10 Ways Technology Can Help Your Business Grow

business owner using technology

Are you looking to take your business to the next level? Look no further than technology. With the rise of digital tools and platforms, technology has become an essential component of modern business success. 

The good news is you don’t have to be a tech genius to enjoy the benefits of technology for your business.

In this blog post, we’ll share ten practical ways that technology can help your small business grow. From simplifying your day-to-day operations and automating time-consuming tasks to improving your online presence and reaching new customers, we’ve got you covered.

Why?

The adoption of technology in business rose during the Covid-19 pandemic as customers changed their shopping behavior and demands. 

To put up with the changes in behavior such as online purchases, home delivery, instant communication, and faster solutions many businesses globally had to adapt to this new reality. 

For example, online shopping has been growing in Kenya with the market experiencing an annual growth rate of 6.7%, and expected to reach US$4198.00 million in 2027.

10 Ways You Can Use Technology For Growth

  1. 1.Create an online presence

How often do you use your phone to go online and look for a service or a product?

By having an online presence such as a website you will be able to reach your customers anytime anywhere without being limited by your physical location.

Consumers are turning to platforms such as Google to get information about services and products. 

When your business has an online presence, it makes it easier for anyone looking for a product or service similar to yours to find you online.

a website for a small business

According to Mastercard, 79% of Kenyans are doing their shopping online. More people are going online to access services and products.  Data, clothes, healthcare, banking, and other FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) are the most accessed products/services online.

  1. 2. Digital Marketing

Technology has made it easier and more affordable to reach your target audience through digital marketing. You can use social media, email marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), and other online marketing strategies to connect with customers and increase brand awareness.

All you need to do is speak to your customers or research your competitors and find out on what platform can they be found. 

digital marketing

After you have identified your audience and the platform they use creative content to keep them engaged this ensures that your brand remains on top of mind so that when they are ready to buy you are the first choice.

The good thing about digital marketing is that you can reach anyone online and you can use content marketing, social media marketing, and email marketing to meet customers.

Simply put digital marketing is when you want to tell your customers about a cool product or service you are selling, but instead of telling them personally, you show them on a phone or computer through videos, images, and posts. All this is done online so anyone can see and buy.

  1. 3. Cloud Computing

You can store and access data, software, and applications remotely, eliminating the need for physical storage and hardware. This can reduce costs, increase productivity, and allow you to work from anywhere.

Cloud computing allows you to access and store data and apps online rather than on a hard drive. 

You’re already using cloud computing if your business uses Google Docs for editing documents, Dropbox or Google Drive for file storage,  Microsoft teams for cross-team communications or online CRM software to manage sales. 

cloud computing for small businesses

Cloud computing ensures efficiency and streamlines operations by ensuring that your business and staff share information in real-time online.

By having access to the information anywhere, anytime your staff can work remotely or even past office hours when the need arises or there is an urgent need.

  1. 4. Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

CRM enables businesses to learn more about their customers, such as who they are and why they buy your goods, as well as trends in their purchasing histories. This enables you to better anticipate their needs.

CRM software can help you manage customer interactions, track leads, and analyze data to improve your customer service and increase sales.

  1. 5. E-commerce

E-commerce platforms allow small businesses to sell their products and services online. This opens up a bigger market for your business giving you an opportunity to reach customers beyond your physical location. 

E-commerce platforms also allow for more flexible and convenient payment options such as credit card payments, making it easier for customers to purchase from you.

online shopping

Platforms such as Jiji, Kilimall, Jumia, and Pigiame among others allow small businesses to sell products on their platforms.

  1. 6. Mobile Applications

Mobile applications help your business stay on top of mind so that when customers are ready to buy you become the first option. 

This is because when the app is installed it is displayed on your screen and the customer keeps seeing it all the time meaning that whenever they need a service or product, you are the first solution.

Apps are also more easily accessible than going to the website, making interactions and communication with your customers/prospects easier.

Mobile apps allow you to engage with customers and provide them with personalized experiences.

  1. 7. Automated Processes

Automation tools can help you automate repetitive tasks, such as invoicing and data entry freeing up time for you to focus on growing your business.

Accounting software helps simplify bookkeeping and financial management. It automates tasks such as invoicing and expense tracking, saving time and reducing errors.

a business owner using accounting software

Inventory management systems allow small businesses to manage their inventory levels more efficiently. This reduces the risk of overstocking or stockouts, improving cash flow and customer satisfaction.

  1. 8. Data Analytics

Your business can benefit from data analytics by better knowing what works and what doesn’t in its marketing efforts.

Analytics tools help your business by providing insights into the company operations, customer behavior, and trends. This helps you improve performance and make strategic decisions.

Data analytics tools and software such as Google Analytics can most of all help you collect and analyze data to make better business decisions, improve customer experiences, and optimize your marketing campaigns.

  1. 9. Online Learning

Online courses, webinars, and training programs can help you and your team improve your skills and stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices.

There are many courses online both free and paid, that can significantly help your business scale up by improving the skills of your workers.

  1. 10. Collaboration Tools

Collaboration tools such as Slack, Trello, or Microsoft teams can help you and your team work together more efficiently and communicate more effectively.

In conclusion,

Technology has revolutionized the way businesses operate in Kenya, and small businesses are no exception. With the advancements in technology, small businesses can now leverage various tools and applications to boost their growth and profitability. 

By leveraging the power of digital marketing, cloud computing, customer relationship management, e-commerce, mobile applications, automation, data analytics, online learning, and collaboration tools, you can take your small business to the next level.

Adopting technology for a small business may be expensive but with some financial help such as a loan from a bank or a lending institution like Ngao Credit, you can kickstart your journey to a successful business.

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