When your small business starts out, it may be relatively low-tech. Lots of small business owners have found success with basic solutions: using a pen and paper or a basic spread sheeting program like Microsoft Excel, they are able to make their business run. As you grow, however, you may become interested in expanding your technological footprint. Modern technology can take a lot of the burden off of you, simplifying the day-to-day operations of your business and allowing you to focus on big-picture goals like growth or new markets. If you want to take your small business to the next level of technology, here are some things to consider.

1. Payroll Solutions

Payroll can be relatively easy for a small business that’s just starting out. If you’re just employing yourself, or yourself and one other person, it can be easy to keep track of wages and basic tax reporting. As you start to grow, however, you may want to consider a software solution for running your payroll. Payroll software can provide you with timekeeping records, track PTO, automatically report withholding taxes and perform other important tasks for you. This can free up more time for you to spend on other things. To get started, check out Quickbooks, Paychex or Onpay, which can be effective solutions for first-time business owners. Many of these solutions come with advisors who can guarantee you get the most out of the technology.

2. Commerce Solutions

If you run a small business that relies on sales, a commerce platform can be an important foundation for long-term financial health and growth. If you’re tired of writing everything down in a ledger, you may want to consider a technological solution. Microsoft, for example, offers a range of business tools, and combining their powerful suite of solutions with finding Microsoft dynamics 365 consulting can set you up for success. You may also consider other solutions that can help you track purchases, manage sales tax and even integrate with your online presence. 

3. Security Solutions

Big or small businesses can be targets for hackers, scammers and other individuals who may seek to take advantage of them. The world of cyber security can be complex and is prone to change often, so having a dedicated service to take care of your security can be valuable. Solutions like Malwarebytes or Avast can automatically keep an eye on your system, reduce the risk of hacks and protect your sensitive data, ensuring better privacy and safety for both you and your customers. When it comes to your livelihood, safety can be one of the most important things to invest in.

4. Social Media Solutions

Having a Facebook or Instagram page for your small business can be a good way to engage your audience, but you don’t have to stop there. There are lots of technology solutions for online audience engagement and advertising. You can advertise directly through many platforms with tools like the Meta Business Suite, which includes Facebook Ads Manager, or programs like Google Ads. There are also solutions like Hootsuite that can help automate your social media posting. Even if you aren’t advertising, you can simplify your active social media engagement in a way that will keep customers interested while giving you more time.

Once you’ve gotten your small business off the ground, you’re freer to start exploring ways to expand, grow and keep yourself stable. Technology solutions can be an important part of making your business more professional. Automating certain processes or working with systems that reduce your workload can open you up to more time for your company’s long-term needs. As a leader, it can be important to think strategically, and not having to do as much of the day-to-day work can help you become more of a strategist. As your business continues to grow and expand, you may want to consider these solutions and work to find which are best for your needs.