There will be plenty of new trends in small businesses this decade. In particular, small businesses will benefit from improved customer relations, digital marketing, and advanced technology. With these at the core of your business operations, you should find your small business reaching wider and farther markets. While not all trends will impact your business significantly, it’s worth to take a look at how they can benefit your company.
Convenience
If your business offers convenience, you’ll most likely succeed. You’ll find more service-oriented businesses such as appliance repair in Salt Lake City or other cities. There will also be a lot of home services being offered by businesses. Spa and massage services will be taken to your homes. There’s even an app now that can match you with whatever service you need—pet walking, babysitter, plumber, electrician, etc.
Personalized Customer Service
Customers want personalized services. If they open their profile pages on your websites and apps, they want the recommendations to be based on their past purchases. They want you to use that powerful algorithm to get to know what they want and need. According to research, smart personalization engines will increase a digital business’ profit by as much as 15% this year alone. Be the kind of business that knows what its customers seek.
Artificial Intelligence
No, artificial intelligence will not rob humans of their jobs. Instead, AIs and bots must be used to enhance the service that a customer representative can provide. When your flight get canceled or when you lose your credit card, do you want to press buttons or speak to a customer service agent? There’s something comforting, knowing the fact that actual people are trying to solve your problems. Bots can be used to answer inquiries and frequently asked questions. They should not be used to solve bigger and more complicated customer problems.
Social Responsibility
Millennials compose the biggest percentage of consumers. Together with Generation Z, they are changing the ways people support companies. They are looking for socially responsible businesses. Those who source food from local farmers will get a nod of agreement. Businesses that encourage their customers to bring their own bags for groceries will get a shout-out on social media. These generations are using green and ethically sourced products.
Customer Reviews
Although not a new trend, user reviews will be more powerful than ever. They are crucial in today’s small business landscape. The best way to get positive reviews is by providing great products and customer service. But it will help to nudge your customers and ask them to leave reviews on your websites and social media profiles. You can do this in person, via email, or via social media. You also have to make sure that your business is listed on Yelp, Google My Business, and other sites relevant to your company.
There will be a lot more trends in the future that will redirect small businesses. All of these have one thing in common: they require your business to keep up with the current trends and customer preferences. If you want to attract your target market, you need to know what they want.
