4 min read Best Tech Strategies for Small Business Owners
The technology needs of businesses today are greater than ever. Small business owners should note that many technological advances and software can help pay for themselves and take your business to the next level. Below are some ways tech can help you find success.
Build a User-Friendly Website
Modern customers have different needs than those of a decade ago; today, more than half of web traffic comes from mobile devices. In other words, if you don’t have a mobile-friendly website, then you may be missing out on tons of important traffic. Of course, being mobile-friendly doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive; there are plenty of web tools like Wix and Weebly that are designed to get your business off the ground in as few steps as possible. Every website builder has different benefits and drawbacks, so be sure to do a little bit of research to get the right fit for you and your business's needs.
Get Social with Your Online Network
As well as having a mobile-friendly website,consider having a strong social media presence. There are loads of tools at your disposal through the different media outlets to help you track who is looking at your posts, target specific segments of populations with marketing, and schedule posts in advance so you can keep up with your profile in your own time. Plus, there’s always the fact that you can communicate directly with your customer base, creating a good relationship without taking all of your time.
Store in the Cloud
Another factor in taking your business online is the benefit of using the cloud for your digital storage.Storing items on a cloud, especially one from an industry leader like Google or Amazon, will give you the peace of mind in terms of security while still keeping all of your records accessible. Cloud storage is largely more affordable than traditional storage methods, and with more and more business taking place online and in digital marketplaces, keeping your information safe is critical. Unless you need extraordinary amounts of storage space, cloud-based servers could be a great benefit to your business.
Simplify Your Payment Processing
Much like mobile web browsing, mobile payment systems have exploded into today’s markets. Fewer people carry cash anymore, which means that simple transactions are a must if you wish to inspire repeat customers. Many businesses can now carry out transactions on their phones or tablets through different software options. Using these kinds of platforms benefits the business just as much as it does the customers; the added flexibility and built-in customer and software support mean that you can rely on the products for a long time to come, all while fitting into the budget of a small business. There are many platforms designed for different kinds of businesses, so look for the right tools and support for your business's needs.
Streamline Your Business and Management Systems
Finding the right software for your needs should be like Cinderella and the famous slipper: It should make aspects of running your small business simpler and add data for you to use to grow your business. Another example of a great idea is to digitize your inventory system.There are tons of resources out there to help you find the right inventory program for your business; choosing the right model can come with tons of options, from cloud-based servers for ease of access to highly affordable versions that do exactly what you need. Regardless of the ideal system, moving your inventory into the technological age can have real benefits due to real-time figures and additional business support. There is a system to fit every business’s budget.
Upgrade Your Payroll Software
We now live in an age where we carry computers in our pockets. There is no reason that a human being should have to manually process a business’s payroll anymore. With the right tools, you can delegate this tedious work to a computer, which is far less likely to make minor mistakes. When mistakes do inevitably happen, using an automated system makes checking and adjusting records and checks a simple process, giving you access to all of your information in just a few clicks. Other business functions that could be automated include email marketing, ads through Google,and even synchronizing your calendars.
Stay on Top of Project Management
There are plenty of free and affordable tools to help you and your team to keep projects running smoothly. Using tools like Trello and Asana can help you assign details, give deadlines, change priorities, and visually show the progress of projects. The ease of use and affordability means that these tools can benefit all businesses, from the smallest to industries.
By introducing or updating the technology in your small business, you can reach new customers and simplify processes to free up your time. Software and online tools have continued to become more affordable, making them more accessible and easily integrated than ever before, so use the tools at your fingertips to grow your business today.
