6 Solid Opportunities for Startups in 2016

According to Thomas Oppong of AllTopStartups.com, there are some emerging trends for startups in 2016. He predicts some waves to come in the coming year. Some startups will ride those waves to success, others will drown in them. These trends and opportunities include:

1. big data,
2. data privacy,

3. better analytics,

4. content marketing,

5. increased use of independent contractors versus full staff and,

6. growing alternative payment options.

Not only will more startups emerge in these specializations and sectors, but startups across all industries will need to assess their business and marketing plans for the 2016 business cycle to see if they are positioned to optimize these trends.

1. Big data or bankruptcy?

Once upon a time, only the big guys could afford to profit from big data. Lately, however, the cat is out of the bag and a growing number of firms and companies are capturing and selling data at rates even the smallest can access. Part of this trend stems from how open people are on social media sites and profiles, and how willing they are to engage with advertisements and promotional platforms.

Sophisticated, targeted data can take the guessing game out of demographics and target markets. Although the public has rampant suspicions about how data is collected, most people can easily recognize and understand that big data has some pretty practical benefits. What can you put into play for your business in 2016?

2. Prevention is better than cure

In 2015 there were a lot of data security breaches, not only for startups but also for established players. Things are likely to be just as difficult in 2016. As more companies invest in cloud and hybrid cloud technologies, there will likely be continued growth in this industry. What are your biggest data security risks? Or will your startup jump on the opportunity to provide premium security features?

3. Creating Better Dashboards

Until now, most analytics dashboards are active and dynamic, requiring the user to manipulate the data to find what they’re looking for. Soon these boards will be more passive. Instead of you sitting back and operating the platform, your platform will run on autopilot in the background, alerting you when significant changes occur in the metrics you’re measuring. This will give you more control over your information in more real time. In fact, this trend toward automation will show up in other areas as well, with a heavy concentration on marketing-related functions.

Manipulate boards? Nobody has time for that.

4. Content marketing is here to stay

Content marketing was the buzzword of the year 2015. Buzzzzzz. Don’t expect things to change in 2016. Content marketing is a key component of the trend towards inbound marketing, which is effective in not only producing more leads, but also making it cheaper than traditional outbound marketing and media. advertising such as television, radio and the media. print. In fact, HubSpot reports that inbound marketing generates approximately 54% more leads than traditional paid marketing and saves the average business $20,000 in annual advertising costs. Traditional traditional.

Which brings us to the next trend of 2016…

5. The just-in-time workforce

Startups are always pressed for resources, and a significant portion of them end up in the HR department. Just as traditional advertising media are being forgotten, so are some of the more traditional workforce models. Salaries are a huge expense. So are the benefits and other advantages.

Today, startups tend to invest as much as they can in building the best founding team, and then turn to freelance and contract labor to fill in the gaps, if necessary. Virtual assistants are just as effective as receptionists. Content marketing doesn’t require you to write every single blog post – there are independent sites out there to buy consistent sources of content at surprisingly affordable prices.

What positions in your startup could be complemented by a freelance team versus a traditional staff? An estimated 33% of the American workforce now has second jobs and is self-employed. Business Insider predicts that number will grow as much as 40% by 2020.

6. We take what?

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have revolutionized the concept of digital payments and other major players decided to get in on the action. Mobile payments are on the rise and even Dollar General has set up payment systems in their stores that allow you to pay directly from your PayPal account. Gone are the days when any merchant account was enough. Today, there is a greater need for diversity. Keep an eye out for all-in-one payment systems that are updated regularly so you can say yes no matter what alternative payment system customers present to you!