No period of history has shaped the way we do business as much as the past few decades. Even more recently, the pandemic forever changed the relationship between companies, customers, and employees. While some small businesses suffered, others were able to pull ahead with innovative new strategies and leveraging emerging trends. The world of small businesses is dynamic and ever-evolving, and as we approach 2025, several trends are set to redefine the landscape.
If you want to propel your small business ahead this year, you need to start focusing on upcoming trends. From AI to sustainability and eco-friendly practices, there are constantly more and more ways to streamline operations, making businesses more efficient and competitive.
In this article, we will go over key trends for small businesses in 2025 that can help you stay ahead of the curve. By adapting to these trends, small businesses can thrive in an increasingly competitive market. We'll also take an in-depth look at IFTTT, our free automation software that helps thousands of small business owners better automate their sales, customer relations, and project efficiency.
Better business with IFTTT
Before we dive into our top picks, we'd like to introduce IFTTT, our free automation platform that keeps many of your favorite companies running smoothly behind the scenes.
The basic idea behind IFTTT is to create "Applets" or sets of instructions that trigger when certain conditions are met. This can be turning on the lights automatically when you enter your house, for example. Our powerful system can be expanded to complex automations, such as streamlining sales pipelines or invoicing clients.
Founded in 2011, IFTTT has since been used by over 30 million individuals around the globe to automate both business and home tasks. With IFTTT, you can connect over 1000 different services, like Gmail, Instagram, and ChatGPT. Best of all, it's free and only takes a couple of minutes to set up.
Chances are, the online tools you use each day are compatible with IFTTT. So, read on to hear how IFTTT can help you grow your small business into an empire.
Small business trends overview
What exactly is a business trend? A business trend refers to a general direction or pattern that influences the way businesses operate. These trends often stem from shifts in consumer behavior, advancements in tech, economic factors, or changes in society.
For small businesses, understanding and leveraging trends is crucial. Unlike large corporations, small businesses can often pivot and adapt more quickly, allowing them to capitalize on these changes. Trends can provide insights into what customers want, how markets are evolving, and what opportunities lie ahead.
Why do trends matter for small businesses?
Stay competitive: Following trends helps businesses stay relevant and competitive in their industry.
Meet customer expectations: Trends often reflect changing consumer preferences, enabling businesses to meet or exceed expectations.
Drive innovation: Understanding trends can spark ideas for new products, services, or business models.
Optimize operations: Many trends, especially those involving technology, focus on improving efficiency and reducing costs.
In this article, we will summarize 7 of the top current small business trends that economics experts from the Wall Street Journal and Forbes forecast to have a great impact in the next year. These small business trends include:
- Sustainability
- Digital automation
- Remote work
- Personalization
- Subscription models
- Social media
- The gig economy
We'll also provide examples of integrations with IFTTT for each of the top trends. These integrations can be enabled in just a few clicks, for free.
1. Sustainable business practices
Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it's a business imperative for 2025. Consumers are demanding eco-friendly options now more than ever, and small businesses are stepping up. Small businesses are the perfect candidates for clean products and green manufacturing techniques, and many people are ready to pay premiums for products they know are made with Mother Earth in mind.
The shift involves more than just sourcing materials sustainably. It means rethinking waste, energy use, and product life cycles. Businesses are reducing waste and improving efficiency in all aspects of operations.
Key sustainable practices include:
- Implementing zero-waste policies and recycling programs.
- Utilizing renewable energy sources to power operations.
- Opting for local sourcing to minimize transportation emissions.
Sustainability also offers financial benefits. Energy-saving measures can reduce costs, while sustainable products often command higher prices. These advantages help small businesses thrive while supporting the planet.
2. Embracing digital automation
If you have yet to hop onto the automation train, you are missing out on boosted efficiency, cut costs, and more free time. One of the most powerful combinations for a small business is having a toolbox of helpful digital tools and the means to automate them.
Whether it be marketing, sales, or inventory management, there is an application out there tailor-made for ultimate productivity. Some of our favorites include:
- ClickUp, for task management
- Jira, for programming collaboration
- SurveyMonkey, for surveys and customer engagement
- Acuity Scheduling, for setting appointments
- Pipedrive, for organizing sales
- 1000 other services that integrate with IFTTT
Digital tools are not just about saving time; they also elevate customer experiences. Automation with tools such as IFTTT ensures consistent and fast service, which is vital in today’s fast-paced world. The integration of these tools enables small businesses to remain competitive.
