Most small businesses don’t have a huge technology budget or an in-house IT department you can call up anytime. Nevertheless, every small business has tech needs that are critical for growth and success. You may feel like new and innovative technologies are too much for your budget, but the truth is that putting off these investments often does more harm than good.
Even when you know it’s worth the investment, there are times when you need extra funding to pay for tech investments. Especially when it comes to upgrades that will pay off in the long run (and even save you money), you may want to research outside funding to cover the cost. Start by reading online guides that break down your options and explain the process; multiple lending sources are out there for small businesses, including SBA and short-term loans. There are even loans you can get for specific needs, like equipment financing for when you need new devices.
With this in mind, these are some of the tech essentials that we recommend all small businesses should prioritize.
A Website Done Right
You know that having a company website is a basic requirement for any 21st-century business, but simply having a website is not enough. No matter what sector you’re in, potential clients will either be attracted to your business or run for the hills based on your website alone. The best websites are engaging and include dynamic features that impress. If web design isn’t your specialty, we recommend hiring a freelance JavaScript developer to get your site up to speed.
According to Upwork, JS freelancers are experts at web basics like HTML and CSS, plus they know back-end technologies and build tools like Grunt, Gulp, and Bower. With this knowledge, a qualified developer can ensure that your website is designed to catch your customers’ eyes by highlighting specific products. Another benefit that is critical for today’s customers is that JavaScript is mobile-friendly, which means your site looks amazing across PCs, smartphones, and tablets. With all of these benefits, the cost of hiring a JavaScript developer will pay for itself many times over. The bottom line is that you want your site to stand out from the crowd, and you want to convert casual browsers into paying customers.
Cloud Computing
Joining “the cloud” may seem like one of those things that’s only necessary for big businesses, but cloud computing is actually a smart strategy to take your business to the next level. This is because cloud computing helps you do more with fewer resources. Cloud solutions can be used in a few different ways, including cloud storage, cloud backup, Software as a Service (SaaS), and cloud hosting. The cloud essentially gives you the ability to do business anywhere you have access to the internet. Along with this flexibility, the cloud is an incredible tool for working collaboratively. The cloud also boosts productivity, which ultimately improves your bottom line. For example, the website All Business explains how you can even do administrative tasks with the cloud, making them easier and more efficient.
Cyber Security
Cyber security is a broad category that includes having the right technology in place to protect your business. Don’t make the mistake of assuming only bigger businesses are victims of cyber attacks; according to Small Business Trends, 43 percent of cyber attacks actually target small businesses, and these attacks can be extremely damaging. Your best defense is to make sure your computing systems are set up with data authentication and user authorization.
Cyber security is just one example of how putting off investments in technology can cost you in major ways. This is why these tech tools are worth every penny — it’s an investment in your business’s future. Your business may be small now, but your goals are big, and your tech capabilities need to support them. Contact us today if your business is ready to invest in your technology!
