Today, an SME owner’s best tool is information. Luckily, the internet is a rich source of it. On the flipside however, too much information can become extremely overwhelming.

With trends coming and going, and new technologies, platforms and apps being developed almost every other month, where do SMEs even begin?

Start with these general business trends that are here to stay:

1. Be more environmentally cautious

If you had to run a survey on your customer base you will learn that sustainability and social responsibility are important to at least half of them. That’s because everybody knows about climate change and at least half of the global consumer market is trying to reduce their carbon footprint in some way, shape, or form. Products that are sold in recycled packaging or are made from sustainable materials are therefore apt to go down well with consumers.

Align your values with that of your customers and it will surely pay off.

2. Focus on brand loyalty

Having an online business is easier than ever. As a direct result competition is at an all-time high and growing every day. While paid ads might get you noticed, this cannot be your only focus in the year ahead. Businesses need to focus on customer retention through brand loyalty. By investing in loyalty programmes, email subscription databases, and retargeting previous customers, businesses can remain at the top of their customers’ minds and encourage brand loyalty this way.

3. Make use of video marketing

If you are going to do something different with your marketing this year, make sure it is video. According to research 46% of shoppers would like to see a product video prior to buying. Video helps a potential customer connect better with your products, your brand, or brand custodians, and can help you win over more customers in 2023.

4. Use technology to save money and streamline productivity

It is expected that 2023 will be a tough year for business. But there are technology and software solutions that can help you improve productivity and cut costs. All you need to do is find the right fit for your business.

Domains.co.za’s Hosted PBX in the Cloud is an UnCapped Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) solution that will help your business reduce telephone bills and improve productivity through its many features.

5. Consider using influencer marketing

Influencers have between 10k and 100k+ highly targeted followers on social media platforms. They use their platforms to help like-minded individuals discover new brands. Influencers create content they know their followers will enjoy and often style products in a practical way that it can aid their followers with purchase decisions.
 
Influencer marketing is paid partnerships that will help your brand reach new audiences and build trust in the New Year.

IMPORTANT: Don’t just collaborate with any influencer. Make sure their audience is similar to yours. An influencer must be excited about your brand and believe in your product as this is the whole point behind this type of marketing.

At Domains.co.za, we make it easier and more cost-effective for SMEs to get online. From the best in website hosting and domain names to Hosted PBX, a website builder solution and SSL Certificates – we offer it all in one place. Our various packages make it easy for you to upscale as your business grows.