How has technology helped small businesses?

The right tech is one of the cornerstones of any small businesses's success. The ability to connect with customers via a well-designed website, e-mail, blog and social media.  Being able to take a card payment from anywhere or keep track of productivity and accounts via apps are just a view of the ways small businesses make use of tech.

If thought about properly, technology can be a game-changer for your business. It can boost productivity, accelerate sales and even open up new markets. 

Here are 5 ways you can ensure that your business is tech optimised in 2022

#1 Hardware

‍

It doesn't matter what niche or industry your business operates in, hardware will be part of the backbone that makes your business run. From laptops on which you complete your day to day tasks to printers, wi-fi routers and USBs! 

Check out our tips for starting your own business for a breakdown of the essential hardware for startups and small businesses. Ensure that you not only have all of the equipment that you need to succeed but that you have the best versions possible to save time, see an increase in productivity and potentially increased sales.

‍

#2 Create an online strategy

‍

Tech in business isn’t just about the devices you use to get your job done, it's the website on which you sell your products and capture new leads.  It's the social channels on which you share campaigns with followers and it's the paid ad campaigns on Google.  

Make sure that you have a solid strategy in place to grow your online presence and optimise your business online.  Ensuring your website is well designed and mobile-friendly is key.

So is getting traffic to your site.  Discover 8 things every startup should know about SEO to ensure you are maximising your organic reach (driving as much free traffic to your website as possible!)

‍

#3 Explore CRM

‍

CRM or Customer Relationship Management is a technology used to manage interactions with customers. A CRM system helps businesses streamline processes so they can increase sales, improve customer service and increase profitability.

If you haven't already explored this as an option for your business then it is definitely worth doing so now. The right CRM platform can help you manage customer leads (such as email addresses captured on your website) as well as help you to streamline processes.  When looking at the right CRM system for your business think about affordability and scalability. What is important to you now and for the coming year? Is it lead generation, customer service or ease of use?

‍

#4 Productivity 

‍

Small business technology is the key to maximising productivity. Education Technology states that three in four small businesses have been improved by technology and that 76% of small businesses have used tech in some way to boost their business operation and operate more effectively.

If you haven't already, start to audit daily, weekly and monthly processes. Check out our review of the top productivity software available (many with free trials) which may help you to get the most back from your time.

‍

#5 Security

‍

Do startups and small businesses need cyber security?

Yes, definitely.  All businesses use some kind of broadband or information technology and that opens them up to attack. According to Creative Networks, small businesses get hacked or compromised every 19 seconds in the UK. Criminals want to steal sensitive information or disable your website. 

So what tech do you need in place to protect your business? Prevention is much better than cure so to prevent a cyber attack you need to invest in antivirus protection software.  Business-grade antivirus offers comprehensive protection.

‍

Here are some of the best on the market:

‍

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus - works against all e-threats from viruses to ransomware to keep your company's data safe.

Norton Small Business - With the capacity to protect up to 20 devices, Norton Small Business is scalable antivirus software for smaller businesses with plans to expand.

Webroot SecureAnywhere for Mac - Perfect for taking care of your macOS security, with a small footprint, a speedy full scan, and phishing protection.

McAfee Antivirus Plus - Great antivirus software for small businesses offering the most affordable options for teams with fewer employees, as well as a wide range of features that can protect you from cyber-criminals.