What's New in Tech for Small Businesses

Devanshi Garg of Business News Daily writes that technology is essential to small business success - the key is knowing which tools can help your business get to the next level. With all the time you spend running your business, though, it's unlikely you can take the time to brush up on industry trends and comb the internet for tips. Small Business Patch will run through some of the tech tips Garg offers and provide helpful links so that you can learn and grow your business - without spending hours glued to your computer screen. 

Tip #1
Outsource Appropriately
Garg writes, "By utilizing strong service-based outsourcing firms for operational needs — like IT, accounting or HR — you’ll spend less time hiring, maintaining and evaluating fringe staff. This will give you more time to focus on your strengths."
Elance.com
Freelance.com
odesk.com 

These sites allow you to post a task, or choose from their database of freelancers depending on the task you need completed. A quick spin through odesk.com shows logo designers, SEO specialists and website developers for hire. You can browse reviews of freelancers, check out their previous work, and discuss your project with them. 

Additionally, you may already outsource your accounting or payroll to another firm - see what other services they offer, including HR, employee screening, and more. 

Tip #2
Embrace Mobile
"Devices such as smartphones, tablets, hybrids and other touch computing devices are far outpacing the desktop and laptop when it comes to rate of innovation, development and mindshare," says Garg. But how can you get your business up to speed on mobile?

First, make sure your business' website is mobile friendly. Go to your website URL on a smartphone and see how it renders - do videos play? is the information easily accessible? If everything looks out of whack, you need to adjust your content and structure so that customers looking for you on their phones will get an optimized mobile experience. Google has a good overview of multi-device sites here. 

There are various approaches to going mobile, depending on your budget:
- DudaMobile is a free service that helps businesses make their sites mobile-friendly
- If you currently use an outside web developer, ask them what the additional charge would be to develop your website with responsive design. Responsive design renders your site correctly on desktop and on mobile. 
- Other services include Mofuse, Mobify, Moovweb, and Weebly

Tip #3 
Mind Your Data
Most platforms now have services that can help you synthesize the data pouring in through your website, landing pages, email marketing campaigns, and in-store purchases into actionable steps for your business.

First, map out the ways in which you collect customer information. Do you have an email list in a spreadsheet? Do you use Salesforce.com or another CRM system? Do you have a customer loyalty program?

Adam Kleinberg at Entrepreneur.com details the ways you can access big data without hiring an analytics firm to dive into your business.