Technology that can take your small business to the next level
As a small business owner, finding technology that can make your life easier and save time is always going to be welcome. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best tech to help…
Email scheduling tools
Although entrepreneurs are always nagged not to work on evenings or weekends, the truth is that you sometimes cannot help but get involved out of hours. One tool that you should add to your arsenal is an email scheduling tool so that you can prepare emails in advance to send at a later date. Whether you’re sending invoices, meeting reminders, or simply following up with warm leads, scheduling ensures your emails are delivered at the most appropriate times, even if you’re out of the office or on the other side of the world holidaying.
Call handling software
As your business grows, you’ll need to have confidence in your current call handling skills and equipment to ensure you can cope with increased demand for sales and customer service. If you run an eCommerce store, for example, and overnight receive a mention in a mainstream newspaper article, you might be swamped with new enquires, and so having the right technology in place to help is essential. Working with a company that specializes in facilities management services such as call handling allows you to scale at your own pace.
Customer relationship management tools
Good businesses are all about building relationships with customers, and how well you build one with your clients determines how long they’ll stick around. A good CRM allows you to increase customer retention and satisfaction rates. Experiment with different options on the market and don’t be afraid to work with a developer to build your own if you can’t find a tool that offers everything you need at a price point that works; sometimes bespoke is best!
Accounting software
Although growing businesses should consider the benefits of an accountant or even hiring an in-house bookkeeper to assist with your day-to-day accounts, depending on online accounting software should also be considered. There are a number of options on the market, and each is designed to streamline your accounting process and ensure you’re only paying the necessary tax. Modern accounting software connects to your business bank account through Open Banking, automatically pulling in new transactions, saving you time, and ensuring that you don’t make any unnecessary or costly mistakes in your accounts.
Social media management tools
Social media remains one of the most effective ways to grow your business online and reach customers in new, more engaging ways. If you’re already on channels like Facebook and Instagram, you’ll know that they can be time-consuming to manage, but the good news is that there are a number of free and paid-for tools available that allow you to schedule content in advance. Alternatively, you can work with a company that offers social media management for a low monthly fee, ultimately freeing up your time for more important tasks.
Do you have any other tech recommendations? Let us know and check back for more.
