Small Business Data

Small Business Insights: 2022 is the year the pivot becomes permanent

Many small businesses had to adapt to survive during the pandemic—and those same adaptations could now be helping them to thrive.

That’s one of the standout findings of our latest Small Business Insights survey of 2,000 small businesses across the U.S., which reveals revenue from online sales is more important than ever—even for brick-and-mortar businesses. In fact, it’s now the number one priority for the nation’s small businesses. Use the chapter links to jump to each section of the report.

The pivot to digital

Almost nine out of ten small businesses (88%) say online sales will be an important source of revenue in 2022. Likewise, almost all (97%) say digital technology will be important to their business next year.

9 of 10 small businesses need online sales

Top priorities for 2022

Facing rising costs, boosting revenue from online sales is now the No.1 priority for small businesses. Almost all small businesses (97%) are concerned about inflation, and many plan to raise prices.

Top 5 priorities for US small businesses

Hiring not firing

More than two in five small businesses (44%) plan to expand their workforce over the next three months, while just 3% predict that their workforce will get smaller. This suggests the strong hiring trend we reported in September 2021 looks set to continue in 2022.

US small businesses want to expand workforce

Economic outlook

Economic confidence remains high. Businesses with fully integrated online and offline sales (known as “omni-channel” businesses) are the most optimistic about the economy.

US small business views on the economy

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