Small Business Technology: Ask the Right Questions Before You Spend Money

Small business owners must find ways to stay competitive with larger companies that have more resources to expand their market share. The best way to remain competitive with larger businesses involves increasing brand awareness through the implementation of advanced technology strategies.

Most small businesses, however, such as grocery stores, auto part shops, and independent restaurants, do not have the resources to always keep up with the trending gadgets and deploy new technologies to enhance their operations. Small business owners have their hands full already with trying to pay the bills, managing employees, attracting new customers, and just keeping their business alive.

But online marketing has changed the technology game for small businesses. Most technology strategies do not require small business owners and entrepreneurs to invest financial resources. Small businesses can implement effective mobile, email, and social media marketing campaigns, without draining budgets. Nonetheless, small businesses and entrepreneurs should ask four questions before investing in new technology.

Onsite or Cloud Technology?

Onsite technology requires small business owners to perform hands-on duties, such as installing new software and backing up data. On the other hand, cloud technology automatically backs up, secures, and retrieves small business data whenever you need it. Cloud technology also allows small businesses to access third-party extensions by working with other cloud-driven technology solutions. Instead of having to worry about upgrades and reboots, you can spend more time answering customer questions and growing your small business.

What about Customer Data?

The primary reason for implementing the latest small business technology is accessing and analyzing data quickly to improve customer experiences. Ask any technology provider whether you own your small business customer data. You need to ensure the provider cannot resell your customer data not only to protect your customers’ personal data, but also your small business financial information. Small business technology must allow your small business to terminate the contract, export business data, and move the technology to another platform.

How Much?

Small businesses operate on tight budgets. Therefore, avoid the temptation to buy technology features that your small business does not need. Moreover, closely examine the annual contract, monthly rate, and hidden fees. Search for the small business technology contract that provides you with financial flexibility and no legal hassles. Most small businesses cannot afford to lock into long-term contracts that do not allow them to terminate the agreement.

Is There a Cheaper and Easier Way?

Small business technology does not have to clean out your cash reserves. You can simply establish toll free vanity numbers to expand brand awareness and provide superb customer service. Toll free vanity numbers should include a memorable and viral phrase that customers can easily recall and pass on to their friends and family. Although advanced technology can help your small business attract new customers, toll free vanity numbers produce more profits by providing you with a greater return on your marketing investment.

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