To remain successful as a small business, you must keep up with the times. Trends in technology, customer service, and marketing can significantly impact small business, so knowing what the current trends are and how you can implement them into your business is vital. Here are some of the current trends for small businesses and ideas on integrating them into your small business operations.
Green and Socially Responsible Businesses
The past decade has seen a rise in customers looking for businesses going green or being socially responsible. These values are especially important to Millennials and Generation Z. Depending on your target demographic; you may consider adding some green or socially responsible practices to your business. Here are some changes you can make to be greener and socially responsible.
- Use local products or services
- Recycle and encourage customers to recycle also
- Use green cleaning products
- Use vendors that are green or socially responsible
Going green or being more socially responsible doesn’t require a total revamp of your business and can be done through small but high-impact changes.
Customer Review Impact
Businesses getting online reviews is not a new concept, but it is a concept that is expected to grow year over year. When deciding where to take their business, many customers rely heavily on reviews and ratings to make those decisions. It is crucial, as a small business, to have a strong online presence that is positive. As a business owner, it is your responsibility to ensure your business is listed on any site a customer can create a review. The more positive reviews, the better, so don’t be afraid to ask satisfied customers to review your business; you can even give them incentives to take the time, such as discounts or freebies.
E-Commerce
Most people think of enormous online retailers when they hear e-commerce; however, many storefront businesses are opting for an online purchasing presence. This trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. While some customers will always prefer to shop in person, many consumers opt to buy online. The convenience is the number one reason that many shoppers love an online purchasing option. Even if you are a business that offers services rather than products, there are e-commerce options you can add by having products related to the service you offer. You can also become an affiliate for a business with products.
Mobile Marketing
Mobile marketing is also nothing new, but the growth and popularity are making it a trend to consider. Here are a few mobile marketing ideas a small business owner might consider adding.
- Geo-targeting with ads to customers close to the business
- Creating an interactive app for your business (it’s easier than you think)
- Use of text message marketing
- Mobile methods of payment
Livestreams, Videos, and Stories
Small businesses are using these interactive trends to get more customers with great success. These social media trends have been building over the last couple of years and are expected to expand as technology advances. Posts are still an excellent way to connect. Still, Facebook and Instagram stories and live streaming bring a visual and interactive aspect to your business and should be considered a significant trend you should implement. People love to get visuals, interact, and be involved, so using videos, stories, and especially live streams can pay off big.
Conclusion
These are a few of the current trends that small businesses need to watch, but trends are forever changing. Responsible business owners always need to make changes to their businesses using trends when it makes sense for them. The worst thing a small business can do is change too much towards trends, the small business should be authentically you, and any changes you adopt should flow with your current business, or you risk losing your already loyal client base.
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