Esther Fawole
Small businesses are facing some of their biggest challenges in recent times, many are also learning how to re-engage with their customers and adapt to new demands in the marketplace.
As a result, business owners are beginning to explore more of their industry’s trends to assist them in planning for the future and create new opportunities, from creating a website that meets customers’ needs better, to taking up ecological and societal responsibilities.
Shifting toward eCommerce
Most small businesses are looking to eCommerce to create new opportunities. Some of these include selling merchandise online, either as a main source of income or in congruence with additional practices, while manufacturing can be done anywhere.
If you’re a business owner and want to bring your traditional line of work online, you may find that starting an online store can actually improve your operations in ways you hadn’t thought were possible.
Using Mobile Marketing
Mobile marketing is one of the biggest small business trends to take over the global stage with no indication of slowing down. It means marketing your business to your mobile user audience by reaching them via their smartphones or tablets. The most direct channel to your audience is very likely through their phone.
In addition to using small business apps to manage your business, you can also use an app to connect with customers and cater to users on-the-go. For example, you can keep your customers up-to-date by sending text messages of your latest promotion with consent.
Rolling Out Your App;
More people are using their mobile devices to conduct daily transactions than ever before,As a result, it might be time to pair your small business website with a mobile app of your very own. By using your Apps, you can manage your business at finger’s reach. You can also up your marketing strategy by sending mobile push notifications from your app.
Personalizing Customer Service
You can also invite your customers to download things via your app so that they can connect with your business on mobile. This lets them book services, purchase products and stay connected via chat, groups and forums.
It is more important than ever to clearly define your target audience. Through understanding your customers’ behavior you’ll be better equipped to market your business or brand directly to them. Personalized customer service is about adapting services to the specific needs and wants of each of your clients.
Rise Of Remote Work
These provide unique benefits such as flexible scheduling and forgoing a long commute, many who are operating outside of a traditional office space may face additional challenges, such as maintaining a work-life balance.
If you’re a small business that depends on freelancers and remote workers, you need to support your employees while working remotely include taking the time to socialize virtually with your team, preserving your unique company culture and expressing your appreciation for their hard work with meaningful gestures.
Growing An Online Community
Creating an online community of like-minded individuals can foster valuable connections around your brand. By sharing quality content about your field of expertise by doing this,you’ll be able to establish yourself as an authority in your industry and gain the trust of your audience.
Another great way to support your community and keep it growing is by providing a forum where people can share and exchange ideas around your site. Creating a blog can also help solidify your voice in your field of business and continuously link you to your audience.
Promoting Data Transparency
If you’re a small business handling personal information, from collecting your customers’ names and email addresses to their credit card details, it’s important you implement and provide a privacy policy for your site. A privacy policy is a statement that discloses some or all of the ways a website collects, uses and manages the data of its visitors and customers.
By creating a privacy policy, you are fulfilling a legal requirement to protect your client’s privacy, while also following a good business practice. Make sure to be clear with your clients about the type of information you collect and how you use it.Being as transparent as possible with your customers builds trust and reinforces your credibility.
Being Eco-Friendly And Socially Responsible
Whether you’re just learning how to start a business or looking to adapt to the latest trends, you should know that social responsibility is critical part of business management.
Businesses are taking action in a number of ways, such as improving work culture, donating to causes, supporting them on social media and becoming more sustainable within their own operations. If you choose to take steps such as cutting down on packaging waste or diversifying your workforce, be sure to notify your customers through anything from a social media post to a bold mission statement.
