Looking back at the businesses of the past, I like to think that things have evolved. It’s true that we still do business in the same way; that is, someone wants to sell something to someone else, and that someone else wants to buy something, and if the two have the same idea in mind, a deal can be struck. However, I also know that despite the basic premise of business is the same as it has been for thousands of years, the way that buying and selling are done has changed immeasurably, and that is all down to the tech that is used and how business owners use it. Let’s look at just how and why this is happening today.
We Have More Choice
Technology does a lot for us, sometimes literally doing things for us, and one of the elements it brings to business is the fact that we have a lot more choice. When I say ‘we’ I mean business owners and customers alike; everyone has plenty of choices when it comes to what they want to sell, what they want to buy, and how the process is done.
This means that business owners can be entirely comfortable with their own products and services, and the way their business is run. They can work out the best way to do this, using the tech that is available to them, to ensure they are completely at ease in their work, doing a good job, and keeping their customers (and their staff) happy.
Remember, though, the same is true of the customer; they also have plenty of choices. Therefore, use technology to garner reviews and testimonials, and to ensure that your customer base is always aware that you are still around. This can be done through blogging, vlogging, and sending out email newsletters, for example – more examples of how tech can help business.
Social Media
One of the ultimate advances in tech right now is social media. Although you might only use it for personal reasons at the moment, and although it might not seem like a very business-like thing to do, social media such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram can be the perfect way to connect with your customers for little to no money. I always recommend carrying out good market research to see where your ideal customer is spending their social media time and then creating an account on that platform.
Use your social media account to post links to your blogs from clickintelligence.co.uk and to write about your ideas, thoughts, and plans for the business. You can post about special offers, or simply link to news stories about your industry. The content should be interesting and informative, and you should post regularly. You also need to take the time to engage with your followers as this will help them to see that your business is a friendly, knowledgeable place to buy from.
The Safety Factor
No matter how many people are happy to buy online, there will also be many who are still a little reluctant, and I can understand why; there are hackers and cybercriminals out there who are waiting for a chance to steal sensitive information such as banking details, credit card numbers, and contact details.
As a business owner, you can use technology to help those who are worried about online security to feel much safer. Using the cloud, for example, will keep their data safe, and firewalls and virus protection will give an added edge of security. Let your customers know what steps you are taking, and they will be much happier to buy from you.
