Technologies for Your Small Business | Running a small business carries a wide range of benefits as well as risks. On the one hand, you have the freedom that comes with being your own boss. On the other, you have the responsibility for handling any problems that arise. It’s a big responsibility but one that also comes with the potential for great success and prosperity. In today’s ever-changing world, one of the most important things you can do is ensure that you capitalize on the latest and greatest advances in technology.
While not every innovation will benefit your business, it’s important to stay on top of the trends so you can leverage the ones that make sense for you.
Reaching Your Customers
Whether your business provides a product or a service, you’ve got to employ sales tactics in one way or another. Just having a great offering isn’t enough; you’ve got to connect it with your ideal customers. Whether you employ a dedicated outside sales team or handle it all yourself, there are a slew of new tech offerings that can make your job easier or, in some cases, simply more enjoyable. Check out the best apps for sales reps to see which ones will work for you.
It’s easier now than ever to connect your marketing and sales efforts through advancements in software. Powerful new automation software allows you to seamlessly plan, execute, and monitor your customer acquisition and retention strategies.
Making Sales Seamlessly
Once your sales efforts have connected with a customer, you’ll want to make it as convenient as possible for them to purchase your product. There is an increasing number of payment options available such as PayPal and Google Pay, as well as mobile credit card readers like Square. Keep up with which payment options are most popular with consumers and try to offer as many of them as you can.
If you are receiving payments online, you absolutely must invest in the latest data security technology. A breach of sensitive data could be catastrophic not only for your customers but also for your business. Cybercriminals are savvy and often attack smaller, more vulnerable companies. Protect your customers and your livelihood by investing in a high-quality system.
Delighting Your Customers
You most likely already have a website, but is it optimized? Consumers today are most likely to research products online before making a purchase, so your site needs to stand out in the crowd. It needs to be eye-catching, easy to navigate, and memorable. It also needs to be optimized for mobile devices since more and more consumers surf the net that way. Check out Forbes’ tips for building a great small business website.
Increasingly, websites are becoming interactive. Virtual and augmented reality, chatbots, and voice search of some of the technologies that are experiencing rapid innovation. Consumers will likely soon expect a customized experience that is similar to shopping in a brick-and-mortar store but in the privacy and comfort of their own home via a laptop or tablet.
Looking Toward the Future
An emerging technology that is rapidly spreading to small business use is known as “blockchain.” In simplest terms, it is a method of digitally encrypting data that keeps it safe and decentralized, keeping transactions secure. Probably the best-known application of blockchain is in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a concept that seemed like something out of a science fiction movie not too long ago but now is one of the hottest technologies on earth. IoT refers to objects that can gather and transfer data without the help of humans. Early applications include in the healthcare field and automobile manufacturing, but its potential uses are practically infinite.
While your small business may not be in a position to adopt these cutting-edge technologies today, keep a close eye on them as they evolve, as they are likely to be increasingly popular with consumers and small business owners alike.
