How Can Technology Help Your Small Business?

November 30, 2017 Off By David
When you are running a small business, it is advisable to use technology to help you work smarter. That means you need to use technology to your advantage so that you can concentrate and focus on other more important matters. However, not all small businesses know just what’s out there that can help them do this. Here are a few of the ways technology can be used to help your business run smoothly.

Marketing

Your marketing campaign may be partly based on local advertising but more than likely using your website, but there are other avenues open to you that can get your reach even further. Although social media platforms are the favored method of reaching audience, do not dismiss e-mails as a way of targeting your audience by sending personalized messages that appeal to their likes and preferences. If you start an email list with your existing customers, you can send them regular updates with your latest offers and products. E-mails that are personalized are more likely to be read and acted upon.

Ordering and Delivery

If you are seeking customers, you will need to provide them with a clear and easy way to order your products or services. Your website needs to be easy to navigate and have clear calls to action. Your online store is your shop window, and so you must spend time to make it as user friendly as possible; it needs to be easy for your customers to browse your products, pay and arrange delivery.  Set up an agreement with a courier company, so that you can guarantee the purchases will be delivered in a timely manner that exceeds your customers’ expectations.

Internal Systems

Every second counts during the working day, and so you need to use your time wisely to maintain efficiency, and you can use technology to streamline your in-house systems. Use automatic payment systems to pay your employees, and free up the time spent on administration. You can also print off their 1099 form 2017 using software that will help them when it comes to filing their tax returns, and it will also give you a good audit trail for when you need to do your taxes.

Clients and Suppliers

Dealing with clients and suppliers can take time, you will need to send them an order and then arrange payment afterward. By having an online system, you can transfer orders electronically straight to them and pay the invoice the same way. You can also keep track of previous orders and what is outstanding. It will drastically speed up your financial system and give you more time to focus on other areas of your business.

There are also other ways technology can help you, for example, using social media can help you to connect with customers and answer questions. Many people prefer this method than using a telephone, so it makes sense to utilize it, though you need to be prompt with your replies. With just a few simple changes, you can get your business online and work for you. It will not only make it easier for your business but also gain you more customers, and increase your bottom line.