The simplest form of technology is the development and use of basic tools. In today’s business world, it’s helped small startups to enterprise level companies cut costs, save time and simplify procedures like never before.
We all know and love the popular SaaS platforms, automation tools and apps that made the most necessary but tedious tasks like invoicing a customer become paperless, automated and efficient. One example is the hugely popular accounting software and app, Quickbooks.
But what about the thousands of tech-niche companies we’ve never heard about but could help our business effectively save money?
These are examples of 5 tech-niches that can increase a business’s profitability and growth in today’s dynamic market:
1. Mobile Payment Apps
Apps like MANGOPAY allow merchants and sellers to complete payment transactions easily and automatically via mobile phone. Many customers prefer using this payment method instead of cash, which opens the door for better user engagement. You can add coupons and promotions along the way and boost your cash-flow. These apps also eliminate the need for costly sales machines, shorten transaction times and lower transaction fees. The best mobile payment systems can also automatically track your inventory, leaving less expenses to fall in between the cracks.
Get to know your customers. Using a mobile payment app creates a huge customer database. With insights such as preferred payment method, how much they spend and how frequently they shop at your store simplifies marketing efforts while enhancing customer service. Even signing your e-signature on the phone is kinda fun.
2. Social Media Scheduling Tools
Small business owners who lack a social media team know the time and effort it takes to connect with their prospective customers online. The effort to post content on multiple platforms at specific hours is as time consuming as it is distracting.
Social media scheduling tools such as Buffer helps manage your social media accounts by scheduling automated posts on the dates and times of your choice, without actually going on the sites themselves. You can also create content for week’s or month’s posts in advance and use the scheduling system to strategically release promotions and grow your business.
3. DIY Software Platforms
Software is big business, especially when that software is crucial to the success of a business. There seems to be a constant and growing need for programmers, which in turn makes software expensive to create – a cost often passed on to the businesses who buy. Thankfully, there is a cost-saving trend that your business would be wise to take advantage of. That would be do-it-yourself software platforms. You can build web apps, even with no coding experience at all, with platforms like Tadabase. The same goes for mobile apps with Appmakr or Appy Pie. These DIY software platforms make it easy for anyone to become a software creator, which is not only revolutionary, it can save a lot of money on software purchases for your business.
Depending on your what your business is, it can also save you time. For instance, a lot of website developers have taken up using one of the many DIY website building platforms out there because they can more quickly finish the work and move on to the next project. Time is money, after all. Plus, even if you aren’t a website developer, you can purchase a white label website builder and start creating sites for others on the side, or simply to diversify your business model. Taking advantage of software that lets you create without needing to code is a great way to save, or earn, your business a lot of money.
4. Marketing and Sales Automation Tools
The biggest burden in the sales process is spending time on menial tasks and manual work.
By adopting automation tools, small and medium businesses can see powerful improvements in the sales flow, retention and management of their clients. A company like Pega Sales Automation would help the sales team tremendously. Using AI to select the best qualified leads and guide reps through the sales process, this tool increases customer conversions at an upwards steady rate. This is just one of many available on the market, offering various features and capabilities to fit your needs.
Another company called Bpm’online, has a cloud-based software with end to end sales automation and CRM software. This all-in-one type of platform organizes the entire customer journey, helping employees improve methods of customer satisfaction and retention.
5. Task Management Tools
Task management tools are an easy, cost-efficient way for business owners to save time and money. These tools allow you to create, track and manage tasks digitally, rather than manually. Employers can use this tool to help boost productivity and organization in the business, tracking their own work as well as employee’s. Features in these programs such as productivity reports can help mend inefficiency gaps. By automating repeated tasks and freeing more time for different projects, employees can improve their work flow and task progress.
Online task management tools like Notion and Trello can help you stay on top of your project or assignments. You can set automatic reminders and updates and serve as a collaborative tool so that everyone on your team is up to date and informed.
All of these tools, plus many more are easily accessible to help your organization save time, increase efficiency and generate higher revenue. The business environment, as well as technology, is constantly evolving but becoming more attainable. As a business owner, it’s vital to research, implement and adapt to these innovations that make life easier and businesses more successful.
