4 Ways Small Businesses Can Benefit From New Technology

For any small business to continue being successful, it needs to adapt and change with the times. Technologies are constantly evolving and are changing the way that businesses operate. New technologies have the potential to transform your small business and give you the edge over your competitors.

Unfortunately, some small businesses find it a challenge to keep up with new technology. Some business owners may be hesitant to invest in new technologies without knowing if they will see any return on investment. However, there are new technologies that are already benefiting small businesses and are very cheap or even free to implement.

In this article, you will find 4 ways that any small business can benefit from new technology. You will find how cloud computing, having a mobile-friendly business policy, video conferencing, and social media can revolutionise your small business.

4 New Technologies for Small Businesses

Rather than guess which are the best new technologies for any small business, here at the top 4 that are guaranteed to change the way your business operates forever.

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has the greatest potential from the new technologies to help streamline your small business. There is no doubt that cloud computing is here to stay. In fact, a study by Intuit predicts that by 2020 over 80% of small business in the U.S. will be using the cloud for their business operations.^[1]

How can cloud computing transform your small business? First of all, there are lower costs associated with it. This means that companies don’t have to spend as many resources on upgrading and maintaining servers and other IT equipment.

It is also much easier to collaborate on the cloud. So, rather than having multiple versions of documents, employees can all make comments, edit, and work on master documents. You can also limit access to employees for viewing only.

With using the cloud to store and manage documents, you also have access to them wherever you are. So, you can just log in to your cloud account from any computer or mobile device to start working.

Mobile Friendly

Making sure that your business is mobile friendly is another way to embrace new technology for your small business. One important factor is to make sure that your company website set up to be mobile friendly.

A mobile friendly website is one that will adjust automatically if the website is viewed on a smartphone or tablet. It gives the best all-round user experience when viewing your company’s website. There are two important reasons to make sure that your website is mobile friendly:

• More and more internet users are accessing the web from mobile devices, even when they are at home or at the office.
• Google is updating its algorithm to index websites ranked on the mobile version of content. These search results will be used even if a user conducts internet searches from a desktop or laptop computer.

This means that your company could see a drop in business if its website isn’t geared up now for mobile devices.

Video Conferencing

Video conferencing makes it possible to connect with employees and customers from any location in the world. This allows small businesses to outsource various jobs and tasks at a much cheaper rate than ever before. It also cuts down on the amount of travel required to meet with potential investors and new customers.

It is also very cost-effective to set up high-quality video conferencing for your small business. For example, Skype can be used free of charge and for a little extra you can use Skype for Business which provides more virtual meeting capabilities.

Social Media

Social media can help reach a far wider customer base and give you a great way to engage with existing customers. However, for a small business to benefit from social media, it’s important to have a properly thought-out strategy. Very often small businesses use social media as an afterthought. However, there is great potential to turn it into a profitable marketing strategy.

Here are 4 ways that social media can help boost your company’s online visibility:

• Strengthen your brand. Over 1 billion people use Facebook and this gives you great potential to expand your business.
• Customer loyalty. Customers love to connect with businesses that they like. Social media helps boost customer loyalty and they will also share their experiences with your business on social media.
• Targeted ads. Social media allows you to use targeted ads which can be used to advertise to specific groups of social media users.
• Increased visibility. Social media increases your virtual footprint on the internet and give potential customers another way to find you.

In conclusion: for your small businesses to get ahead, you should embrace these 4 new technologies.

<sup>Article sources:
1. Study Shows How the Cloud Will Transform Small Business by 2020 by Intuit.com.</sup>