5 Small Business Technology Trends for 2021

Small Business Technology November 30, 2020

Chloe Henderson

Writer

Many small businesses eventually undergo a complete digital transformation to stay up to date on customer trends and preferences. In fact, there are various technologies available to startups and small companies to streamline operations.

By utilizing small business technology, organizations can automate repetitive tasks, improve customer management, and open new sales channels.

The Impact of Technology on Small Businesses

Even small businesses rely on technology, from work computers to cloud-storage, to perform daily procedures and improve operational efficiency. With modern business technology, startups can improve-

Data Exchange and Collaboration

Small businesses focus on building a loyal client base, partnerships, and teams, meaning they need a tool to promote data exchange and collaboration. By establishing an internet connection, businesses can utilize e-mail and instant messengers to link directly with third parties and share information.

Collaboration tools also help department leaders assign tasks to team members and actively monitor their progress. By updating employees with real-time alerts, small businesses can ensure everyone is on the same page and working towards their targets.

Flexible Work Environment

By utilizing modern technologies, such as management software and computers, small businesses can employ in-house and remote workers. This flexibility not only provides more employment options but can also reduce overhead costs.

By taking advantage of remote workers, companies can limit expenses, such as rent, utilities, and office supplies.

Instant Connection with Customers

Traditionally, businesses had to mail or call customers to receive feedback on surveys. However, companies can now connect directly to customers via e-mail, social media, blogs, and online review sites.

These tools enable small businesses to review complaints, suggestions, and comments in real-time to make immediate improvements.

Online Stores

Small businesses today have the option of opening online stores rather than investing in traditional storefronts. While brick-and-mortar stores have expensive overhead costs, such as rent, utilities, and decorations, online stores have virtually zero operational expenses.

From grocery stores to retailers, many businesses have expanded their sales channels to online shopping to broaden their customer reach. By establishing a strong online presence, companies can promote brand exposure and reach consumers beyond their geographical region.

Employee Training

New technologies often come with tutorials and training guides to streamline employee onboarding.

For example, advanced management software, such as forecasting or point-of-sale (POS) systems, typically come with preprogrammed virtual guides to demonstrate each function. Some providers even provide on-site help to physically show managers how to navigate the system.

5 Small Business Technology Trends

As consumers begin to change the way they shop, businesses need to incorporate new technologies to adapt. While many people believe only large enterprises are able to implement advanced technology, small businesses also have access to modern, cost-effective automation.

By keeping up with the latest technology trends, businesses can capitalize on emerging customer demands and preferences-

1. Distributed Teams

As the freelance market and collaboration software started gaining popularity, more and more businesses began employing remote workers. Some companies have even switched to being fully remote to eliminate overhead costs, as employees work from home on their personal computers.

By saving operational costs, small businesses can invest in expansion and marketing efforts.

2. Improved Customer Relationship Management

Customer relationship management (CRM) tools enable companies to monitor their customers' behavior, spending patterns, and preferences. This allows businesses to attract consumers, create a personalized customer experience, and build a loyal client base.

Once businesses pinpoint customer trends, they can utilize management solutions to project future demand. For example, forecasting software integrates historical and real-time sales information from existing software to detect patterns and predict future income.

Small businesses can use forecasting analytics to anticipate fluctuations in demand, sales, and staffing needs to improve customer satisfaction.

3. Contactless Payments

Contactless payments, also known as mobile payments, use digital wallets, such as Apple Pay and Google Wallet, to complete transactions without physically touching the terminal.

A mobile wallet sends an electrical signal to the terminal for immediate recognition, streamlining the transaction process, reducing wait times, and promoting customer satisfaction.

Mobile payments minimize traditional credit card fees for consumers while allowing businesses to collect valuable customer information. While some small businesses are holding out on adopting contactless payment technologies, trends show customers are growing more mobile-dependent.

4. Data Analytics

Many small businesses do not believe they have enough data to generate reports and analytics. However, just by tracking transactions, social media activity, and website traffic, companies can collect valuable insights.

Organizations can optimize data collection and analytics by implementing software, such as forecasting solutions, to generate detailed reports. Management can use analytics to develop actionable insights to improve internal processes, customer interactions, and strategies.

5. Cybersecurity

With emerging technological developments, there are new security concerns that businesses must address. Many customers determine where they want to shop based on payment and identity protection. Therefore, companies must prioritize cybersecurity to ensure that all sensitive data is secure.

By recruiting assistance from IT professionals, small businesses can implement firewalls and other safety measures to protect corporate and customer data. Advanced security solutions monitor movement within the system and alert management when it detects suspicious activity. This enables businesses to isolate and respond to threats quickly.