When it comes to running a small business, an owner needs all the help they can get, especially if they are starting and working by themselves or with a small team. Technology can seriously help small business owners stay organized and streamline their business so that they can focus on growing, scaling, and turning a profit. No matter the industry, today’s available technology can be beneficial.
Using these different types of technology to help run a small business is as easy as filling out a March Madness bracket. They are simple to use and tend to be very user-friendly, making them a sure fire way to help a small business excel and build from the ground up. So let’s jump into taking a look at some of these technologies that are must-haves for small businesses.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Customer relationship management systems are a must for any business. It helps business owners keep track of existing customers while also helping organize potential customers for the future. These CRMs can be used for a wide variety of things, from just a simple data store of information about clients or customers like phone numbers, all the way to help with marketing strategies.
Multiple CRMs exist with a wide range of tools. Many have trial periods that will allow small business owners to see if the tools offered work for them or not. There are also a few like Salesforce and Zoho, popular all-in-one platforms that all business owners can run their entire business from.
Social Media
No matter your age or your experience with social media, it is a necessary piece of technology in today’s business world. Social media allows business owners to share information, promote their business, and build a brand by getting directly in front of the faces of potential consumers. Numerous social media platforms exist, and it can be tempting to want to be on all of them, but in reality, you may just be spinning your wheels with this tactic.
Instead, focus on one or two platforms that align more with what your target audience might be using. If you target an age demographic of 26 to 45, Facebook might be your best option. For you, younger demographics today, platforms like Instagram and Snapchat might be better due to that being where they hang out. But give a few different ones a try and see where you gain some traction.
Business Website
A business website today acts as a landing page for your business and is a must. This is where you can provide information about your business and optimize for search engines. This is where you work to ensure that your business is one of the first ones found when someone searches for businesses like yours.
This business website can be the difference between getting a customer and not. Providing adequate information about your services, prices, and available hours can be the difference between a customer contacting you for your services or trying to find information about one of your competitors. Be sure that you have a well-organized website for your business. It doesn’t have to be flashy or expensive, just informative and straightforward without breaking the bank.
And no, your Facebook page should not double as a business website. Nice try!
Digital Processing Systems
When it comes to making money for your business, having the ability to accept digital currency is vitally important in today’s world. With the dwindling use of cash and check, most people have moved to use credit or debit cards and other payment services such as Venmo, PayPal, and CashApp. Accepting all these forms of payment is vitally important and is very simple to do.
Accepting these different forms of payment will help you convert more sales, especially if you are selling goods of some fashion.
Get To Work
Now that we have gone over these technology must-haves for small businesses, get out there and put in the work. Learn about these technologies and start applying them to your small business as soon as possible if you have not already.