It’s 2018! It’s a great time to look back at what we achieved in 2017 and go full speed at our plans for the new year. We’re sure you’ve already made business plans for the quarter, but in case you missed, here are a few small business trends to include in your 2018 business plans.
There are multiple factors that will impact small business in 2018. Here are the 5 most important ones you shouldn’t miss:
The Internet Revolution
India is already the second-largest online market in the world. Last year, the number of internet users crossed 400 million and the number is expected to exceed 500 million by 2020.
India is expected to have 530 million smartphone users in the country, second only to China that will have 1.3 million users. This number is huge and explains the online shift Indians are making, rapidly that too.
If you are a small business that wants to grow online, this is probably the right time to expand your footprint on the internet.
Which brings us to the next trend.
Growth in Tier II and Tier III
Business growth in smaller cities – Tier II and Tier III – has been steadily growing over the past years. An internal data dive showed us great numbers.
This data is consistent with external numbers. According to a study, Amazon saw 235% growth in Tier II and Tier III cities with more about 70% of their new customers coming from these cities.
Looking for more customers for your small business? Try targetting smaller cities. Instamojo can help you expand your business on the internet.
Chatbots will Become Popular
If your small business is not using one yet, you should probably consider getting one. As business grow to use the power of the internet and artificial intelligence, chatbots are starting to become a popular replacement for human communication.
In case you missed it, read our post on whether your small business should use chatbots.
Invoicing Takes the Front Seat
After the government rolled out the GST (Goods and Services Tax) in July 2017, invoicing has become an important part of a business. Make sure to maintain proper invoices of services/products, either obtained or provided to keep track of taxes you are paying.
Invoicing services are going to become a huge thing in 2018. Find a good invoicing solution for your small business. Check out the Instamojo invoice generator – all your invoice woes covered.
Easier Financing Options
As the government works towards empowering more businesses, financing options will become easier to access in 2018. Not just government loans, but private financing will also grow as more banks focus on the growth of small businesses. Popular incubators and accelerators are also opening up schemes for startups. Foreign investment is also expected to grow in this year.
Take a look at some kickass loan options the government is offering for businesses.
We hope you have a fantastic 2018 and enjoy more growth and prosperity. Don’t forget to power your small business with Instamojo.
Happy new year!
4 comments
Change is inevitable and you should change your principles and methods of business form according to time and on the basis of public demands. Stay updated with latest business policies which changes every other time and creates business regulations which help both customers and business as well.
Many thanks for your eBook.
Does Instamojo provide a service to sell digital goods?
I was in particular interested in the Indian market and wonder if any social media platform like Facebook or any other platform, which sells digital goods, is popular in India?
Many thanks
Regards,
Kees van Driel
Yes, if you have signed up on Instamojo, you will get access to a plethora of features – one of them being a section to sell digital goods. Simply click on ‘Add Product’ and click on the Digital Goods tab.
Good one…
Wish you a wonderful journey in 2018