4 Ways To Integrate Technology Into Your Small Business
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With the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of technology for anything from working remotely to making purchases became even more popular. In the retail industry, many merchants, particularly small businesses, had to find a way of adapting to this new world. Oftentimes, small businesses hesitate to expand the technology they use in their stores. Around 40% of small-business owners don’t believe they can benefit from these tools. However, these merchants have the risk of losing customers and falling behind their competitors if they don’t adapt.
Small-business owners who haven’t fully accepted the need for technology should consider starting with these four options.
Provide Contact Information
One of the most important technologies is also one of the simplest: a business email address. Having this kind of contact option makes you much more accessible to customers or other companies. Additionally, emails can be sent on behalf of your business, such as newsletters or promotion announcements. Overall, an email allows for constant communication between a business and those associated with it.
Have An Online Presence
Social media is a vital component of connecting with customers and clients. Social media includes but is not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Through social media, a business can provide quick information and updates about its product or service. It also helps businesses reach a greater audience while connecting with existing customers.
Creating a website can also be helpful for a smaller business to reach a larger audience. Creating a website can be free and easy, plus it can make a huge difference for merchants.
Offer Tech-Based Payment Options
Cash payments are becoming less common, and with the pandemic discouraging physical contact, many merchants and customers have become accustomed to cashless, electronic payments. Considering many customers carry very little cash on average if you’re a cash-based business, it’d render people unable to purchase from your store.
When considering other payment options, merchants must determine what will work best for them. Beyond accepting debit or credit cards, electronic payments are a popular choice. If you have the space, self-checkout kiosks allow for a quick, easy checkout without the customer and cashier needing to interact. Because many kiosks can process cash, you can continue accepting that method of payment.
Use Software That Makes Business Efficient
Another important piece of technology for businesses is a point of sale (POS) system. A POS system helps check out customers, track daily sales and inventory, connect multiple store locations, calculate taxes, and even track the hours an employee is working.
A powerful POS system should be able to save a merchant time, improve business, and help relationships with customers. However, it’s important to research the best POS option for your business. For example, if you own a gas station, upgrading your equipment to a pump-integrated POS system offers your customers the convenience of paying for items in your store while simultaneously paying for their gas. Plus, if your fueling points are up to date with EMV-compliant card readers, you’ll be protected from fraud.
Understandably, you might be questioning your need to incorporate technology into your small business. But if you do it properly, technology can be easy to adopt and save you a lot of time. With the combination of the resources mentioned, you can transform your business.
Reference
Katz, Elie Y. “4 Ways To Integrate Technology Into Your Small Business,” Small Business, 31 Aug. 2022. Forbes,