When you take a look at where technology was only one century back and reflect on all the huge leaps it has made, it becomes more than clear that the technological progress is exponential. While in theory, this may seem like a good thing, it brings along more than a few difficulties. Today, you have less time to implement all the latest technological trends, before they get outdated and replaced with something better. With this in mind, here are few tech updates that you should implement into your business as soon as possible.
Automation
First things first, the main reason why there are so many small companies out there is because of modern gadgets, devices and software allow most of the online businesses to undergo a total automation. Doing this, however, is extremely expensive, but going half way there and automating some of the simplest processes can be done even on a budget. For example, you can always automate a part of your social media marketing with platforms such as IFTTT (if that, then that). Needless to say, on some projects you simply can’t replace innately human abilities such as situational creativity or critical thinking. This is only meant to relieve you of some boring mundane functions so you can focus better on these more vital tasks.
Hardware updates
The best thing about updating software is that it is mostly automatic. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about hardware. Most businesses fall into trap of trying to save money on devices, which makes them get medium range computers. Later on, they try to run a piece of software with higher requirements and then wonder why it isn’t performing as promised. It is often better to just go right for the quality even if it means that you should rent instead of buy hardware. If you decide to buy, hunt for 24-hour deals on platforms such as Shopping Express.
Going green
Another thing you may want to do for your business in 2017 is going green. Why? Well, there are several reasons, actually. First, going with low-power appliances means paying fewer utilities for your office, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. By labeling your business as green, you get the chance to portray yourself in the better light during your marketing campaign. Hardware is not the only thing that will make your business green. For your website, you can choose a green host and make sure that the devices your servers are running on are good for the environment. In other words, going green helps your budget, your image, and your conscience – a triple win.
Remote workers
According to some stats, 45 percent of people in the US are working from home. Seeing how these numbers are constantly on the rise, we can safely claim that the 21st century is the age of telecommuting. This particular trend brings numerous advantages to SMBs. First of all, you no longer have to lease a big office, seeing how most of your employees aren’t present at the premises in the first place. Second, you have a much larger employee pool to choose from, meaning much greater chances of finding the right people for the job. Third and final, seeing how most of them are on performance pay, your job will become much more flexible during periods with increased or decreased workflow.
Conclusion
These four trends alone can help boost the efficiency of your business and give you a fighting chance even against some of your much larger competitors. Still, it is only a matter of time before even they are insufficient. What you need to realize is that the landscape of modern business world constantly shifts and those unable to keep up usually end up buried under this avalanche of new technological wonders.
Hardik Patel
Hardik Patel is a Digital Marketing Consultant, Editor of News for Public and professional Blogger. He has 5+ years experience in SEO, SMO, SEM, Online reputation management, Affiliated Marketing and Content Marketing.