Need help with accounting? What about graphic design? A website too? Chances are, there’s an online platform for each of your business’s growing needs. Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms deliver cost-savings and scalability without making significant investments.
Nowadays, it’s possible to run most of your business operations from a laptop. Digital transformation, the process of incorporating technology into your business, reduces costs and increases profits. There’s no doubt, to be successful, you need to utilize online platforms to create a company fit for our digital world.
6 Online Tools to Boost Your Business
From marketing to accounting, online tools provide a wide range of benefits to businesses of all sizes, allowing you to OPTIMIZE YOUR OPERATIONS.
1. A Website Builder
Over 50% of customers don’t trust businesses without a website. Across all devices, the average internet user spends six hours and 58 minutes online daily. Your clients are going to find you online via social media, or they’re going to ‘Google’ you. And, if you don’t have a website, they won’t hire you.
It’s harsh, but true. WEBSITES ARE THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO BUILD TRUST and show potential customers what you have to offer. With a website, you can provide detailed information about your services, post customer reviews, and sell products.
In short, a website is a prerequisite for any business to succeed.Website has approximately 80% of the website marketplace, but Squarespace, Wix and Weebly are some popular user-friendly website-building platforms, with various pricing packages that are worth looking into.
2. Content Creation Tools
Every business needs a simple and easy-to-use graphic design platform to create social media graphics, presentations, posters, documents, and other visual content. A free tool like Canva, for example, lets you create stunning graphics without prior design experience.
“Technology enables companies to remain competitive, improve customer service, and increase efficiency.”
– Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.
Utilizing this platform allows you to create visually appealing content essential for driving engagement and differentiating yourself from your competition. It is especially beneficial for small businesses that don’t yet have the capital to hire advertising agencies.
3. Social Media Networks
Social media helps build customer relationships, create brand awareness, and increase leads and sales. As such, social media marketing (SMM) should be integral to your marketing strategy.
Strategies like sponsored posts, videos with calls-to-action, cross-channel retargeting, and shoppable posts are ways to maximize the success of your marketing. Done smartly, SMM doesn’t have to break the bank.
Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and LinkedIn are the most popular. The secret to social media marketing success is being present on your customers’ platforms. You don’t have to use every one, only the most relevant.
4. Email Marketing Platforms
Nearly everyone uses email. 61% of adults use it daily, which is why it remains one of the most effective marketing channels. The average email marketing strategy encompasses sending weekly newsletters, promotional emails, and special deals.
Yet, performing these tasks manually, along with other business activities, is virtually impossible. Enter email automation platforms like Mailchimp, ConvertKit and Drip.
These platforms streamline the process of sending and managing emails, allowing you to design and send mass emails, create campaigns, segment audiences, track performance, and measure the effectiveness of their campaigns.
5. Accounting Software
Accounting software tracks your business’s financial information, from invoicing and billing to tax calculations and project management. Some can also be used to manage clients, reconcile bank accounts, and produce financial reports to aid business growth.
Such software automates time-consuming accounting processes, freeing up time and energy to invest elsewhere. It also securely stores financial data – accessible from anywhere – and ensures your business complies with government regulations. Trusted software options include Quickbooks, Xero, Freshbooks, and Wave.
6. Project Management Platforms
There will come a time when you need to outsource tasks to specialists. The question then becomes, “How to keep track of everything?” The answer: project management tools. Software like Asana, Trello, Basecamp, and Monday.com track deadlines, assign tasks, monitor progress, manage resources, and communicate with stakeholders.
“Technology helps businesses explore new opportunities and create more valuable experiences.”
– Indra Nooyi, Former CEO of PepsiCo.
Some even offer visibility into project costs and analytics to identify areas of improvement. Additionally, they ensure tasks, projects, and processes are managed in an organized and efficient manner while providing a collaborative platform for various team members.
Scale Your Image Consulting Business With the ByFERIAL Empower Group
To truly leverage online platforms, you must understand your business’s unique needs, operating environment, and growth plans. ONLINE PLATFORMS ARE ONLY USEFUL WHEN USED CORRECTLY AND FOR THE RIGHT REASONS. With so many options out there, it’s understandable if you need a little help.
Do you want to learn how to use established online platforms and marketing tactics, business resources, and connections to expand your business? ByFERIAL’s Empower Group is an exclusive community of business and image consulting experts designed to help you jumpstart and grow a profitable business. Get Empowered today to start building your business legacy.
