by Sharon Jones

As a small business owner, you’ll already know what a vital role technology has in helping you to succeed. From simple software to manage staff to making the use of social media trends in your marketing, getting technical can really help your business. 

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1. Keep in touch with remote staff by issuing work mobile phones or tablets. These can be used for staff to stay contactable with easy access to their emails and tools like slack or whatsapp for on the go communication. Use Google Docs to share documents wherever your staff are. 

2. Utilise software to make the day to day admin of business running easier. Manage payroll and payments with online accounting software, and make claiming payment on invoices easier using online tools. Software can be used for everything from managing your customer database to managing orders. 

3. Get social. Social media is a great tool for businesses without much marketing budget. Identify which sites you target audience are most likely to use and set up profiles there. Handle customer questions on Twitter, advertise deals on Facebook and network with clients on LinkedIn. 

4. Make sure you have a slick looking, easy to use website that showcases your products and services. Be sure your customer can easily find basic information like how to get in touch with you. 

5. Maximise potential profits by selling online. Find the right platform for your business. Handmade products can do well on Etsy or Facebook marketplace. Electronics do well on eBay or Amazon. Set up a platform to sell directly through your own website too.  

6. If you can do it securely, use the cloud to store documents and data. This means you’ll be able to access it anywhere, meaning you can escape your desk or easily share files between different staff members. 

7. Manage your time more effectively and bill clients accurately for time spent working on their projects by using time tracking software. Be careful to ensure staff understand the purpose is for billing, not spying on them.

8. Position yourself as an industry expert by maintaining a company blog. A blog is a great place to share company news, thoughts on industry changes or any big wins for your business. Use it to build trust with customers and show some personality behind your business. 

9. Make use of video to showcase your business in a different way. Record a taster version of a training course you offer, share instructional videos or reactions to industry news. Video stands out, and is increasingly popular. Try short clips with subtitles that can be watched easily on Facebook or Instagram.  

10. Teleconferencing and webinars are great tools to keep your team in touch. Have meetings with remote staff, deliver staff training with shared screens and keep in touch more effectively, whether people are in the office or not. 

11. Could your business move more processes online and try to go paperless. Going paperless could save you a lot of money on basic supplies, and means you’ll need less storage space in the office. As an added bonus, it helps to make your business more green too.