As we emerge from the devastating effects of the coronavirus pandemic, protecting your small business or startup will require a carefully orchestrated plan. You need to find ways to keep your company sustainable during these uncertain times while positioning yourself to thrive when the pandemic ends.
Technology offers useful ways to level the playing field, permitting startups and small businesses a chance to compete with larger companies. As most entrepreneurs are starting to realize, adopting technological innovation can be a small business’s best chance for accessing new markets and mitigating the negative effects of the pandemic. If you are looking for a great digital marketing company check out Bing Digital and see what services they have to offer.
Studies show that small tech-savvy businesses earned twice as much revenue per employee as their less innovative counterparts. Yet, although tech benefits are apparent, few businesses understand how to leverage the opportunities technology presents. This article summarizes innovative ways for entrepreneurs to use tech to sustain and grow their businesses during the pandemic.
How Small Businesses Benefit From Tech During the Pandemic
The pandemic has shaken almost every industry, and small businesses have been forced to improve innovativeness to remain sustainable. Fortunately, advances in tech make starting and running businesses easier than ever. As a result, retailers, restaurants, gyms, farmers, and all forms of small businesses have started to adopt new tools to help them navigate these challenging times.
One benefit of tech for small businesses trying to navigate the pandemic is the immense learning opportunities. As physical stores remain closed, entrepreneurs have time to learn new skills that will be useful in the future.
Some research strategies to keep their companies afloat, while others use the space for personal and professional improvement. Thanks to tech, finding information and learning new strategies is now easier than ever. It is even possible to get online literature review help if you choose to further your studies.
Also, tech has reduced sales friction as many companies perform their operations online. Online operations are also safer compared to brick and mortar operations. Since many customers have been forced to stay indoors and self-isolate, online platforms offer a useful tool for companies to continue providing goods and services to their customers.
Technology also allows businesses to remain connected to their customers, employees, and suppliers. Applications like zoom are free, simple, and highly effective. Entrepreneurs are also able to keep up with updates on changing conditions. The bottom line is that, for small businesses, technology fuels daily operations, allowing the creativity that supports sustainability and growth.
Technology Tips for Small Businesses
Before the coronavirus pandemic, small businesses were starting to experience the benefits of technology, including digital financial services. Evidence shows that transitioning to digital platforms allows companies to transact safer, faster, and smarter. Businesses also benefit from greater financial inclusion. If you are unsure how to use tech to sustain and grow your business, here are some tips.
- Build Engaging and Practical Websites
Even before the pandemic struck, customers were researching online before making decisions on where to purchase products. As physical stores continue to close and people spend more of their time indoors, the number of people doing online research before making purchase decisions is bound to increase.
As an entrepreneur, working on your website is crucial when it comes to improving sales. If needed, hire a professional freelancer to help with creating interesting and keyword-optimized content for your website.
- Choose User-Friendly Ecommerce Options
Since the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic, e-commerce has grown in popularity mostly because of the laws restricting movement. Although having a basic website can help keep your business relevant, incorporating certain elements of e-commerce can improve your sales and efficiency.
- Improve Your Social Media Marketing Strategy
Once you have improved your website, the next important element to consider is your digital marketing strategy. Social media platforms offer ways for companies to connect with clients and prospects. After all, evidence shows that consumers use social medial when looking for new businesses and information on products. So, link your social media pages to your website, encouraging customers to visit your page.
- Have a Clear Online Strategy
The only way to take advantage of the many benefits of tech is to have a clear digital strategy that informs all your business operations. So, first, you need to start creating a plan where you articulate your website goals. Then, consider how your digital presence is linked to your general business strategy.
- Keep Your Employees Engaged
When planning technology for your company, consider input from those who will actually use the tech. Engage employees in any major tech decision and planning. This way, you ensure that they buy-in. You also benefit from employees’ knowledge and experience.
Another tip: Using a virtual phone system can keep the team connected during remote working and the pandemic
Technology presents numerous benefits for small businesses, which can be crucial as companies navigate these challenging times. For example, think about investing in a customer relationship management system that will help you understand customers better. You could also explore productivity tools. But, most importantly, choose tech according to your business needs.