Running your business in this digital age without integrating technology is like moving a car without an engine – it won’t work.
Whether you are a seasoned business owner or new to entrepreneurship, you are probably aware of the great impact technology can have on your company. It can help increase your efficiency, streamline your process, and improve security.
However, you might wonder how to introduce it into your operations without feeling overwhelmed. Here are ten helpful ways to incorporate technology into your business.
- Create a digital presence
Social media has become a functional marketing tool in recent times. Ignoring its influence on the success of your marketing strategy is a recipe for disaster, so it is essential to put it at the top list of your growth tactics.
As the world becomes a global village, this is your golden opportunity to gain a worldwide audience that will transform and expand your business. Being present on social media platforms can increase your visibility and help you build a strong brand.
Get a professional who will also develop a website and connect your platforms to it to generate more leads and revenue.
Remember, content inspires your target market to connect and engage with your company. Investing heavily in producing high-quality content on video platforms like your website would be best. For instance, if you are streaming online, use a video encoding guide to ensure your audience can view it online from different devices without worrying about buffering.
- Migrate to the cloud
Cloud computing was viewed as a luxury for enterprise companies not long ago. Now, more companies, especially start-ups, are recognizing its importance in the business landscape.
If you are concerned about the initial expense of switching to the cloud, don’t fret. The ROI that comes down the line is worth it.
You can easily access your business’s data, saving time and money. Also, most cloud computing services offer a pay-as-you-go plan, so you don’t have to worry about spending money on extra features you don’t need. In terms of security, your cloud host’s job is to ensure that measures are in place.
With its remote backup system, you can minimize the risk of losing critical data and recover it quickly and effectively in case of an attack on your venture’s systems. To transition to the cloud, hiring professionals who will handle the process to maintain service availability is vital.
- Use time-tracking software
Every minute counts when you are managing a business. Whether you are structuring a remote work environment or trying to enhance productivity, time tracking is important.
You want to ensure that all working hours are used effectively to achieve your goals. If you fear coming across as a micromanager, consider calling for a meeting and emphasizing the benefits of using a time management app or software.
Do research and choose one that is simple and quick to use. Also, ensure it works properly and provide training to prevent interruptions in the workflow. If you have remote workers, be clear about the rules and your expectations.
How many hours are they expected to work, and what is the length of their lunch breaks? Some time tracking apps like Time Doctor, take screencasts of their screen, so it would be advisable to discuss any issues about privacy.
- Employ chatbots
Good customer service is the cornerstone of a thriving business. A chatbot is a software program that ensures that your consumer’s questions and inquiries are responded to quickly and efficiently over text or voice interactions.
You can also consider it as a virtual assistant that handles menial tasks. Adding a chatbot to your business can reduce overhead costs, aid you 24/7, and help your team answer repetitive questions.
They can also hold multiple conversations at once. This is something that is beyond human ability, and it increases productivity. Chatbots gather feedback from each interaction so you can improve your services or optimize your website.
The data collected is also used to track users’ purchasing behavior so you can gain insight into how to market your services or products well. These smart features come in different types, so you need to know their functions to select the best fit for your business.
In addition to chatbots, you may want to reconsider technology as it relates to calls and your phone lines. One option is to turn to Managed SIP solutions for your small business. It will provide you with better voice quality as well as availability. The best part is that it’s affordable and can help you scale your business.
- Automate email responses
Your email inbox is as important as your direct messages on Instagram.
With spam, promotions, and subscriptions mixing with high-priority emails, it can be easy to skip a few replies. Also, sending personalized emails to each sender can be quite a chore. This is where automation swoops in to save the day.
You don’t need to click send again; it does all the work in the background. A major benefit is that it enables you to reach a cold audience by creating a one-size-fits-all message for absent users before they unsubscribe. Make sure your email deliverability is at an optimum level.
You can also supplement your sales team’s efforts by using it to optimize when and how often campaigns are sent out. The last thing you want to do is overwhelm your email list with information or promotions. Neither do you want them to forget you, so strike a balance with email automation.
- Simplify payment methods
Cashflow matters in the continuity of your business. If you are a start-up or small business, you may experience delays when collecting payments from clients or customers.
This can be time-consuming and costly. Automated payment systems allow you to bill payments via an electronic system. Whether you want to go cardless or use cards, the billing software presents a high security and encrypts sensitive data.
This helps to detect and prevent fraud as it is a secure option. Regarding supplier transactions, you can bypass the countless queries surrounding payment statuses and invoices by digitizing the process.
Transparency is assured through a portal, and transactions are faster. Also, you can access your financial data effortlessly to understand and predict your cash turnover.
- Integrate e-commerce
Brick-and-mortar stores have evolved into online shops that offer goods and services. If you have been debating opening an e-commerce store on your website, this is your sign to go for it. Technology has made it possible to display your merchandise to the world, and you don’t want to let a bucketload of profit slip through your fingers.
Consumers of all ages expect seamless access to their favorite products or services, so it would be inconvenient to drive to your physical location to purchase from you. Consider saving money on a rental and go digital at a small price. While this might seem like a great idea, analyze and research to determine if having an online shop will fit into your business operations.
Further, choose your platform and ensure it matches your venture’s needs. Opt for a simple design and make navigation simple for your visitors. Set up secure payment options like PayPal and ensure your shipping rates, delivery methods, and rates are clearly defined. Ensure you test it out before officially launching it to mitigate problems.
- Develop a mobile app
Mobile apps have become increasingly popular because many smartphone users open one multiple times daily.
Purchases are being made through food and clothing apps and more. Why not introduce your business to the average user by building an app?
While investing in one can be costly, it can act as an on-brand ambassador and help your business stay consistent in its customer relations. Billboards can be overlooked and emails left unread, but an app will appeal to them while they are on the go.
Also, features like geotagging can alert your customers of your storefront when they are within its perimeters. With an app, you can also provide better experiences for your consumers and offer loyalty programs to boost revenue. When you are ready to develop a mobile up, consider reviewing content platforms to help you manage it.
- Use inventory management software
Imagine arriving at your warehouse in the morning to find out you don’t have enough stock to meet your customers’ demands.
Also, your products aren’t in the right places, and your deliveries are late. Sounds like a bad day, right? This can be avoided with inventory management software. Manually handling your inventory can be stressful.
The software gives you a comprehensive view of your stock and reduces errors. When your stock management is improved, it reduces excess stock levels, which take up space. You can trace and find specific items quickly as well.
For instance, if a stock has been recalled or is faulty, you won’t waste time tracking it down. Finally, you can make accurate data-driven decisions with detailed information and automated reporting on your stock.
- Enhance accounting
How you manage your finances can make or break your company. It is essential to be informed about every financial decision made.
If numbers are not your strong suit, you can use accounting software to cushion your process. From booking services to full financial operations, you can find various software designed for you.
It is no secret that miscalculations are likely to occur when accounts are being managed manually. However, software is virtually incapable of such costly mistakes. Also, it allows your organization to process figures faster and reduce overall expenses.
Managing a business entails a lot of processes, time, and commitment. With these technological additions, you can work smarter and ensure it runs smoothly.
