When launching a new business, you need the best tools at your disposal to succeed. Most startups launched in today’s tech-driven environment center on the use of digital tools and tech. Approximately 93 percent of companies say innovative technologies are necessary for achieving their digital transformation goals, according to a study by Forester Consulting. From staying connected with customers to operational efficiency, the use of business tools for small businesses is no longer a convenience: they are now an essential part of running a successful business.
Social Networking Is Now A Go-To Shopping And Communication Channel
For any newly launched business, customer service is an important cornerstone in building their brand. In fact, 96 percent of customers believe customer service plays a large part in determining their loyalty to a brand, according to research released by Microsoft. Therefore, no longer are customer basing their purchase decisions on product quality or cost, but they are also considering the intangible qualities of the business behind the brand, including great customer service.
With over half of the globe now using social media and 54 percent using social media platforms to research products or for customer service, the way companies communicate with customers has shifted. A decade ago, social media was considered an optional aspect of a business’ customer service. Now, a social media presence is the norm for any business – offline or in eCommerce. As a result, more businesses are turning to business tools like social media management tools to help them manage their social media customer service and content. Customer engagement and social media analytics tools such as KeyHole and Google Analytics are now widely used by businesses, large and small. Software like CoSchedule and Monday.com are also commonly used to manage business content planning, helping businesses optimize traffic and convert them into sales.
The Post-2020 Consumer Revolution Indicates A Digital Consumer
The future of the consumer population is digital. In the last year, a record number of consumers have shifted to online buying. While some of this change was fueled by the pandemic, the habit is set to stick. Going into 2021 and oncoming years, the need for businesses to adapt digitally is stronger than ever. More businesses are recognizing this shift and capitalizing on it to remain competitive – and the use of business tools like video conferencing software and virtual meeting rooms is now an essential part of their digital transformation strategy. For instance, retail giant Target is widening its curbside grocery delivery initiative after enjoying a 141 percent increase in digital sales at the beginning of 2020. This shift has expanded to other industries as well. For instance, vendors in the wedding industry have responded to the year’s challenges by going virtual, including virtual venue tours, wedding planning, bridal dress fittings, and even virtual wedding ceremonies. While accelerated out of need and safety concerns, wedding vendors are now using video conferencing and project management tools like RSVPify, to help couples understand the rules when getting married virtually, such as when to send out digital invites to their guests.
The Need For Business Agility Remains More Pronounced Than Ever
As a new entrepreneur, you must be prepared to face challenges. This has been witnessed in 2020. Turbulent business conditions have strengthened the need for businesses to be able to respond quickly and appropriately to changes if the business is to survive. Business agility and the use of business planning and predictive software like Board and RapidMiner have become a much relied upon tool in achieving this. Whether you are new to the entrepreneurial world or a seasoned pro, there is a business tool to improve your business functions – from automation of repetitive tasks to better organization or enabling remote working in your workforce. In fact, the acceleration of remote working recently has only strengthened the reliance on business software to keep employers and workers connected – and a business running smoothly.
The embracing of business technology is by no means at a standstill. With an ever-evolving technological market and increasing benefits between the use of technology in business, the use of business technology will no longer be optional. Before long, it will be inescapable.
