothing stores to bakeries. Source: Instagram users Shear Boutique and Eadoughhtx

How To Use This Instagram Reel Trend

Click the linked sound and select “Use audio”
Film a video showing your moment of bliss or excitement
Add the caption “How life sounds when [describe the moment]”

January Dates for Your Social Media Calendar

Serious online growth requires consistent posting and a clear social media strategy. Be aware of the key social media calendar dates for January to help you come up with timely and relevant content ideas:

📅 Date	📌 Event	💡 Content Idea
All month	Dry January/Veganuary	Share informational posts and tips throughout the month. Vegan and alcohol-free drinks brands can also promote their products
Jan 8	World Typing Day	Compare typing speeds around the office
Jan 11	Golden Globe Awards	Give awards to your products or team members
Jan 12	Clean Off Your Desk Day	Post two stories of a desk before and after being cleaned with the caption “Tap to clean”
Jan 15	National Hat Day	Promote a one-day flash sale on hats
Jan 16	Get to Know Your Customers Day	Create a flowchart quiz to match customers to the right products, share story polls and Q&As
Jan 16	International Hot and Spicy Food Day	Create a spice level chart for your products or services, rating them from mild to extra hot
Jan 19	Blue Monday	Share self care tips and small product discounts to brighten your customers’ days
Jan 24	International Education Day	Share life hacks related to your industry
Jan 25	Opposite Day	Post your team doing a day-to-day process backwards
Jan 28	International Lego Day	Build your team, brand logo, or recognisable product out of lego, or generate with AI
Jan 31	Inspire Your Heart with Art Day	Post behind-the-scenes snippets of the artistry that goes into your day-to-day business operations

➡️ Want to start planning for February and beyond? Check out our 2026 Social Media Content Calendar for all the dates you need.

Posting Mindfully In January

Ecommerce sales tend to be slower in January as consumers recover financially from the festive period. With this in mind, customers will likely respond better to informative content that helps them make smart purchase decisions, as well as sales that lower prices. Social media trends are a great way to increase awareness around your products and offers subtly, helping you to secure more sales.

Written by:

Annie Angus Writer

Annie Angus is a Writer for Website Builder Expert with a passion for shaping jargon-heavy research into digestible content. She has previously researched and written about industries ranging from tech to fashion, and now, after testing our top website builders such as Wix and Squarespace, she is enthusiastic to share her findings with our readers. With first-hand experience in utilizing social media and online marketplaces to grow a small handmade clothing business, Annie understands the priorities and concerns held by SME owners, and knows precisely what they look for in a website builder. She combines this unique perspective with her knowledge of website builders to produce engaging content spanning all areas of the small business journey, from creating a strong website to growing and maintaining an audience.