If you’re like many small business owners, the idea of investing in technology can make you anxious. Maybe you think it’s too expensive, or maybe you feel like it’s foreign territory. It might even seem like something too time-consuming to mess with. However, technology can be crucial to growing your business in today’s world, and it could be the difference in making your business more profitable. Here’s how to get started off on the right foot.
Expand your horizons
One of the most exciting aspects of technology for small business owners is the ability to broaden your market. For example, dropshipping is an ideal option with minimal overhead and no need to warehouse supplies. Those are two biggies, but on top of that, it can mesh beautifully with what you currently offer and expand your earnings potential.
There are plenty of products to sell online depending on your branch of business. For instance, are you a hairstylist running your own salon? Consider dropshipping hair products, cosmetics and eyelashes. Are you a party planner? Offer wedding supplies, Halloween decor, and party supplies. You can even choose to sell goods that aren’t within your branch of expertise. There’s a good amount of flexibility when it comes to earning income with dropshipping.
Stake your claim
Have you established real estate on the internet, or is the world wide web still a world away from your business? By staking out space on the internet, you offer potential customers and associates the opportunity to get to know you better. It’s a chance to spread the word about what you do, where you’re located, and why customers need what you offer. In fact, some experts feel a website is a must-have in today’s day and age, because when customers can’t find you on the web, they are apt to dismiss your product or service as invalid.
If you feel comfortable tinkering but don’t have a lot of computer skills, there are website builders that make creating a website quite simple, basically using a drag-and-drop function. The drawback is these tend to be quite fixed. If you want a more flexible or advanced design, you need to know some computer code, or hire a designer to tackle the project for you.
A website is a strong marketing tool. Once it’s established, it’s not only a place for people to learn about you, it opens a world of other opportunities.
More than basic
Are you considering jumping into a web-based store? E-commerce is thriving, and Forbes points out that you can get started even when pinching your pennies. Look into offering stellar website content, and add some bells and whistles such as automated emails when someone leaves items in their shopping cart.
Another idea is to network with digital magazines. If you can get your product or service featured, it’s great marketing, and it reinforces your validity.
Stay social
Social media is an effective marketing avenue you can exercise for free, and it’s generally user-friendly, both for you and the market you’re trying to reach. In fact, there are those who believe small businesses have certain advantages using social media for marketing, since the same people you’re trying to reach are going to be the ones likely to interact with you and post about you.
From your social media pages and posts, you can funnel customers back to your website, boosting traffic and thereby boosting sales. What’s more, social media allows you to keep the personal touch that draws faithful customers, without taking up a lot of your valuable time or money.
As a small business owner, technology is not only a great investment, it’s a must-have. Consider the opportunities available for boosting your business, both now and later. Even if it feels like foreign ground, technology can mean more profits and enhanced growth.
