Table of Contents
- Technology to Support Your Business
- Time Tracking
- Digital Filing
- Online Invoicing & Payments
- Website
- Social Media
- Point of Sale Solutions
Key Takeaways You Will Get From This Article
1. Implement time-tracking software will give you better insight into the day-to-day operations of your business.
2. Clear your office of clutter by digitizing all paper documents.
3. Simplify the payment process for you and your customers with a virtual terminal solution!
4. Make sure your website is mobile-friendly.
5. Market your business on social media.
6. If you don't already, consider purchasing a POS systems like MaxxPay or Total Touch to accept payments and help manage and monitor your entire business.
Use Technology to Support Your Small Business
Have your employees ever come to you during a busy season and said, “we need to hire more people”? Or, have you ever thought that yourself?
The answer to an overwhelmed staff could be to add human support, but that’s an expensive answer. Instead of jumping headfirst into the hiring process when things get hectic, try taking a step back to analyze your processes and technology. The answer you are searching for might be a more cost-effective solution than making room for a full-time salary in the budget.
We’re not saying that you don’t need employees. No matter what type of small business you run, you can’t do everything on your own.
A well-rounded team is crucial to the success of your business. But sometimes the additional support your team needs isn’t found in more staff, but rather in technology.
Especially in today’s fast-paced world, efficiency is paramount. In the digital age where everything we need is practically available at our fingertips, we’ve all come to expect prompt, impeccable service.
Therefore, and not surprisingly, studies have shown that customers’ patience is wearing thin these days. In fact, here’s how long they are willing to wait for service or to make a purchase:
- In-store: 8 minutes
- On the phone: 13 minutes
- Online: 3 seconds maximum
Yes, you read that last one right – 3 seconds. If your website doesn’t load in three seconds or less, there’s a good chance your customer will close the browser and search for another business to help them.
These statistics and studies show us that technology is no longer optional, it’s a necessity for every business.
So, if you or your employees feel like the day-to-day is getting a bit chaotic, it may be time to find a new, sturdy technology solution or upgrade your existing one.
Here are 6 ways you can use technology to improve your small business.
1. Time Tracking
Implementing time-tracking software will give you better insight into the day-to-day operations of your business. Even after a short time, you’ll notice gaps where there is room to improve processes or productivity.
Not to mention, time-tracking helps keep everyone in the business accountable for coming to work and leaving on time.
2. Digital Filing
Is your office filled with hard copies of documents, receipts, and folders? Digitizing all this information will not only make things easier to find but will clear up your office clutter!
You may even uncover extra space for storage or an employee appreciation board. Click here to read more tips for removing clutter.
3. Online Invoicing and Payment Acceptance
Simplify the payment process for you and your customers with a virtual terminal solution! This solution is an online payment gateway used to process credit card payments and complement your back-office selling processes.
To learn more about how Electronic Merchant Systems can serve your business with a virtual terminal solution, click here.
4. Responsive, Mobile-Friendly Website
Two of the biggest ways to market your small business today are through your website and social media pages. Your website should be engaging, frequently updated, and most importantly, mobile-friendly.
If you don’t already have a mobile-friendly website, contact us! Our creative professionals can bring your website design dreams to life and jumpstart your digital strategy.
5. Social Media
Speaking of digital strategy, social media platforms are fantastic (and free) ways to digitally market your business. These platforms can include:
- YouTube
If you don’t already have pages created for your business on these sites, there’s no time like the present. Once you have your website and social media pages ready to go, make sure to link them to each other for ultimate marketing success.
6. Point of Sale Solutions
Especially if you run a restaurant or retail business, a point of sale system may be the solution you need.
POS systems like MaxxPay® and Total Touch® are designed to accept payments, but also help you manage and monitor your entire business.
They offer impressive functionality, are simple to use, and include intuitive reporting features to help you maintain profitability.
Grow Your Small Business with Technology
Use technology to enhance your business, improve customer and employee satisfaction, and plan for growth.
Because whether you’ve been in business for three months or ten years, there is always room to improve.
Click on the button below to see how EMS can help you grow.
Sources: The Balance SMB, ShopKeep
