Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses account for 99.7% of all employers in the United States and create 60% of all new jobs. If you’re a small business owner who wants to scale your business, then you need to make use of technology tools.
Here are nine tech tools that can help you do just that.
1. Cloud Automation Tools
Cloud computing is the ability to access information and applications over the Internet. Cloud automation tools allow you to manage your business processes using cloud-based software. This way, you can access your data and applications from anywhere in the world as long as you have an Internet connection.
One of the biggest advantages of using the cloud is streamlining your operations. With cloud automation tools, you can manage your customer relationships (CRM) and automate your marketing campaigns. You also have access to a host of other online business applications that enable you to operate more efficiently.
Tools like IBM’s cloud pak for automation are also easy to integrate with other apps to create an ecosystem of tools that can help your business scale.
2. CRM Solutions
Customer relationship management (CRM) solutions are business management systems designed to track customer interactions and streamline internal processes. They give you a 360-degree view of your customers so that you can provide the right products and services at the right time.
The ability to manage your customer relationships more effectively gives you a competitive edge. As shared by Forbes, businesses that focus on enhancing customer experience can potentially increase their revenue by as much as 8 percent than other industries.
Another advantage of using CRM solutions is that they integrate with other tools like cloud automation software and marketing platforms to give you a comprehensive view of your customers. The more insight you have into customer behavior, the better able you are to serve them and create long-lasting relationships.
3. Analytics Platforms
Analytics platforms are software applications that help you track and analyze your website traffic. They provide insights into what’s working and what’s not so that you can make the necessary changes to improve your website performance.
One of the benefits of using analytics platforms is that they allow you to measure your marketing efforts. For example, you can track the number of leads generated from a particular marketing campaign and see how much money you’ve made from each campaign. This way, you can optimize your campaigns to get better results.
Analytics platforms also help you understand your customers so that you can create content and offers that appeal to them.
4. Project Management Tools
Project management tools are software applications that help you manage projects and collaborate with team members. They allow you to keep track of tasks, communicate with your teammates, and organize files in one place.
Some project management apps have features like calendars for planning events or deadlines. Others offer file-sharing capabilities, so different people can work on the same project at the same time.
Using project management tools helps you keep track of your projects and stay organized so that you can meet deadlines. This is essential for small businesses that are trying to grow.
Project management tools also help you collaborate with your team members, which can lead to better communication and improved productivity.
Whether you’re working on a new product launch or planning for the year ahead, project management tools can help keep everything organized so nothing falls through the cracks.
5. Social Media Platforms
Social media platforms are websites and applications that allow you to connect with friends, family, and other people who share your interests. They’re a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest news and trends and offer opportunities to build relationships with potential customers.
Almost every small business should be using social media platforms as a way to connect with their customers, increasing customer engagement. They also increase brand awareness, improve lead generation and management, and raise conversions.
The most popular social media platforms are Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. But each platform offers different features, so you’ll want to choose the ones that best fit your business.
For example, if you’re a B2B company, then LinkedIn is the best platform for you. If you’re a B2C company, then Facebook and Instagram might be better choices.
Not sure which platforms will work best for your business? Try using one or two first to see how they perform before committing to the others.
The bottom line is that if you want to grow your business, then you need to use technology tools that can help you manage your operations and reach new customers. These are just a few of the many tools available, so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the ones that work best for you. The key is to find tools that can help you manage your business more effectively and improve your bottom line.
