Top 10 Trending Technologies for Small Businesses

With the infusion of Internet into everything fathomable, we are today living in a world of unparalleled technological innovations. A whole new dimension has come into being. Cloud computing, virtual communications, machines talking to one another, and the astounding number of the web-based technologies we have today, have certainly made our lives easier, and a lot different.

In fact, every other day one hears of an innovation that is so path breaking that it could change the world. Technology has permeated into every aspect of our lives and has already dramatically altered the way we work.

How Can Technology Help Small Businesses?

The number of small businesses which are incorporating technology to boost efficiency, improve performance, keep a tab on expenditure, increase revenues, and drive growth, is growing by the day. According to a market study conducted recently, more than a quarter of small businesses look at technology as a valuable tool that helps them get better results.

However, technology can be a fickle friend, thanks to the rapid pace at which it changes; the business owner, who has several responsibilities related to the daily running of the business, now also has to keep up with the technological advancements. However, the advantages offered are far too many, for any business owner to ignore them.

• Data Security

  

  Big or small, any business needs to be very careful about the data it collects from customers and of course, its own data - sales, purchases, employee info, and so on. Thinking that hackers are only interested in breaching data of big companies is sadly, wrong. Hackers look for vulnerable sites - ones with poor security, simply because it's an easy job. Today, more than 50% of small and medium businesses globally use data security technology to ward off hackers and protect themselves from cyber-attacks.

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

  

  Most of the business owners surveyed understood the importance of using a good CRM solution, though only about half of them were using this technology. Using a customer relationship management solution helps the business owner to know and understand their customers better, enabling them to provide better services and an enhanced customer experience. They can develop more efficient marketing strategies based on customer preferences and behaviors. Having a centralized repository of all information related to your customers saves you time and boosts your efficiency.

• HR Software

  

  Implementing HR software in your small business can help you with the administrative functions, and help you keep a track of all your employee information seamlessly and efficiently. Tracking their attendance, leaves, performance, training, and so on becomes super easy, allowing you to take informed decisions regarding pay raises and promotions. Sure, you may know all of them personally, but, still, as humans we tend to forget things. With the right software in place, however, you can be sure that you have every bit of info that you need.

• Website

  

  Though you may feel that as a small business, you don't need to have a website, or if you have one, you don't need to worry about improving or upgrading it, it's always a good idea to have one. An increasing number of people search online to find products and services they need, and that includes the older generation too.

  To stay relevant in this scenario, having a website helps. Provide valuable information to visitors, but don't overwhelm them; and keep it simple, so that your chances of converting those visitors to customers are higher. Your website can help you sell products and services online, increase footfalls in your actual store, or both. Learn more about website design and development.

• Mobile

  

  This is something that you simply can't ignore anymore. Wherever you go in the world, you find people glued to their Smartphones; more and more people are browsing and buying through their mobile devices, and it would not be a smart move to not go mobile.

  Here we're talking about two things: websites, and mobile apps. Sure, you already have a website, but is it responsive? Does the website offer the same experience to your customers on a small screen that it provides for a desktop computer?

  Additionally, search engines reward responsive sites, pushing them higher in the search results - increasing the chances of your site being found. With more and more consumers installing apps on their phones to make purchases, you could be missing out on extra business without a mobile app. Learn about our mobile development expertise.

• Cloud Computing

  

  Some small business owners may think that cloud computing is out of their league, or simply not needed for their operations. Ok, you started small, but do you want to remain so forever? Surely not! Any business aims at growing and expanding; for this you need technology that will make your organization scalable and agile - and cloud computing can help.

  By eliminating costly software and hardware like servers, cloud computing reduces expenses, offers flexibility, and helps improve efficiency - eventually enabling businesses to deliver enhanced customer experiences.

• Email

  

  No, it's not outdated; email marketing still works - whether you're a small business or a large multinational corporation. Email can be used to inform your customers of special offers, new products, send personalized greetings, or simply provide valuable information. When done the right way, email can help you get more customers, and retain your existing ones, as well as build your brand.

• Innovative Payment Methods

  

  If you're offering the option of online shopping, you will obviously need to allow your customers innovative payment methods, and not just cash-on-delivery. You may need to tie up with secure payment gateways so that people can pay with their debit or credit cards, internet banking, or e-wallets. The more convenience you offer to your customers, the happier they will be.

• AI

  

  Artificial intelligence can be used by businesses in several ways, to help serve customers better, and make their journey interesting. Small businesses can use AI to set dynamic pricing, so that customers can get a surprise, instant discounts on certain products, through coupons and alerts sent to them at the most relevant time and place. You can also deploy AI-powered chatbots on your website, allowing customers to seek solutions to their queries 24/7, 365 days a year. By automating these tasks you can free your precious human resources, and divert them to more critical tasks.

• VR and AR

  

  It may seem a little far-fetched, but virtual reality and augmented reality, both have applications that go well beyond gaming. They can be used to have meetings and conferences without the physical presence of all those who need to attend. You can also use it to help customers see how a product will look from all angles - say, by flipping a shoe all the way around. Ikea is already using AR to help customers visualize how a certain piece of furniture will look in their homes.

Choose Outsource2india for Your Technology Needs

As an ISO certified digital services company, Outsource2india has a wealth of expertise, experience, and technology to serve businesses of all sizes. For the past two decades, our software development teams have helped enterprises all over the world to enhance their efficiency through technology. We have a range of products to fulfill your every digital need, and can create wholly customized solutions, whether you need AI powered solutions, CRM, payroll software, mobile apps or anything else.

Without technology you may not be able to scale your business and drive the growth you had envisioned. If you'd like to implement technological solutions to help boost your business efficiency, just contact us, and we'll tell you how!