SMB MarketPulse research topics
In addition to the detailed monthly marketing and sales insights, each SMB MarketPulse report also features either SMB Sentiment Tracker data on SMB outlook, goals and priorities, or hot topic data on a topical subject.
JANUARY 2026
Top Information Sources Across the Sales Cycle
The media SMBs use to research, evaluate, and purchase products and services
SMB Sentiment Tracker
The media SMBs use to research, evaluate, and purchase products and services
SMB Sentiment Tracker
FEBRUARY 2026
Building Loyalty
Assessing and enhancing loyalty, and making the most of loyalty programs
Hot Topic: SMB use of AI
Assessing and enhancing loyalty, and making the most of loyalty programs
Hot Topic: SMB use of AI
MARCH 2026
Channel Preferences
Understanding channel preferences, motivations, pain points, and opportunities to optimize the SMB sales mix
SMB Sentiment Tracker
Understanding channel preferences, motivations, pain points, and opportunities to optimize the SMB sales mix
SMB Sentiment Tracker
APRIL
2026
How to Onboard to Keep SMBs
New customer setup and support; preferred communication channels for cross-sell and promotions
Hot Topic: SMB Digital Marketing
New customer setup and support; preferred communication channels for cross-sell and promotions
Hot Topic: SMB Digital Marketing
MAY
2026
Using Content to Acquire and Retain SMBs
Best formats, most compelling topics, and attributes of successful content to attain trusted advisor status
SMB Sentiment Tracker
Best formats, most compelling topics, and attributes of successful content to attain trusted advisor status
SMB Sentiment Tracker
JUNE
2026
Winning at SMB Sales
Purchase triggers and levers, high-impact conversion tactics
Hot Topic: Hiring and Workforce Plans
Purchase triggers and levers, high-impact conversion tactics
Hot Topic: Hiring and Workforce Plans
JULY
2026
Best-in-Class SMB Customer Service
Post-purchase service expectations, self-service standards, optimal digital support, and preferred service channels
SMB Sentiment Tracker
Post-purchase service expectations, self-service standards, optimal digital support, and preferred service channels
SMB Sentiment Tracker
AUGUST
2026
Boosting Retention
Drivers of satisfaction, unmet needs, and churn risk factors
Hot Topic: SMB IT Security
Drivers of satisfaction, unmet needs, and churn risk factors
Hot Topic: SMB IT Security
SEPTEMBER
2026
Effective Cross-Sell and Upsell
Top tactics and messaging to drive SMB cross-sell and boost share of wallet
SMB Sentiment Tracker
Top tactics and messaging to drive SMB cross-sell and boost share of wallet
SMB Sentiment Tracker
OCTOBER
2026
2027 Outlook and Purchasing Plans
Optimism, spending plans, purchase drivers, and conversion tactics
Hot Topic: Annual Brand Assessment
Optimism, spending plans, purchase drivers, and conversion tactics
Hot Topic: Annual Brand Assessment
NOVEMBER 2026
An Inside View of SMB Purchase Decision-Making
Timing, team and third-party roles, levers and impediments
SMB Sentiment Tracker
Timing, team and third-party roles, levers and impediments
SMB Sentiment Tracker
DECEMBER
2026
The State of SMB Digital Transformation
Tech attitudes, drivers, priorities, outcomes, barriers, and the role of AI
Hot Topic: Payment and Sales Channel Preferences
Tech attitudes, drivers, priorities, outcomes, barriers, and the role of AI
Hot Topic: Payment and Sales Channel Preferences