For example, automated email campaigns can nurture leads without ongoing manual effort. Similarly, inventory systems can trigger restock alerts, ensuring optimal stock levels.
As small businesses grow, automated solutions can handle increased workloads without substantial added costs. This scalability is essential for businesses looking to expand their market presence.
3. Remote work
Since the work-from-home revolution in 2020, the remote work trend shows little signs of slowing down five years later. Although there has been some pullback and many return to physical workspaces, this shift has forever reshaped small business culture, offering both challenges and opportunities. Flexibility is now a key component of attracting top talent.
With remote work, businesses can expand their talent pool beyond geographic limitations. This access to diverse talent can enhance creativity and innovation within small teams. However, maintaining a cohesive company culture becomes more complex without physical interaction.
To foster a strong remote work culture, small businesses should maintain stellar communication. Regular virtual check-ins and team-building activities help maintain a sense of community.
Additionally, remote work allows businesses to reduce overhead costs associated with physical offices. Savings can be redirected toward employee perks or technology investments. As remote work continues to evolve, small businesses must adapt to create supportive and engaging work environments.
4. Personalization in products and services
More than ever, personalization remains a critical driver of customer engagement and satisfaction. With companies collecting more personal information, consumers now expect tailored experiences, making it essential for small businesses to meet these demands. Personalization can transform ordinary interactions into memorable moments.
Small businesses can use data analytics to understand customer preferences and behaviors. By analyzing purchase history and browsing patterns, businesses can tailor product recommendations. This approach not only enhances the customer experience but also boosts sales. Another advanced move is to utilize AI tools for real-time personalization.
Adapting to these strategies can lead to increased customer loyalty. Happy customers are more likely to become repeat buyers and brand advocates.
5. Subscription-based models
One of the most profitable business models is the subscription. By agreeing to pay a set amount each month, a customer makes a commitment to being a recurring stream of income in exchange for your service. This means you can focus on long-term growth, rather than chasing one-time sales.
Implementing subscription services allows small businesses to enhance customer retention. Customers benefit from steady access to their favorite products or services. Subscription services today are more normalized than ever, and people are often willing to pay a premium for more features or benefits.
To capitalize on this trend, businesses need to provide consistent value in their offerings. Regularly updating content or features keeps subscribers interested and satisfied. Subscribers will quickly change their minds if they feel they are being charged too high for not enough return. By maintaining high standards, small businesses can thrive in the competitive landscape.
6. Social media as a marketing powerhouse
We've all seen how impactful a good social media campaign can be, so social media takes a spot as our top small business marketing trend. Moving forward, social media will further cement its role as a crucial marketing channel for small businesses. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok offer reach and engagement beyond typical advertising. They provide small businesses with opportunities to connect with a broader audience.
The power of social media lies in its ability to foster direct interactions. Engaging content can turn followers into loyal customers. This two-way communication helps businesses build relationships and trust, which are key in a competitive marketplace.
Moreover, social media marketing allows for targeting specific demographics. This can optimize marketing efforts and ensure resources are allocated correctly. Small businesses leveraging these platforms can create cost-effective campaigns that deliver great results.
7.The gig economy
The gig economy is reshaping how small businesses manage their workforce. Flexible staffing solutions provide access to a diverse talent pool. This enables small businesses to scale their teams efficiently without long-term commitments.
Freelancers and contractors offer specialized skills that small businesses can leverage. By working with gig workers, businesses can quickly adapt to market demands. This nimble approach supports rapid project execution and innovation.
A final word with IFTTT
We know that building and maintaining a small business can be unpredictable at times. You’re wearing multiple hats, juggling priorities, and trying to keep your tools and workflows as efficient as possible. That’s where IFTTT (If This Then That) steps in to lighten the load.
IFTTT is more than just a tool—it’s like having a virtual assistant that connects all your apps, devices, and services, helping you streamline repetitive tasks so you can focus on what matters most: growing your business.
From automatically syncing calendar events across platforms to sending notifications when inventory gets low, IFTTT offers countless ways to simplify your day. The best part? You don’t need to be tech-savvy to make it work. With an intuitive interface and pre-built applets, you can set up automation in minutes.
Take control of the unpredictable—one automation at a time.
Business
Small business tends for 2025
November 25, 2024
