New Web3 Business Models for Small Businesses
The next Internet evolution is upon us. Known as Web3, this new era of the internet promises to be more open, transparent, and secure than ever before.
At its core, Web3 is built on blockchain technology, which allows for decentralized systems and applications that give users more control over their data and interactions.
For small businesses, Web3 represents an unprecedented opportunity to create new business models and offer unique services to customers that traditional businesses cannot.
So in this post, we will explore business models that small businesses can adopt by leveraging Web3 technology to their advantage and staying ahead of the curve in an increasingly competitive market.
Let’s begin…
Business Model #1: Tokenization
One of the most powerful features of Web3 is the ability to create digital assets, such as non-fungible tokens (NFTs), that represent ownership or access to a physical or digital asset. Small businesses can tokenize their products or services, allowing customers to own and trade a digital representation of that item.
Here's an example of how a small apparel business can use tokenization to create a new business model:
1. The apparel business creates digital versions of its clothing designs and mints them as non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Each NFT represents ownership of the digital copy of the clothing design.
2. The apparel business can then sell NFTs to customers, allowing them to own a digital copy of the design and use it to create their custom-made clothing. This creates a new revenue stream.
3. The apparel business can also create a secondary market for the NFTs, where customers can buy and sell their NFTs with other fashion enthusiasts. This allows the customers to trade and own unique fashion designs. It also creates a community of collectors who are invested in the business and its products.
4. Tokenization also allows for new use cases - such as creating limited-edition clothing collections, providing access to physical or virtual fashion shows, and creating a new way for customers to interact with the fashion industry.
5. And by allowing customers to display their tokens on social media and other platforms, small businesses can create brand ambassadors to help promote the business to a broader audience.
This not only allows small apparel businesses to create new revenue streams, reach a global audience, and offer unique services to customers.
Business Model #2: Metaverse
The Metaverse is more than just a virtual world filled with digital assets and user-created avatars. It's an exciting opportunity for businesses to develop unique monetization strategies, such as offering:
· virtual events
· meetups
· education/learning
· real estate transactions
· and even tourism services!
In essence, our future reality will soon blend the tangible worlds we know today and those found only online - promising endless possibilities for everyone involved.
Business Model #3: Smart Contracts
Smart contracts are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement written into code. Small businesses can use smart contracts to automate and streamline their business operations, such as inventory management or customer payments.
For example, a small business can use smart contracts to automate its products' ordering and payment process. This saves time, reduces the risk of errors, and makes the process more transparent and secure for customers.
Business Model #4: Decentralized Marketplaces
Decentralized marketplaces allow users to buy and sell goods and services without a central authority. Small businesses can use decentralized marketplaces to expand their reach and connect with new customers.
For example, a small clothing business can use a decentralized marketplace to sell its products to customers worldwide without needing a physical storefront. This allows the business to reach a global audience and compete with larger, more established companies.
Business Model #5: Decentralized Finance (DeFi)
Decentralized finance (DeFi) is a new financial system built on the blockchain that allows users to access a wide range of financial services, such as lending, borrowing, and trading, without the need for a central intermediary. Small businesses can use DeFi to offer new financial services to customers and potentially generate additional revenue streams.
For example, a small business can use DeFi to offer customers the ability to borrow money against the value of their tokenized assets. This gives customers a new financial option and allows the business to earn interest on the loans.
Business Model #6: Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs)
A decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) is a decentralized organization that is run by its members via smart contracts. Small businesses can use DAOs to create a more democratic and community-driven business model.
For example, a small business can create a DAO that allows its customers to vote on new products or services. This allows the business to understand its customers' needs and preferences better and creates a sense of community and engagement among customers.
Business Model #7: Experimentation
Web3 is a cutting-edge technology that has yet to be fully explored. As such, small businesses should take advantage of the early stages and start experimenting with its creative application capabilities.
Building an MVP helps organizations gauge how Web3 can contribute to their future success without having to invest heavily upfront.
Another way to experiment with Web3 is to participate in incubator programs or hackathons focusing on Web3 technology. These programs allow small businesses to collaborate with other entrepreneurs and experts in the field, learn about new developments, and test new ideas.
Staying informed and up-to-date on Web3 is essential for success in small businesses today. Understanding industry trends, analyzing how competitors are utilizing the technology, and having the readiness to adapt strategies based on new developments will help businesses to maximize potential opportunities within this ever-changing landscape.
To conclude,
Web3 represents a significant opportunity for small businesses to create new business models and offer unique services to customers that traditional businesses cannot. We hope the above sharing (with examples) provides you with better insights into how your business can create a new Web3 business model to stay ahead of the curve and capitalize on the benefits of this revolutionary technology.
If you're a small business owner looking to leverage Web3 to create new business models and offer unique services to customers, reach out to our Chief Strategy Officer, Kenneth Choo via whatsapp for a free consultation.