The days of running businesses by manually inputting information into computers are long gone. Technology for small businesses saw huge advancements in the 2010s and will continue to do so through 2020 and beyond. It allows small business owners to connect with their customers in unique, personalized ways that build trust and to connect with employees in ways that boost productivity and morale. These small business tech trends will become even more popular in the coming months.
Completely Mobile Experiences
More consumers than ever before want fast transactions whether they're shopping online or in the store. Mobile-friendly websites have been commonplace for several years now. If your website doesn't yet function with a responsive design, updating it should be your first order of business. If your clients can pay for your products or services on your website, integrate your payment options with mobile wallets that offer one-click checkout options. Apple Pay and PayPal are the most popular ones to date, but One-Touch and Visa Checkout are hot on their heels.
While many people shop for apparel, electronics, and even groceries online, they still spend money at brick-and-mortar places like cafes, movie theaters, and convenience stores. In-store shoppers want the same fast and easy payment options they get online. If your business has a physical location, integrate the same mobile wallet options into your point of sale software. Add mobile marketing options to your in-store merchandise as well. Most shoppers have their smartphones on them all the time. Studies show that people who can access discounts or product information on the go often purchase more.
Human Resources Applications
Corporations have entire human resources departments to manage information for other employees. The way people do business is changing, though, and many no longer work in large office buildings that have multiple departments. As the 2020s roll in, the traditional labor market is falling behind. These days, teach-savvy workers want to work for small businesses or focus on the gig economy. Businesses that hire employees from around the globe to work remotely need to get creative about their HR needs. Cloud-based human resources tools seem to be the answer. The applications collect employees' data in real time while providing them with self-service apps to have more control over their own information. Like traditional HR departments, cloud-based human resources options focus on recruiting and onboarding new employees, as well as engaging current ones by focusing on health and wellness and providing ongoing training.
Managed Information Technology Services
Small businesses and web-based companies need IT services as much as large corporations do, but they don't usually have the same financial resources and never have space to house an entire department. Managed IT services have become the solution. Remote IT companies offer many of the same services that traditional departments do, including enhanced data security, 24-hour-a-day monitoring, and the option to scale your services as your company grows. Connecting with a managed IT services provider is a must-have, as it protects your employees and customers from identity theft and similar types of data breaches.
Automated SMS Options
Automated SMS messages are a common communication method between companies and their clients. Consumers can receive text messages to alert them about new products, receive tracking information for their orders, and obtain unique verification codes for two-factor authentication processes. Businesses that want to use text messaging for their communication needs must first sign up for SMS API service. Doing so provides them with a global reach, two-way communication methods, targeted SMS campaigns, and full-service analytics, all of which can grow as the company does.
Whether your business is well-established or opening its doors for the first time this year, implementing these tech services you didn't know your business needed ensure you start the new decade off on the right foot. Remember to research first to determine which applications have the best reputations and the best tools to meet your needs.
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