There is no getting around it. If you have a small business, you need to be online. Tools such as collaboration software and cloud backup make your operations streamlined, cost effective, and productive.
Even if you are not tech-savvy, there are things you can do to ensure your company is getting the most out of the available online tools.
Create a website:
The fastest way for people to find your products and services is by searching online. Your website can be very basic with just your location and list of services, or it can be elaborate and feature online ordering and secure partner log-ins. Simple sites can be created for free, but highly interactive sites are best left to the experts. Your web designer should also know how to incorporate SEO to make your site rank high on Google searches – and that brings us to the second point.
SEO is your friend:
Search engine optimization (SEO) refers to the strategic placement of keyword phrases in your website content and/or blog so when people type phrases into Google (for example, “affordable mechanic in Montreal”), your site shows up on the first page of search results. Since people seldom click past the first page, you want an experienced SEO professional to increase your site’s rankings. If you are tech-savvy, Google has numerous tools to help you optimize your website on your own.
Collaboration is easy:
Need to connect with contractors or staff working from home? Sites like Teamwork and Basecamp allow each team member to sign in and access documents, timelines, tasks and other information all at the same time. Each member is notified as tasks are complete or as documents are uploaded.
Meetings are a breeze:
There is no need to travel across town for meetings, or even venture from the office! GoToMeeting, Skype and other online applications allow you to hold audio or video meetings, complete with screen and document sharing. If you have off-site workers or a team in another country, you can quickly and easily hold meetings without booking expensive flights. This is also a great option for companies with clients across the globe. Hey, on that note….
Go Global:
With the ability to collect payments in any currency online, and to create shipping documents and advertise across borders, why wouldn’t you offer your products and services around the world? The Internet makes it easy to expand your horizons for very little costs, so you can take advantage of the global marketplace.
Connect with clients:
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram – you can stay first and foremost in your client’s minds by simply “playing” online in your favourite social apps. Advertising and client engagement has never been easier.
Everything from advertising to meetings to expanding has become a breeze since the rise of the Internet. If you are not taking full advantage of everything being online has to offer, you are not running your company at its maximum potential.
AF Accounting provides cloud-based services, virtual CFOs and other online services that help your business thrive. To learn more, explore our website today.
