Learning how to leverage digital technologies as an SMB can be daunting. But when you use specific tools, you will see they aren’t that scary or hard to learn. In fact, after a week, you’ll be sailing right through them like a Silicon Valley whizkid!
If you aren’t sure, here are some ways you can leverage new tech to your advantage and why, from cloud computing to CRM applications.
Table of Contents
Embrace Cloud Operations
Cloud operations are becoming the backbone of modern business. There are so many uses that it is hard to quantify. From humble calendar to cloud based digital signage and remote operating system access, cloud services are helpful.
Today, the most commonly used complete services are Amazon AWS and Microsoft Azure. However, any remote service you use can be considered a cloud service, such as collaboration apps.
Leverage Digital Technologies as an SMB with Cloud Computing
Large corporations use a ton of cloud services. But even SMBs are beginning to use them, too. Today, around 44% of small businesses use cloud computing services because of the benefits:
- Cloud-based systems typically offer cost-effective solutions for all businesses.
- You can meet fluctuating demands with easy system scalability, whether up or down.
- Cloud systems allow you to access data and apps from multiple devices anytime.
- Most cloud systems offer robust security and data recovery plans, reducing losses.
- Even during outages, cloud systems offer access through redundancy operations.
Implementing Automation Tools to Leverage Digital Technologies
Automation is a valuable tool for many major companies worldwide. But it doesn’t always mean heavy investment in robotics and AI.
Automation, such as scheduling posts, email segmentation, or team meeting reminders, can be simple. Anything that does a repetitive or tedious task for you can be considered automation.
Of course, you can invest in automated inventory control or even generative AI for creative works. Either way, it can save a lot of time and money.
Apps for Collaboration To Leverage Digital Technologies
Cloud-based services have many uses. However, one of the most robust is collaboration. Collaboration apps such as Trello, Asana, and Slack are excellent additions for any business, regardless of size.
As a smaller operation, these are also pretty cost-effective for what you get. Team meetings can be scheduled remotely, members can contribute to projects as needed, and sensitive data can be safely and securely stored in the cloud.
Improve Marketing and Engagement
Marketing is a powerful part of modern business that you can’t overlook. But it is also one of the more challenging aspects. It generally requires an expert touch, and agencies can help with marketing.
However, there are also many things a small and dedicated team can do, including yourself as a business owner. You are probably already familiar with some marketing tactics and don’t even know it because cloud services make it so easy!
An Active Social Media Presence
Social media is one of the most versatile marketing tools. But did you know that platforms like Facebook and X are cloud services?
That’s right! When you use these, you log onto their remote services to use the available tools. You can use social media cloud services to establish an online presence effortlessly, with robust engagement tools for stronger relationships between the business and customers through polls and simple commenting.
Web Optimization Digital Tech as an SMB
You may or may not know that websites require optimization to perform better. One of the reasons is to attract more customers.
An average user will indeed “bounce” (leave the site) if they wait longer than 3 seconds! But there are ways to speed up your website.
What is web optimization?
This is when you use various processes to improve a website’s performance. Speed, design, and user experience are typically at the forefront of a website optimization plan.
How do you optimize web content?
There are many ways to optimize web content. File compression, minifying code, and good on-page, off-page, and technical SEO are common factors.
How much does web optimization cost?
This varies depending on your needs, such as your business size, scope, and competition. However, a UK-based SMB could expect to spend between £200 and £1,500 monthly.
Should I use a web developer?
If you run a small to medium blog, you can optimize it yourself. However, a professional touch will always get the best results and free you up to manage the business side of things.
How can I check what needs optimizing?
It’s easy to check what you need to focus on. Google PageSpeed Insights will analyze your website and provide all the data you need, including recommendations for changes.
Optimization is often overlooked but is critical in ranking your content in search engines like Google. So, please don’t ignore it, because it can mean more traffic and business.
Email and Content Marketing To Leverage Digital Transformation to Accelerate Business
Okay, we’ve mentioned marketing, and you aren’t afraid anymore! But of course, there are many different marketing methods, and not all will work best for your company.
However, one tried-and-true method that has stood the test of time is email marketing. You can segment emails to target specific demographics most likely to engage.
You can supplement this with suitably tailored content, such as blog posts and videos, that they will likely engage with.
Penetrating eCommerce
A modern way to embrace technology and boost sales is to venture into eCommerce. This doesn’t apply to every business but is something to consider.
You can still benefit from online stores even if you don’t specialize in selling products. For example, you can attach a storefront to your blog (using Shopify or WooCommerce) that sells related items.
A good example would be selling top-quality, third-party yoga wear and sportswear as part of your wellness blog.
Establish an Online Store
Further to dabbling in eCommerce, you could establish an online store directly related to your business. As a physical store in the real world, you are limited by foot traffic, location, and opening times.
But an online store opens you up to the global market if you want it. Of course, you can also stay local, but what would be the point?
Your products immediately become available for everyone at any time when you open an online store with potentially more sales.
Integrate Payment Processing
Does anyone today run a (legal) cash-only business? Coin-op machines are really the only thing that comes to mind. Using cash only, you can bring your business into the 21st century with payment processing.
This is a quality investment for safety alone. If you have minimal cash on the premises, you are much less likely to be targeted for robbery. However, modern customers expect to pay by card or digitally and leave a store without it.
CRM Digital Tech as an SMB
Customers and managing them can become tedious. Fortunately, customer relationship management (CRM) will help. You can also expect an average ROI of around $5.60 for every $1 spent using a reliable CRM strategy. If you aren’t sure, here are some more benefits of CRM:
- The customer comes first, and a solid CRM system allows you to cater to them.
- With so much customer data, you can tailor the CX to customers for sales boosts.
- Everyone will be on the same page with queries using the same CRM system.
- CRM systems can generate valuable reports on demand, such as sales.
- Team collaboration issues are a thing of the past with centralized CRM systems.
Extra Considerations
When it comes to embracing digital technologies, there are many things to weigh up. Digital transformation will mainly help your business thrive in a changing and modern world. However, there are some key considerations that you must also make for the broader company.
Training and support for employee
Some people find learning new technology challenging. Therefore, you must also consider whether employees can adapt and how much training them on new systems will cost.
Customer service technology
There are many stories of significant problems after installing new technologies. Customers may not appreciate complex system delays in queries or interruptions to their regular service.
Data and analytics
One of the best and worst things about modern digital technology is data. Since you can potentially hold sensitive and private data, you must learn to comply with data security.
Summary: Leverage Digital Technologies For Transformation to Accelerate Business Growth
Cloud services are among the most useful today and can help you leverage some of the best digital tech as an SMB looking to scale up or down.
However, it also helps to focus efforts on your online presence and how specific tools can help. Social media, email marketing, and optimizing your website are great examples.
Of course, you can also use online tech to get into eCommerce, yet it helps to consider the impact on employees, customers, and user data.
