Using technology as a tool for business growth

For every business, the ultimate and indisputable focus is growth. But the challenge is how to attain it in the most practicable way possible.

Today, technology has been evolving and it has been affecting every sector. Businesses are using technology to systematise, integrate, and re-engineer most operational processes. This has led to improved scale, streamlined processes, reduced operation costs, and increased production times.

But how can you use it to grow your business? As you read further, we are going to show you how you can maximize the opportunity technology has to offer to execute your business strategy and ensure growth.

The following will be discussed in this blog post

1. The impact of mobile devices
2. Have a Digital Presence
3. Leverage on Cloud Computing
4. Analyse Data
5. Use Productivity tools
6. Use Accounting Software
7. Use the CRM and ERP systems

1. The Impact of Mobile Devices 

There is no doubt about the massive usage of mobile devices, this is something you can’t choose to ignore in this digital age, especially when you have to develop your business growth strategies.

It is very essential to have a mobile-friendly website to improve user experience and boost your Search Engine Result Pages (SERPs) rankings. In 2015, the biggest search engine company Google introduced Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) project which helps to help speed up mobile pages. We will list a few tips for making your business website mobile-friendly, which include:

• Use simple navigation 
• Use high-resolution images
• Getting a very nice and responsive theme
• Use the proper font size
• Continually optimize your website

Secondly, you will have to develop a mobile application for your business. This allows your customers to interact with your business in a very convenient way. To build a mobile application you don’t need to bombard it with features, just make it simple and very accessible for customers.

2. Have a Digital Presence

There are massive daily users in the social media atmosphere. Since the initiation of Facebook in 2004, evident things have happened. We can agree that social media has influenced how companies develop and execute their business growth strategies.

“Facebook audience during the third quarter of 2022 has active users of 1.98 billion” according to Statista. Facebook is the biggest, there are other platforms which include Twitter, Instagram, Tiktok, etc.

All you ought to do is to dive into it and target your potential customers while connecting and engaging with your current customers. Firstly, you have to build a very compelling social media presence to boost your online visibility always make sure your customers know you are available on social media. Below are some tips to have a compelling social media presence:

• Promote your products and services
• Use Influencer marketing
• Engage your customers
• Offer customer service
• Share actionable content

Social media marketing has proved to be one of the best business growth strategies which can produce significant ROI. 

Lastly, when it comes to digital presence aside from social media there is also the use of websites, google my business, email marketing, etc.

3. Leverage on Cloud Computing

Cloud computing makes it possible to work in real-time. Some years the back business would use applications through downloaded software in their computers to complete tasks. With technology evolving, cloud computing has taken things higher for business. 

An example of Cloud Computing applications is where you can work on the same sheet i.e., google Sheets it allows users to work in real-time on the same sheet where some can be an editor, commentators, and viewers. Have you ever shared documents through Google drive or Dropbox? If yes that’s an instance of cloud computing.

The advantage of cloud applications is that you can manage your business operations anytime, anywhere, and also with any device. It reduces costs, increases mobility, and increases mobility. Cloud computing is also best for backups.

Lastly, using cloud computing servers is off-premises which makes you focus on growing your business as the suppliers are responsible for managing and making software upgrades.

4. Analyse Data

When you involve technology in your business data is always generated. When you get the best tools for collecting and analysing data, the benefits are always enormous. The fact that you have access to huge data and you use it efficiently you come to the realization of what you can achieve which are;

• Understand your market and competitors
• Reduce risk through insights
• Monitor and improve online reputation

Data analytics has become so important to those businesses that want to grow in this age of technological innovation. 

5. Use Productivity tools

Being able to do more in lesser time means a lot in a business. Productivity helps in determining your performance and tracking your progress. You can implement cloud applications for productivity. Some of the best products to use are Slack, StayFocusd, and TopTracker.

6. Use Accounting Systems

The right software will help you to understand the financial fundamentals of your business through tracking and reporting daily transactions. It also helps to determine the level of your and the effectiveness of your business strategies.

Here is another great benefit of using accounting software, it helps to make tax preparation easier.

7. Use the CRM and ERP systems

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software helps your sales and marketing departments to understand your customers, maximize opportunities, automate marketing processes, and improve customer support.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software helps in managing sales, marketing, accounting, human resources, manufacturing, and orders.

Businesses that use both can help to redefine your business strategies. You will see more insights into your customers’ needs and order history.

Conclusions

Technology is a powerful tool to improve business growth. Truth be told, the process of digitalization is not that simple, it takes time, consistency, and learning your approach to find ways to incorporate technology into your operations.

Identify tools that you can easily combine to have digital value, then have a design leveraging on what you have at that moment to know what digital capability works for you. As time goes on, you will continue to learn and know more about technology tools and trends that will benefit you through their deployment. Technology is dynamic

– Bamidele Israels