As a small business owner, you likely try to keep your operating costs low. One step business owners may take to reduce overhead is to minimize investments in software and other technology. However, skipping such essentials can cause you stress and lose you money in the big picture. For example, failing to invest in security for your technology can result in data breaches, costing you valuable cash. ClearTalking invites you to read on to learn about some essential tech investments no business owner should be without.
Use tech to automate processes
Automation can save your business time and money. It can also help streamline processes. For example, you can use automation tools to improve your customer service. Automated chatbots can be a solid first point of contact, answering easy queries. More complicated issues can then be escalated to human service agents. Automation can help in other areas as well. Productivity platforms, as well example, can help with issues like sales force automation and call log reporting, for example. By having one tool to automate many tasks, you can keep your workflows centralized.
Get tools to boost your website security
Your website is a central hub for customer communication. Potential customers refer to it to learn about your products and services. Depending on your business model, they may also buy products or services, make appointments, or send requests for quotes. You want to make sure your website is safe with security tools like DataDog, which detects risks, and BitNinja, which stops hacker attacks. These kinds of tools are especially important if you process sensitive data like customer payment info on your website.
Invest in general cybersecurity technology
Your website isn’t the only part of your business that needs to be protected against cyber attacks. IT Business Edge provides a comprehensive guide to cybersecurity tools worth investing in if you’re a smaller business. For example, antivirus software can keep devices like laptops and tablets safe. Meanwhile, a firewall and VPN can help protect your online browsing. If you aren’t sure what kinds of cybersecurity technology you need, consider hiring a consultant. It’s better to invest now than to risk a data breach or hack down the line, which can require costly fixes and result in reputational damage.
Use technology to boost efficiency
In addition to protecting you, your technology can also help your business run more smoothly. For example, project management software makes it easier to collaborate, while chat apps like Slack and Chanty simplify communication. A PDF tool is also convenient, making it easy to share documents. Plus, you can use tools to help you edit these docs as needed. For example, if you need to sign off on a PDF-based contract, you can use an online tool to help you get the job done (you can try one example by clicking this link).
Best practices for buying tech
If you’re shopping around for business technology, do your due diligence. Compare prices and read reviews of any software before investing. Also, check what kind of customer support is available to you. You can call the customer support line as a test run before buying, seeing if anyone picks up and what kind of assistance they can provide. Some technology providers also offer perks like free tutorials that show you how to use and implement their tools.
It might seem like pricey technology is a waste of money for a small business. In fact, the right tools can save you time, headache, and cash in the big picture — and some of them, like online PDF editors, can be used for free at no cost to your business. Trust the tips above to guide your tech-buying going ahead.