The internet has revolutionized the way we all work. However, small businesses often see internet based services as an expensive option though they do not realize that there are a few key online services that can help them make huge savings each year while boosting their productivity.
1. Use online office spaces
Google Documents and other web-based office suites allow businesses to go paperless. As we all know, stationary is a major expense for most businesses as they usually have to buy and maintain printers, scanners and copiers to share documents. Using an online service for the same represents huge saving for most businesses.
2. Hire freelancers
Hiring freelancers can help businesses go global and save a lot on salary payments. In some cases, hiring a local person to come and work in-office might be a lot costlier than hiring someone in another country. Hiring freelancers from another part of the globe allows you to get expert services at reduced cost through high exchange rates of your country’s currency over that of the freelancer’s.
3. Use online services to communicate
Any serious business needs to have a dedicated landline where customers can reach them. However, having an official email address for your business also helps customers and clients communicate with you. Getting your employees on an IM platform (preferably one that is linked to your own company website), having them on Skype etc. helps your team stay in touch even from afar. This undoubtedly boosts productivity while reducing your phone bill.
4. Improve your brand’s identity
Visual brand identity is a must have for new businesses and startups. You can use a website, a dedicated business blog, interlinked social media profiles etc. to improve your business’ brand identity. You have to remember that the same platforms are being used by virtually every business in the market and that you would need to work very hard to make your presence felt. Customer service, as usual, would be the key to making your online presence beneficial for your business.
5. Use online services for sales and marketing
The internet is filled with advice on how small businesses can use the World Wide Web to generate sales leads and market their wares. This is the most obvious advantage of online services for small businesses. Use social media to the max to connect more closely with your customers though you should also use these platforms to stay in touch with clients and potential businesses contacts too.
