From the simple printed calendar to the more advanced business videos that are quickly becoming commonplace, all businesses have their favorite technological tools. Staying up to date on the newest technology and utilizing these tools daily can ensure that your business is a step ahead of the competition. Each of these tools is designed as a way to simplify your regular tasks, or to enhance your interactions to make you stand head and shoulders above the rest. The following are popular technology tools that every business should be using in order to stay relevant in the digital age.
The Most Basic
The first thing your business needs to stay connected and up to date with your customers is the most basic of tools – the Internet. With unlimited functions and the ability to reach millions of people all over the world, the web can spread news of your business faster than almost any other marketing tool. Your sales reps should be online constantly, and the online persona of your company should be closely maintained and watched. This is the first place many of your customers will see your brand, and you want the experience to be memorable – in a positive way.
Tablets & iPads
With mobile devices that are constantly connected to the Internet, your sales reps can be updated at all times. These tools are portable and user friendly, to allow your employees to simplify their tasks and become more efficient. Add an enterprise video platform complete with training videos, and communicating with your employees who work out of the office regularly is easy and fun to do. Keep up to date with your customers and prospects with video conferencing and email that is installed directly to your tablets.
Social Media
The best way to communicate with your customers is through social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus. With these tools, you can get direct feedback from customers about your products and services. Businesses also use social media to advertise new products, and offer special discounts and offers to those who are the most loyal of fans. With social media, you also give your customers the chance to share your product with their friends each time they finish a transaction with you. Successful small businesses understand the value of social media and its effect on advertising and customer satisfaction.
Cloud Storage
Keeping your data safe is a tricky task for any small business. Fortunately, businesses have the option of using cloud storage to protect and store data that is essential to the company. Programs like Dropbox allow you to share your files and information digitally with those not in the same office. Cloud storage also allows you to access important data from anywhere, rather than requiring you to be in the office while you are working.
Collaboration With Video
The way you communicate with your customers is essential. When customers head to the Internet to buy products and services, the face-to-face interaction with the company and brand is often lacking. If you can add this factor into your product with video collaboration services, you will have the chance to chat with your customers in a way that makes you seem more human and approachable. Communication is simple with other employees and important contacts with programs like Skype. Talk virtually face to face with anyone, anywhere in the world with a video collaboration application.
SEO For Your Website
Your website won’t draw hits on its own. It’s up to you to utilize SEO techniques to bring the right kind of viewers to your site, and turn those viewers into sales for your company. With techniques like SEO articles, pay-per-click ads, and company blogs, you raise your ranking in the search engine list and bring the right kind of user to your website.
