Most people know that in order to start a business, one of the first things you’ll have to do is come up with a business plan. Your business plan will detail what you hope to accomplish as far as sales and profits, and it will also include the research required to identify your target market.
You’ll also have to get business insurance and make sure that you have all of the proper licensing and permits required to run your business. However, there’s a digital side to the business that many entrepreneurs tend to overlook. These three things will be essential to the success of your business.
#1: A Business Website
Even if your business has a physical location that operates in person, it is still very beneficial for you to have a professional website for your business. Your website is the hub for all things related to your business. It should include information such as your location, hours of operation, telephone number and email address, and information about what you’re selling— even if it’s not available for purchase online. A good business website should also include an “About” section that tells your visitors what your business does exactly and its mission. There should also be frequently asked questions (FAQ) and a customer service section if you sell your products through your website.
Another great addition to your website is a blog. Your blog should relate to your business and whatever it is that you’re selling. Blog posts can be articles that include research that backs up any claims that you make and other informational content. A blog also increases your chances of people finding your website, and therefore, making a purchase. Utilizing search engine optimization (SEO) techniques, your blog will allow your website to rank higher on search engines such as Google.
#2: Business Profiles on Social Media
A website is just the beginning of establishing an online presence for your business— which is essential for your success. It’s also important to have a strong social media presence. If you’re not a social media person, you should still have a presence on social media for your business, even if you have to hire a social media specialist to manage it for you. Billions of people use social media every day, meaning there’s a huge audience for you to hone in on to promote your business.
Facebook is currently the most popular social media platform, and luckily, it suits all types of businesses. If you have a social media account on different platforms (which isn’t a bad idea), it’s important to pay attention to which platforms are yielding the best results. This is how to know which platform(s) to put most of your effort into. Instagram is another platform that all types of businesses can benefit from, especially if you sell products or provide services that can be best marketed through pictures.
#3: Business Software
While some small businesses can do many operations without the help of major software, just about all businesses can benefit from smaller software. This “smaller” software includes things like organization applications, such as Trello. However, once your business starts to expand, you’re going to need other types of software. You’ll definitely need cybersecurity software to protect sensitive business information and accounting software that keeps track of things like billing, payroll, and other financial information. It’s also good to have customer relationship management (CRM) software, project management software, and time management software that keeps track of how well your business is performing across the board.
This may seem like a lot of different software to invest in for one business. Luckily, there are companies like JD Edwards Consulting that provides business software that offers a variety of functions for your business.
The digital side of your business is just as important as any other aspect of it. In fact, it may be the most important aspect of your business. Advances in technology have positively impacted many areas of our lives, and the impact it has had on business is just as positive.
