Franchise development is entering one of its strongest periods in years.
New data from Reshift Media’s 2026 Franchise Development Trends & Lead Generation Report shows that interest in franchising has reached its highest level since Google began publishing search trend data, with early 2026 delivering extremely strong engagement, conversion rates, and cost efficiency for franchise brands.
This article highlights the most important findings from the report and what they mean for franchise growth in 2026. You can also download the report for free.
Interest in Franchising Is at an All-Time High
Reshift Media’s team analyzed Google search trends across dozens of high-intent franchise queries such as “buy a franchise”, “franchise opportunities”, “best franchise to own”, and many others.
By normalizing and aggregating these terms into a single index, the data reveals a clear pattern: consumer interest in franchising surged sharply at the end of 2025 and into January 2026, reaching the highest point ever recorded.
Why This Matters
Search behavior is one of the strongest early indicators of franchise demand. When search interest rises:
• More qualified candidates enter the market
• Research cycles accelerate
• Conversion rates tend to follow
This surge is already translating into measurable downstream performance across digital advertising.
Franchise Advertising Performance Is Exceptionally Strong
Through the company’s proprietary Franify advertising platform, Reshift Media manages hundreds of franchise development campaigns across Google, Meta, LinkedIn, and other digital channels. That scale provides a unique view into what’s actually happening in the market.
Advertising Click-Through Rates (CTR)
CTR spiked in late 2025 and remained unusually strong through December and January, signaling heightened interest and engagement from prospective franchisees.
Conversion Rates
January 2026 recorded an extremely high conversion rate, meaning a larger percentage of clicks are turning into qualified franchise inquiries than at any point in the past two years.
Cost Per Lead (CPL)
As a result of these elevated conversion rates, cost per lead has dropped to its lowest level in two years, creating an unusually efficient environment for franchise recruitment.
What to Expect for Franchise Development in 2026
Based on historical patterns and current performance data, the report outlines several expectations for the year ahead:
• Interest rates are expected to remain stable or gradually decline, supporting franchise investment activity
• Q1 2026 is projected to be the strongest period for franchise lead volume and conversion
• Interest may normalize later in the year, but is expected to remain well above 2024 levels
• Increased competition and broader digital adoption could drive modest cost-per-lead increases in the second half of 2026
2026 Is a Pivotal Year for Franchise Growth
The data is clear:
• Demand is strong
• Buyers are active
• Performance metrics are unusually favorable
But competition for qualified franchise candidates is also intensifying.
Brands that succeed in 2026 will be those that:
• Understand the modern buyer journey
• Invest early while conditions are favorable
• Use data-driven digital strategies across search, social, video, and content
Download the Full 2026 Franchise Development Report
The full 2026 Franchise Development Trends & Lead Generation Strategies Report includes:
• Detailed trend charts and benchmarks
• Platform-specific insights
• Practical recommendations for franchise marketing teams
Download the free report here to access the complete data and insights and position your franchise for a strong 2026
