If you are a small business and you want to make it big, technology can be one of your tools. Technology has brought in a dimension of endless possibilities. In years past, it was unimaginable that someone could run a global business from home. Yet today, there are many people across the world who make 6 figures per annum right from home. It would have been counterintuitive in years past to say one could reach millions via their smartphone. Yet today, it is commonplace to see YouTube videos reaching millions worldwide. That is all thanks to technology; it is and can help your small business to make it big. Here are some technologies helping small businesses make it big.
Websites
I have always underscored the importance of having a business website. Even if it is just a one-page information website, it will make a huge difference for your business. The moment a website goes live, you open an avenue for anyone on the internet to see it. If you get your SEO right, you can reach an unlimited number of people online. You can use a website to drive traffic to your platforms through various digital marketing approaches. Your website can also be a platform through which leads can make payments.
It can also be a platform through which you engage with prospects, leads, and existing customers. Google Analytics will provide you with a staggering number of important data sets. There is no doubt as to the efficacy of a website in helping small businesses make it big. That is why it is a must-have! Some products or services are actually packages in the form of web applications.
Social Media
This is one of the most, if not the most, dominant technologies in this 21st century. There is literally no notable brand in the world that does not owe part of its success to social media. Especially for small businesses, it has essentially made the impossible possible. A small home business can now establish its presence online via a simple social media account. The beauty of it all is that there are several social media platforms to choose from. Each and every platform comes with its own unique set of benefits.
Most small businesses are not even setting up websites. This is because social media alone is proving quite effective. Social media is instrumental in driving traffic to those websites for those websites. The vast majority of people with smartphones are on at least one social media platform. These people spend, on average, at least 2 hours daily on their smartphones. This means as a small business; you stand to reach many people just by being active on social media.
Tied to this as well are instant messaging platforms, some standalone and some built-in. For instance, Facebook Messenger has proven to be effective in engaging with customers. Then you have instant messaging platforms such as WhatsApp. Particularly in Zimbabwe, WhatsApp has been and still continues to be highly effective in engaging with prospects, leads, and customers. Even bulk messaging through bulk SMSing software has revolutionised some small businesses. Just as an example, I know a bulk SMSing system in Zimbabwe where you can send out a message instantly, even 300 000 people or more. Last time I checked, it cost ZWL$5.50 per SMS to send as many as 100 000 SMSes.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems
A CRM system is a computerized system for identifying, targeting, acquiring, and retaining the best mix of customers. Such systems help in profiling prospects, understanding their needs, and developing lasting relationships with them. A CRM system involves an integration of backend and frontend systems anchored on a database management system (DBMS). This DBMS entails contact details of customers and purchase histories, amongst others. A CRM system makes it easy for a business to streamline its relationships with its customers. With a CRM system, a small business can operate professionally on a scale of (or even greater) than well-established brands. It is highly recommended that you get a CRM system if you want to see your small big thrive.
Cloud Services
Cloud services involve the interconnection of computers, smart mobile devices, networks, servers, and the internet. Cloud services have made so many tasks much easier for small businesses. Due to cloud services, many small businesses can now access several important tools. Examples of these are cloud storage platforms (e.g. Google Drive, Dropbox), web apps, and software, amongst others. Small businesses can now subscribe using to cloud-based payroll management systems, inventory management systems, or accounting systems. This means they do not need to have their own infrastructure, such as data centres. They can also securely store large amounts of sensitive data online. Cloud services have made access to essential tools and data management easier (even cheaper) for small businesses.
Email Platforms
Emails are so important that they have led to a unique marketing approach over the years. I am referring to email marketing which has been found to be more effective than social media marketing. If you are someone who actively uses and checks their emails daily, you will appreciate this. There have been remarkable advancements in the use of email in business management and marketing.
All one needs now is an email list and the right software. With that, you can, with just a few clicks, send out an email to many people all over the world. These are the kind of emails that, to the recipient, will feel as if it was just sent to only them. The level of personalization and automation is staggering. Email marketing has become the biggest go-to for most small businesses. It is relatively cheaper, but the returns on investments are sky-high.
As a small business, these are technologies you should be using right now. I urge you to adopt the use of all of them; the results will speak for themselves. You cannot make it big without such technologies.
