Why small online Business are the future of commerce
Introduction
Online shopping is a trend that's here to stay. In fact, e-commerce sales have increased by over 50% in the last decade, and it's predicted that by 2021 these figures will increase to almost $4 trillion annually. However, this shift toward online shopping isn't all good news for small business owners. If you're selling products or services through your own website or e-commerce platform, the question of how big or small your business should be might be on your mind. Is there really any need to go smaller? Are people still interested in interacting with human beings over the internet?
Small, local businesses can provide a more personal and intimate experience.
The most important reason why small online businesses are the future of commerce is that you can get to know the business owner. When you visit a small, local store and talk to them, you can see their personality; this isn't possible with big chain stores. You might find yourself talking about sports or hobbies or even just making small talk about the weather!
If your favorite coffee shop is owned by an older couple who has been working there for years--you would certainly consider going there over Starbucks because they're friendly and caring people who are always willing to help out when needed (and maybe even tell stories about how things used to be).
Customers want to know you, the business owner.
You may have heard the term "small business" thrown around a lot. But, what exactly does it mean?
Small businesses are defined as companies with fewer than 500 employees. This is different than a mid-sized or large corporation that can have thousands of employees and several locations across the world. Small businesses tend to be more personal than their bigger counterparts, which means customers can get to know you better as an owner, employee and member of your community.
Smaller businesses have a larger role in their community.
Smaller businesses are more likely to be involved with their local communities. They have a larger role in their community and are often involved in charity work, local events, and politics.
Smaller businesses tend to have a deeper connection with customers because they have fewer employees than larger companies do. This allows for more personalized customer service experiences between customers and business owners or managers who can meet face-to-face at local events or other occasions where there is an opportunity for interaction between them both (like visiting their store).
Online commerce is changing the way we shop, and local businesses are adapting and becoming popular again
The growth of online commerce has been astronomical. According to the National Retail Federation, in 2018 consumers spent over $1 trillion on online purchases for the first time ever. That's a lot of money! And it's not just about quantity either; research from e-commerce platform Shopify found that 65% of customers prefer to buy from local businesses because they like knowing who owns them and where their products are made.
This is good news for small businesses: customers want to know you, the business owner - especially if you have an interesting story or passion behind your product or service. Small businesses can offer something unique that big brands don't have access to because they're able to personalize their experience by putting themselves out there as humans (instead of corporations).
Conclusion
The future of commerce is bright, and local businesses are a big part of it. Online commerce has changed the way we shop, but it hasn't replaced it completely. Smaller businesses have adapted to this new way of doing business by making their presence known on social media and offering unique products that can't be found anywhere else. They also have a larger role in their community than ever before thanks to online platforms like Yelp which help customers find them easily when they're looking for something special or unique (like those awesome cupcakes!).
