Top Ways to Bring Digital Innovation to Your Westfield, MA Small Business
In the modern business world, digital innovation is key to success. No matter what industry you're in, there's a good chance that your customers are interacting with your business online—and if you're not keeping up with the latest digital trends, you're at risk of falling behind your competitors.
Fortunately, it's never too late to start making changes and implementing new technologies in your business. The Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce has put together a few ways you can use digital innovation to grow your business below.
Enter the App Arena
In our mobile-centric world, it's more important than ever for businesses to have a presence on mobile devices. Creating a mobile app for your business, according to All Business, can make it easier for your customers to interact with you and make purchases from their smartphones and tablets. Plus, with the right marketing strategy, your app can help you reach new audiences and boost your brand awareness.
AI is Changing the Math
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way businesses operate—and those that adopt AI tools early on will be at a competitive advantage. Keap explains that AI can be used for things like automated customer service, targeted marketing, and sales predictions. If you're not already using AI in your business, now is the time to start.
Work with IT Pros
Outsourcing your IT needs to a team of experts can save you time and money in the long run. A good IT service provider will be able to help you implement new technologies in your business and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. Plus, they'll always be clued in on the latest trends and developments in the world of IT—so you don't have to be.
Improve Access Through the Cloud
Cloud computing is one of the most popular digital innovations of recent years—and for good reason. Moving your business to the cloud can improve your flexibility and scalability, reduce your operating costs, and increase your efficiency. If you haven't already made the switch to the cloud, now is the time to do so.
Improve Efficiency Through Data
Big data is another area where AI comes into play. By collecting and analyzing large sets of data, businesses can gain insights into their customers' needs and desires—which can be used to improve their products or services accordingly. However, working with big data can be complex and time-consuming—so if you don't have the internal resources to do it yourself, it may be worth outsourcing this task to a team of experts.
Keep Data Secure from Cyber Threats
Even small businesses are at risk for cyber theft, which is why you should work with a cybersecurity company to implement appropriate strategies to keep your business - and your customers - safe. But there are things you can do on a daily basis to protect your data.
Start by training your employees how to identify fraudulent emails and phishing schemes. And emphasize the importance of creating strong passwords and changing them regularly. You should also explain that PDFs are more stable and safe, and they can be password protected. So, if you haven't used a PDF online editor, try one to see how your teams can give and receive feedback easily before password protecting the file. When they’re ready to store or send, they’ll need to find Protect under the Tools menu. Then select Encrypt with Password from the Encrypt menu. It’s that simple to add another layer of security to important files.
Up Your Project Management Game
Project management tools like ProofHub or ClickUp can help you organize and streamline your workflows, which is especially helpful if you're working with a remote team. Not only do these tools make it easier to track everyone's progress on a given project, but they also provide an easy way for team members to communicate with each other and collaborate on tasks.
Innovate Securely and Grow
By adopting some or all of these digital innovations, small businesses can take their companies to new heights. Developing an app, working with IT services, applying data analytics - these are just a few of the ways you can use digital innovation to grow your business. And implementing cybersecurity practices, like robust password protection and firewalls, will help keep your business and customers safe. So what are you waiting for? It's time to get started!
Grow your business by building relationships with other local entrepreneurs and accessing unique resources offered by the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce. Join us today!