It’s nearly impossible to run a successful business today without the aid of technology. The world itself has become a digital playground and it you want to play, you need the right tools. Embracing technology can take your business from a dusty, obsolete offering to the convenient, professional business your clients are looking for. Here are four technologies your business needs to survive in today’s fast-paced, digital world:
- Web Presence
This is an absolute requirement. No web presence, no business. People need a place to get to know your business on their own terms and discover your reputation. With a wealth of knowledge at our fingertips, customers want to be able to research you and explore what you have to offer when and where it is convenient for them. No developer or tech skills? No problem. You can use sites like wix.com and and websitebuilder.com to create a custom website with little to no experience and they are super cost efficient as well! This is just a first step though. You also need to make sure you have social media clout! Facebook should be your first stop, but I also recommend creating a presence on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Yelp or Foursquare, and YouTube as well.
- Digital Payment Options
Paper checks are a thing of the past and nobody wants to be put on hold over the phone or come in person to make a payment if they can avoid it. The best way to increase convenience for your customers, thus increasing your customer retention and satisfaction, is to ensure you have a digital payment option. Whether you are selling your goods or services online or not, a payment option is a necessity for your website. Paypal and Square are just two examples of great options known for their security and ease of use.
- Digital Printer/ Copier Center
Your business needs more than a lousy inkjet printer and a single page scanner. Keeping up with the competition means having the ability to print your own in-house marketing materials and forms or scan records into a cloud storage system at your fingertips. It should be easy and convenient and having the right equipment for the job will save your business both time and money. Buying used is a great way to accomplish this without shelling out a fortune or losing money on depreciation. I recommend companies like JJ Bender for locating great deals on name brand equipment, like a used HP Indigo or a Canon ImagePress.
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software
Your relationship with your customers is the lifeblood of your business and you have to make sure you don’t lose that personal touch in the race for digital convenience. That’s where a great CRM software comes in. An excellent CRM can make sure your customers are not only thanked for their business but informed of sales and events as well as contacted to renew their business. For very small businesses, Insightly is an affordable option that can grow with your business. If you need something for a larger scale, Salesforce is an outstanding option.
With these basic tech tools, your business will be off to a great start. So, what are you waiting for? Get digital!
