The right technology can boost your business’s productivity and ultimately increase your bottom line. However, some software and other tools can be expensive, and it can be tough to determine which tech is worth purchasing. Here, we highlight some of the options you shouldn’t wait to add to your arsenal.
Scale-up sales with e-commerce
Take your business website to the next level by allowing customers to purchase your goods or services through your site. Many e-commerce tools, resources, and wikis are available that will help you learn all about advertising, brand equity, payment processing, and resource management. By tapping into these resources, you can build an e-commerce site that will set you apart from all of your competitors.
Add value with a mobile app
Having a great website is imperative for businesses, large and small. However to truly serve your clients as best you can, you should invest in a mobile app. In fact, according to eMarketer, the average adult in America spends over three hours a day on their phone. Why not make the most of those three hours? A strong mobile presence can make the difference between treading water and thriving thrive.
A mobile app can help boost online sales, build brand recognition, and increase customer engagement. Unless you are well-versed in app development, outsource to a reputable company like Fusion Informatics to create a high-quality, custom app that meets all your business needs.
Stick to proper practices with accounting software
Cash flow problems are one of the biggest root causes of failed small businesses. Keep on top of your business finances by utilizing appropriate accounting software. Whether you use QuickBooks, Zoho Books, or another selection, these programs can help you manage your payables and receivables, as well as taxes, inventory, and more.
As your small business increases in size and revenue, these software solutions can seamlessly scale with your growing business needs. Additionally, you can typically opt to keep your records online, offline, or a combination of both.
Use collaboration tools for flexibility
Low-cost tools can allow for easier collaboration among management, employees, and contractors. ClickUp notes online tools like Asana, Basecamp, Slack, and several others can boost your company’s productivity and allow team members, service providers, customers, and business partners to share files, data, and projects, wherever they may be geographically located.
Also, if you haven’t already done so, look into cloud computing services, including Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. Switching to cloud computing can reduce installation, maintenance, and support costs for small businesses in the long run. Ask for a free trial period for one or more of these companies to see if your business could utilize and benefit from such a service.
Protect yourself and your customers with cybersecurity
According to Federal Computer Week, the cost of cyber crimes reached $2.7 billion in 2018. Even if you can’t yet afford an in-house IT team, you can’t ignore cybersecurity. Use antivirus software on all your business computers, and keep it updated. Secure your business networks using a firewall, and train all your employees on creating strong passwords, avoiding suspicious downloads, and protecting customer information.
As a precaution, back up your data routinely and use secure payment processors. To ensure you’re using best practices, the Federal Communications Commission offers a tool to help your business customize a cybersecurity strategy based on your particular needs.
It’s often tempting to purchase all the latest and greatest in technology. However, small businesses typically need to watch every penny. You can wait on buying many types of tech, but for others, it makes sense to buy now to ensure your business is most efficient and profitable.
