The new year is officially here and, hopefully, your business is thriving. Customers are happy, clients are beaming, and the revenue just keeps rolling in. However, as a business owner, you know that resting on your laurels can be dangerous, which is why staying up to date with the latest business technology is a necessity.
Companies of all shapes and sizes are now taking advantage of digital resources to help run everything from daily tasks to tedious data analysis. And if you aren’t making good use of this business tech, you’re missing out.
In this article, we’ll go over a few examples of the most essential business tech you’re going to need to compete in 2020. Take a look and see how you could upgrade your operations this new year, so you can keep growing and thriving in your industry.
Point-of-Sale Systems
Great for shops and restaurants
It might feel like everyone buys online these days, but brick-and-mortar shops are far from out of style. With in-person sales still accounting for more than $3 trillion per year, it’s safe to say the original shopping methods are going to stick around. Similarly, despite the rise of services such as UberEats and Deliveroo, the experience of eating at a restaurant can’t be replaced. But if you want to stay on top in these industries, you are going to need to update the way you make sales.
Nowadays, Point-of-Sale (POS) systems enable your business to take and manage payments digitally, meaning you can accept cards as well as cash and, with the best providers, contactless device payments too. The equipment and services required for this can be purchased at a low entry cost and also bring a host of additional benefits.
As well as making purchases incredibly easy for your customers (encouraging more sales) you can offer loyalty initiatives on the spot, and track crucial details from inventory numbers to best-selling products and employee performance. With these insights you can make informed decisions and boost repeat customers, without having to invest too much money.
Whether it’s as simple as a card reader add-on to your existing system, or a fully-fledged new iPad register with accessories, there’s a POS for every restaurant or retail business.
Get started with a POS system today
Field Service Software
Great for service businesses
Running a field service business can be incredibly stressful given the wide range of locations and jobs you have to keep track of. From anxious customers and frantic field workers to complicated routes and arduous invoices, it can be overwhelming if you don’t have the entire system organized. Fortunately, field service software is designed to keep track of all this and more, so you can focus on the big picture.
With the right field service software, you’ll be able to schedule and dispatch employees at a moment’s notice, optimize routes, track equipment, and communicate with customers and employees in real-time. Plus, with certain platforms, you’ll even be able to utilize marketing features designed to help you attract new customers.
It’s the technology customers truly appreciate, and one that ambitious service businesses can’t live without.
Get started with field service software today
Digital Marketing Platforms
Great for growing businesses
It’s no secret that social media has become an integral part of the business world in the last few years. Between Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and even LinkedIn, companies of all shapes and sizes have been able to reach out to new customers, as well as keep in touch with repeat customers, through these innovative platforms. But if you want to take full advantage of what these platforms offer, you’re going to need some digital marketing help.
Digital marketing platforms make the daunting task of social media management easier by providing insight, resources, and strategy for your business. From small platforms that simply give you the tools to schedule posts ahead of time, to robust software and teams that can do all the work for you, you’ll be able to tap into your entire market. The more you put in, the more you’ll get out.
Get started with a digital marketing platform today
Customer Relationship Management Software
Great for medium to large companies
The way you interact with your customers, be it in a support or marketing capacity, can be the difference between five star and no star reviews. Customer relationship management (CRM) software provides a wide range of intricate features that can keep your entire customer base in order.
More specifically, CRM software is designed to track opportunities. The right platform will automatically follow-up with first-time customers to gather feedback surveys, allow users quick access to customer records for communicating accurately in real-time, and comprehensively analyze data for you, to illustrate what’s working with your business and what isn’t.
Get started with CRM software today
Website Builders
Great for every business
Not having a website is no longer an option in the modern day; businesses that want to seriously compete in 2020 need to have an online presence beyond social media. Fortunately, a website builder can make the process as easy as it is painless.
Assuming you aren’t an expert, the idea of designing a website can seem pretty scary. That’s why website builders provide a simple interface and intuitive tools, that put the power in your hands to design a website you can be proud of.
You’ll be able to choose from a range of beautiful template designs, adapt it with as much unique content as you like, and include valuable features such as maps, contact forms and videos. It’s even possible to add e-commerce functionality to your site, meaning you can start selling online.
Get started on your new website today
Get Steps for Business Tech in 2020
Whether you’re a restaurant founder or a field service business owner, staying up to date on all the technology available to your company is incredibly important to your continued success. Hopefully, this yearly round up will help you get a good footing in 2020, so you can focus on the big picture items rather than the small business details.