Over the past 3 years we have seen incredible growth in the internet both in terms of users and uses. The internet enables many small business owners to obtain customers Nationally and even Internationally for small amounts of capital. Other internet technologies can increase business efficiency. Yet so many business are daunted by the prospect and many small business owners make little use of the internet. Here are 8 tips aimed to help small business owners:
- Create a website. There are lots of free packages out there to help you develop your own website. However, for relatively small amounts of money it is well worth investing in the expertise of a web developer who can create a professional website to project the correct image for your company. Just as in all walks of life, there are good, bad and indifferent web developers. Carry out your own research looking of other small business sites, most such websites have the a link to the developer on the homepage with their contact details. As such you should be able to contact the company that has developed your favourite sites.
- Update your website. You have invested in a website, keep it up to date. Make sure your products or services are current. Update with recent news.
- Make sure that your website is being found in search engines. There is no point in having the best small business website in the world if no one knows about it! There are a group of IT professionals that specialise in this type of work. It is know as Search Engine Optimisation or SEO for short. Consider recruiting such help.
- Consider internet adverts. Search engines, such as Google, Yahoo and Bing have their own versions of internet advertising. This will push more customers to your website.
- Use Social Media. Millions of people use social media such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. These can be used to promote your business to a lot of people in little time.
- Write a Blog about your business. Try to avoid writing sales articles, but offer people free helpful advice about services and products, build up a following who hopefully will then turn to you in the future.
- Use an online bookkeeping program. Again, such programs save you time and allow you to access your businesses books and records wherever you are in the world that has an internet connection. It is advised to check with your accountant to see what they recommend. It may even save on your accountants charges at the end of the year.
- Use online banking. This will help you save time and keep a close eye on your business finances.