Small businesses often struggle to eke out a profit once employees and bills are paid, and raw materials are purchased. However, today’s digital age means you have access to technology that can help you save money in the short and long term.

Today, we will take a look at a few pieces of tech that SMBs might want to consider. First, however, Web Notes and Ramblings explains that the best way to decide if you’re making a smart investment is to see if you can contact someone in support to ensure support will be available when and if you need it.

Cloud Storage

Cloud storage is a virtual warehouse where you can keep everything from documents to designs to spreadsheets. To find out more about what cloud storage can do for you, do a little online research to see who offers information about the most popular cloud storage providers and online backup services.

Document Management

How much time and money do you waste each day looking for misplaced papers, receipts, and even customer orders? Unless the answer is zero for both, then it’s time to implement a document management and organisation system. You can utilise the cloud for this, but it’s a smart idea to save PDFs (you can save these to your iPhone if you’re going to be without an internet connection). PDFs can be shared across platforms, edited, and re-saved quickly and easily.

What’s more, using password-protected PDFs is a smart way to protect data-sensitive files from a cyber attack. And, if you need to edit the file, it’s easy to convert it back to a Word document once you’ve entered the password. This tool may help you with this process. Another helpful tool in completing forms quickly is a digital tool that will let you sign a PDF online so you can complete documents without having to print and mail them in. It’s as easy as uploading the file to make changes, then download and share.

Sublimation Printing

If you are a small business with just a few employees, you may be able to save money on custom apparel and company swag by printing it yourself. A sublimation printer may cost as low as $800, and all you need is a handheld heat press to transfer your brand and images to your T-shirts. This does have limitations, which you should research first; however, it will save you a design and setup fee if you only need a few shirts at a time.

Before you invest in a heat press or any other piece of technology, do your research to ensure that you are making the right investment. Check out the company that makes the product. Are they well reviewed? Is the company in good standing? And ensure that you understand all of the costs involved in your purchase. You don’t want to put a lot of money into equipment that is only a small part of what you’ll need to actually use it.

E-Commerce

If your website does not have an online store, you are wasting a valuable opportunity to capture a broader audience (and their dollars). There are many e-commerce platforms to choose from, and the ecommerceCEO blog chooses BigCommerce, Shopify, and WooCommerce as the best.

Artificial Intelligence

The idea of adding artificial intelligence to your business can sound like an intimidating prospect. It does not have to be. AI can come in many forms, and things like chatbots, email marketing, and smart cyber security can engage your customers, outreach to new and existing clients, and reduce security incidents on your website, respectively, according to Techvera. Remember, you control what your AI can do. With the right programming, this can take many man hours off of your payroll.

Invoicing

Paper, pens, and carbon copies are out. Today’s consumers tend to prefer electronic invoicing and payment methods. If you’re not already utilising a digital point of sale system that accepts multiple payment options, then you are missing out. Furthermore, as Due.com points out, having accurate invoices, which you can get by using invoicing software, can help eliminate billing questions and tracking problems. As a consequence, you get paid what you’re due, and you get paid on time.

Invest in the Right Technology

Technology used to be reserved for only those businesses with the biggest budgets. No more. Today, all businesses have access to things like online document management, artificial intelligence, and more without a huge investment. Before you make a choice, don’t forget to confirm that support is available, and don’t be shy about taking some things into your own hands, such as making your own apparel and launching an online store.

Are you looking for information about technology and online resources? Then check out Web Notes and Ramblings!

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