Bringing Your Business Into a Technological era
Businesses worldwide are starting to rely more and more on technology to provide better products and services to customers. But if you’re yet to jump on board this technological train, then your business is at risk of falling behind its competitors. Even if you’re still making money, you’d be surprised at how much of a difference the right technology can make. Here are some ways you can embrace this new era today:
Accept card payments
If your physical store still only accepts cash, it’s time to invest in point of sale software. This means you’ll be able to accept all kinds of debit and credit cards as well as Apple Pay. Fewer and fewer people are using cash these days, especially after the pandemic, so not accepting card payments is a sure-fire way to turn people away. Point of sale software will also speed up a customer’s checkout process and may even prompt you to install some self-service lanes to improve the flow of traffic.
Start a website
Even physical businesses need a website in this digital world, so make sure you invest a bit of time and money into building an online presence. Whether you want your website to appear on Google search results, provide people with answers to FAQs or enable customers to make bookings, it’s never too soon to create your own space online. If you have a website but it’s very basic or doesn’t get much traffic, hire a freelancer or agency to help you make some much-needed updates to boost sales.
Use accounting software
Did you know that you now have to submit your VAT return online in the UK? Thanks to MTD or Making Tax Digital, all businesses that are VAT registered and earn an annual income of over £85,000/year must use accounting software. While lots of businesses already used an accounting solution for efficiency and organization, it’s now unavoidable. So, if you’re still recording your tax details on paper, it’s time to modernize your processes.
Use social media
After starting your own website, the next step is engaging with audiences on social media. Once upon a time, social media was just a way for friends to connect with one another, but now thousands of businesses are using a variety of platforms to promote their products. Social media allows you to really solidify your brand and make deeper connections with your customers. However, it’s important to note that you must have a strategy before posting, otherwise you’re unlikely to see results.
Is technology essential for businesses today?
The answer to this question is a resounding yes. There’s simply no way to continue trading in developed countries effectively without relying on some type of tech. Even if you’re able to manage for the time being, soon enough you’ll notice your sales dropping or your operations failing. The world is evolving and all good business owners understand that they need to change with it. You don’t have to do everything all at once, but start taking some small steps today.
