Technology is no longer a “nice to have” item in a small business plan. To compete, you need to incorporate it into your business as a way to communicate with your customers and draw in new business. Make 2014 the year you engage technology in your business as a way to expand your customer base and revenue.
Create an App
A Pew research study reports that more than half of the mobile phone owners in the U.S. have a smartphone. The demand for apps is increasing and opens up an opportunity new to small business. By developing your own app that increases the user’s smartphone experience, you’ll have a device that keeps your brand out in front of the user.
The home improvement store, Home Depot, developed a free app that shows store layouts, helps the consumer find products and read reviews about them. It may not always result in a sale, but each time the app is used, the Home Depot logo becomes etched into the mind of the user.
Custom Phone Covers
Those mobile phone users all have one thing in common – they all need a cover for their phone. Another opportunity for you is to design custom mobile phone covers that you can give away to customers. For example, if you sell and install wind turbines for alternative energy generation in the home, you could create a series of Galaxy Note 2 phone covers that depict peaceful outdoor scenes with a small logo printed in the corner. The customer will always have your company in their hands when they make their calls.
YouTube Channel
Create a reputation as being an expert in your field by starting a YouTube channel filled with useful “how to” information. People love to read tips on how to solve problems they have and YouTube is a good way to give step-by-step instructions.
Don’t assume that people know it all already. Start with simple concepts. A Google search of “how to program my Tivo” on YouTube comes up with dozens of videos. Even though every Tivo unit comes with detailed instructions on programming it, the YouTube videos are a popular attraction.
Get Techie on Business Cards
The lowly business card still has a purpose, and with a quick upgrade, can become a part of your business technology. Quick response (QR) codes can be printed on them to give the consumer another way to get information about your company and products. You can embed information into the QR code, display a video or direct the consumer to a website.
Use this for marketing your e-Commerce website. Create a QR code on a business card, or flyer, that when scanned, takes the person to a special place on your website that gives then am extra 5% discount just for scanning the code. It’s like your business card comes with a built-in coupon.
Social Media is Not Optional
If you’re not already working with social media to promote your business, you need to be. Forbes says that this next year there will be an even bigger demand for multi-media social networking. Sites like Pinterest and Instagram are growing in popularity. Start several boards on Pinterest and begin getting sharable images out there that showcase your company and products.
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