Modern technology has changed practically every aspect of contemporary life. You probably make use of multiple small business tech tools.
Technology has changed practically every aspect of contemporary life, from education to shopping. As a small company owner, you probably utilize various IT tools. But are you wisely using modern technology in your company? Especially with regard to cyber security?
Likewise, small business tech may help you save time, energy, and even money. These tools aren’t only for cutting-edge IT companies.
In this post-pandemic world, it’s more important than ever. Small enterprises that use digital innovations have double the revenue per employee. They have higher revenue growth rates and higher employment growth rates. In short, whether you manage a plumbing company, a florist, or a freelance event planner, these ten pieces of small business technology may help you.
1. CRM Software
Customers are the lifeblood of every firm. We make money by generating leads and converting them to paying customers. Cloud-based CRM software allows you to manage your company’s interactions with new and current clients.
A CRM is a piece of small business tech you can leverage to increase use, boost lead conversion, and save marketing expenditures. You may choose from various tools, depending on your company’s size and kind. For post-pandemic small enterprises, Insightly is a simple and user-friendly solution. Popular all-in-ones include Salesforce and Zoho.
2. Payment System Technology
Payment processing is crucial in all sectors. As a company owner, you want to accept several payment methods as simply as possible. This saves them time and money. If a customer can’t pay via their chosen method, they may leave.
You may accommodate online payment gateways — such as PayPal and SecurePay — and credit card terminals with a payment processing system.
Check out Braintree. It’s a cloud-based payment processing platform that accepts credit and debit cards. Likewise, it accepts PayPal, Venmo, and digital wallets like Google Pay and Apple Pay. Others include Stripe and PaySimple.
3. Cybersecurity Answer
Our reliance on digital technologies has created new risks.
Any post-pandemic company owner is concerned about cybercrime. Business owners must secure personal information such as employee Social Security numbers. You must also protect payment information.
Meanwhile, data security solutions guard against digital threats. Companies require a secure environment for all computer and mobile devices. The proper security defends your company’s data and money against cyber-attacks. Comodo is one affordable alternative for small businesses.
4. PM Platform
Keeping track of project deliverables and deadlines is critical to corporate success.
The prompt delivery of products and services assures consumer pleasure. It can be a challenge in this post-pandemic world. Project management may be complex when numerous individuals are engaged. It’s especially challenging when employees work remotely.
Solution? Project management software. Tools such as Trello and Asana let you track tasks and keep track of deadlines. You may also use these tools to assign assignments and track progress. In short, the products’ messaging features enable you to ask and answer questions, keeping everyone informed.
5. Inventory Management Technology
Inventory management is probably one of your top worries if you sell things. You must ensure sufficient stock to fulfill client demand. Overstocking eats up expensive storage space and leaves you with unsold things you can’t sell.
Inventory management software helps enhance data analytics, reporting, and processes. It is also simpler to grow with coherent inventory management software. Finally, inventory management software may improve customer service by simpler product tracking. Use technologies such as LOCATE to help manage your inventories.
6. Reliable Internet
Social networking has become a crucial marketing and communication tool for small companies. You may use it to acquire new consumers, convert leads, and retain current clients. Using social media to share bargains may further improve consumer satisfaction and loyalty.
Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Facebook are just a few examples. Instead of joining every network, concentrate on one or two that best match your target demographic. For example, younger customers choose TikTok, whereas older consumers prefer Facebook.
Posting across platforms may also be automated, saving time and effort. Popular is Hootsuite. Their technology is spot on.
7. Company Website
In addition, your company’s website is a powerful digital tool. This is where you may notify customers about your goods and services, pricing, and business hours. Further, you may create new company leads by optimizing your website for search engines. Above all, their tech is au courant.
For example, you may be a general contractor in San Francisco. Someone may find you by someone searching Google for “San Francisco general contractors.”
Your website is your online showroom. Having no website makes your firm seem amateurish and might turn off customers.
Create a website using resources like ZenBusiness’ business website service. You don’t need to hire a high-priced web designer to implement effective small business tech.
8. Location-Based Technology Services
Consumers may utilize location-based solutions to identify services and items nearby using mobile technology and GPS.
Another strategy is to attract customers and grow your company. A localized online presence is crucial for local listings like Citysearch, Yellow Pages, and Yelp.
Make sure your company name, address, and contact information are consistent. Also, utilize Google My Business. For example, create a custom profile and connect it to Google Maps to improve your Google findability. It also provides crucial consumer feedback. These are excellent marketing tools.
9. Interactions with Customers
Again, the success of every company hinges on keeping consumers happy.
But post-pandemic business owners may now contact consumers through various means. For instance, chatbots, social media, review sites, telephone, email, and website contact forms. In the same vein, constant contact might be burdensome for a small company owner.
For instance, a customer contact management system centralizes all consumer interactions. You have greater control over customer interactions and can enhance the consumer experience by communicating in real-time. Genesys and Podium are both valuable tools.
10. More Tech Tools for Small Business
Depending on your firm or sector, more tech tools may be helpful. Consider these options:
- Scheduling: Above all, you may track meetings and deadlines using a linked calendar software like Google Calendar. For workers and customers, you may also use it.
- Mobile Scanner: To clarify, apps like CamScanner allow you to scan and share documents right from your phone. It saves time and keeps you on top of essential documents.
- Third-Party eCommerce Apps: On the other hand, you may also reach consumers through eCommerce sites such as Etsy. Using a reputable third-party platform also increases customer security.
- Proposal Tools: Automate proposal writing and follow-up using the software. Start with Better Proposals.
- Online Learning: As a small company owner, you must remain competitive. As a result, for you and your team, this implies ongoing improvement. Google Digital Garage, for example, provides free online instruction.
With all the right must-have small business tech in place and operational, attracting and retaining customers is a snap.
