It’s no exaggeration to say that the last two years have been wild for SMEs, and those who haven’t adapted fast developed new ways of working and moved to reposition themselves as relevant as possible simply haven’t survived this tumultuous time. Now, as the world looks to embrace a ‘new normal’ and eyes the post-pandemic period with hope and positivity, organisations look to regain their footing and move toward their initial objectives and goals. There are lots of big things happening for SMEs in 2022 and these are the top trends we recommend keeping an eye on…
The introduction of the Metaverse
In 2021, Facebook announced its’ rebrand to Meta and its intention to create the ‘Metaverse’; an all-encompassing online platform containing all of its current products and services in a connected 3D virtual world.
While it’s likely that the whole project will take many years to complete, there are some elements that SMEs can already benefit from – including the increasing gamification and simplicity of its e-commerce offering (a bonus for any business selling online through Facebook or Instagram) as well as incoming increasing demand for virtual products and NFTs to be used in the new realm of AI and VR.
Gen Z brings a fresh ‘healthy’ attitude
Generation Z (broadly speaking, those born between 1997-2012) have differing attitudes and enact fresh purchase behaviour to the generations preceding them.
Analysis of this demographic has already shown a boost in particular trends such as sustainable products and systems or a decreased appetite for alcoholic products or fast fashion. Gen Z calls the shots so you would be wise to keep an eye on their attitude.
The increasing expectation for Delivery Services
With the public having spent so much time looking at screens in substitute to in-person socialising, consumer expectation for the delivery of swift services online has risen profoundly. The rise of on-demand delivery apps such as Gorillas or Zapp represents the reliance on demand since post-pandemic. or SMEs must not underestimate this.
SMEs must ensure that they operate online wherever possible and offer whatever services they can both locally, nationally, and internationally through digital means. If you want your business to thrive then it needs to be accessible as quickly and efficiently as possible.
The Influencer isn’t going anywhere
Customers’ expectations are, and should rightly be, high – but there is one industry within which they seem to be growing increasingly unachievable: beauty. The prolonged periods many have faced with only social media and airbrushed magazines, gossip websites, and tabloids have seen the human ideal of beauty warp perhaps beyond all previous means.
Can your business capitalise on the Instagram obsession? The rise of the social media influencer is a marketing tool that shouldn’t be ignored.
2022 is set to be our comeback year and there is a boat-load of potential for small businesses across the UK. How can you benefit from these trends? If you need a business boost then don’t hesitate to get in touch with Funding Bay. We can help finance your business no matter what the industry.
