Embrace Technology to Better Serve Your Customers




Whether you have one employee or hundreds, if you're a small business you should be embracing a few forms of technology to better serve your customers.

Card Readers and Shipping

One of the first areas where you could embrace technology is when it comes to payment processing. Most consumers do not have checkbooks or cash with them anymore. This can make for an awkward moment, or potentially the loss of a sale if you do not take card payments in your store. There are many ways to accept cards, by machine or applications, so you can find the one that best suits your business.

A second area where you can make shopping easier for current and potential customers is to offer shipping. Everyone is busy, and a client may want to patronize your business but find it difficult to get to your location. You can offer shipping or delivery services, or a combination of both. Keep in mind expenses (gas, fees, supplies) to determine which option would be a better choice for your budget.   

Maps and Social Media

While you may not want to be on all forms of social media, you should at least choose one to be a part of. It could be as simple as having a Facebook page, or an Instagram account, but many shoppers engage with companies through social media first, before they ever visit the business’ website.
Many local and visiting consumers find businesses through a Google Maps search rather than a traditional one. By simply updating your Google My Business account you can instantly provide mobile users with your location, website, photos, and contact information. It is also a great way to gain positive customer reviews, which can help influence potential clients on whether or not to visit.

Website

Perhaps the most essential part of technology you should embrace as a business owner is having a website. Website costs are more affordable than ever, and the ease of use and ability to customize is supreme. In the digital age, your company’s website is now the first impression your business will make on future customers. Around 88 percent of consumers will research a product or company online before they make a purchase in-store.

With a web page you can offer more benefits to better serve your customers as well. The ability to purchase online and pick-up in-store, buying directly from your website and having your product shipped to them, or simply having your hours, product info, employee bios, and contact information easily available are all ways you can provide better service to your clientele. If you conduct a search for current website costs, you may be pleasantly surprised by how affordable going digital really is.

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