Guest Blogger Amy Collett, BizWell.org
No matter if you’re just getting started or have been going at it for years, running a small business is hard. And as times change, it’s essential to remain open-minded as to how you can push your business forward. While customers value consistency in some areas, you also have to be willing and able to adapt to the evolving needs of your business. One way to do that is to always be on the lookout for technology that can make your operations more efficient.
Many small business owners are reluctant to embrace technology because it seems too expensive. However, utilizing the right tools and strategies can enhance customer experience and make your business money in the long run. Here are a few examples of technology that can help bring your business to the next level.
Website Security
As technology continues to develop, it seems that hacking and other types of cybercrime are only becoming more and more of a risk for small businesses. To keep your website from spreading malware and putting sensitive customer information at risk, invest in website security, such as software and professional services.
Online Payment Systems
Along with website security, ensure that your transactions are secure; the last thing you want is a hacker getting a hold of your customers’ banking information. Look into secure online payment systems that can provide you and your customers with peace of mind. Plus, many of them can help you manage inventory in the process. Moreover, consider getting a mobile payment system, such as a card reader, that you can use on the go with a smartphone or tablet.
Social Media Engagement
It’s hard to overstate the importance of social media for small business marketing these days. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube are great places to invest time, energy, and money because doing so is one of the quickest ways to build your brand, drive traffic to your website, and increase sales. There are many free methods of growing your online presence through social media, and even the services that cost money are relatively inexpensive.
Communication Tools
Communication is vital when it comes to running a business, and today there are plenty of tools that can help you communicate with your team members, partnering companies, and clients. For example, apps like Slack and Basecamp can help your team and partnering businesses collaborate on projects, and video conferencing software like Zoom and Skype allow you to hold meetings remotely. Technology can do wonders for making your operations more efficient and growing your business. Consider the ideas listed here for how you can add technology to your business strategy, and always stay open to new ideas down the road. After all, the long-term success of your business might depend on it!
Lastly, you can save a lot of time and money in the long run by hiring freelancers to handle one-off or niche projects that you may not be equipped for.
Here are some examples to consider:
- An expert in graphics programming can give your digital marketing a boost.
- A content writer can provide you with quality written content for your website, social media pages, email marketing, and more.
- A social media manager can transform your marketing efforts by handling posts and customer engagement across a variety of social media platforms.
- A web designer can breathe new life into your website and provide visitors with an engaging experience.
- A software developer can help with everything from building mobile apps to mining data to end-to-end development.
- A virtual assistant can handle the menial day-to-day tasks that are taking up so much of your time (e.g., invoicing, returning phone calls, coordinating schedules, etc.).
Writer’s bio:
Amy Collett is the creator of Bizwell.org, a website that helps professionals and entrepreneurs build and strengthen their personal brand. When she’s not busy with helping her clients she enjoys coaching her daughter’s soccer team and is training to become a yoga instructor.
About Bright Apps LLC
Bright Apps LLC specializes in Quantum Technology Solutions, AI, Blockchain and custom development, end-to-end software solutions. With decades of experience in creating innovative technology and a group of highly skilled engineers, the company can work in any discipline as well as provide graphic, IT consulting and business development services. Bright Apps delivers experts in AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform, AI, Blockchain and quantum entropy security solutions.For more information, visit Bright Apps LLC.
The views and opinions expressed by this blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Bright Apps LLC.
