How to use IT to Save Your Business Money

Published on: 25 July 2018 Last Updated on: 16 September 2019

In a world that’s focused on making your business fly, ‘return on investment’ (ROI) is a term that’s usually talked about when you’re planning SEO, PPC or social marketing strategies.

In fact, IT can offer a huge ROI for your business – simply by streamlining processes that could otherwise see your team or contractors spending unnecessary time struggling with sub-par systems and devices.

We’ll walk you through 6 of the best ways to save money, with nothing but IT as your tool…

How to use IT to Save Your Business Money:

Explore open-source software :

It’s easy to forget that Microsoft, Google, Adobe and the other huge software and service providers aren’t the only companies out there who create worthwhile resources.

If you’re used to working for a company, you might take it for granted that the typical applications you’ll use (think; word processing, spreadsheets, customer relationship management, accounting – and much more) are just there for you within a few clicks – but actually, those pieces of software cost a significant amount of money.

The truth is, the household names are the ones we know about because they’ve got the budget to market their products far and wide – but in fact, there’s a host of great open-source applications out there that are completely free to use – you’ve just got to know where to look.

Open-source is more than just a money-saving tip though, in fact, there’s a world of developers who believe open-source is the only way you can truly reflect user’s needs in the long term – and many of those developers commit themselves to maintain and adjusting the free software to suit businesses just like yours.

This TechRadar list offers some great open-source applications that’ll definitely help your business save money when compared to full price alternatives.

Let employees work on their own devices :

‘Bring your own device’ (BYOD) such a simple idea – yet so many businesses resist it.

When you let your employees use their own devices to do company business, you’re saving huge amounts of money – and actually increasing productivity at the same time.

Countless studies have shown that employees are more comfortable and more productive when they use their own devices for work tasks – and the maths really adds up: If using a device you’re familiar with only saves 10 minutes each day – that adds up to an incredible 45 hours over the course of a full working year – essentially offering you a free week’s worth of work if you’re happy for employees to use their own machines.

Of course, there are security considerations to be made – and BYOD is likely to be impractical if you’re handling a lot of sensitive client information, but if you’d like to take away a huge chunk of capital expenditure from your budget, these could be problems you’d be happy to work around.

Outsource support :

When it comes to money-saving, good tech systems can give and take in similar measures – but one of the largest costs to consider when you’re installing IT relates to the people who are going to support it.

If you’re a small company, even if you only have a very small number of employees, you’re probably going to need someone to support your IT systems – and if you don’t have that person in place, you run the very real risk of not being able to trade if your IT network goes down.

So, what does the maths look like? Well, you’ve got a $40,000 basic wage for someone who comes with the skills set needed to keep a network up and running by themselves – then you’ve got to factor holiday cover, sickness, maternity/paternity leave, training and what happens if that person decides they’d like to work somewhere else.

All in all, carrying IT staff can be problematic – and extremely expensive – which is why managed network providers (MSPs) are becoming more and more popular with small to medium-sized businesses.

With an MSP, you’ve got the potential of 24/7 access, 365 days a year – plus no need to worry about keeping an individual up to speed with the latest accreditations and training programs. You simply pick up the phone and access the support – which, most of the time, can be applied to your systems remotely.

If you’d like your tech to save you thousands – you could do a lot worse than finding a good MSP and treating them like they’re one of your valued team.

Buy resources ‘as a service’ :

If you’re bringing your IT support onboard as an outsourced service – why not do the same with your applications, platforms, and infrastructure?

In the last 10 years, larger tech companies have realized that there’s an increasing number of small businesses becoming established year on year – and those companies simply do not have the money that’s needed to buy expensive software licenses, development platforms and costly networking infrastructure straight out of the gate.

The solution? Offering all of the above on a subscription basis – pay for only what you use, whenever you need it? A result is an increasing number of people opting to move to solutions like Microsoft Office 365 and Google’s G-Suite – both examples of ‘Software as a Service’ (Saas). That said, it’s not just cloud-accessed software that’s available in this manner, Microsoft now provides email exchange servers on a similar subscription basis too – with the robust security you’d expect from one of the biggest tech companies on Earth.

All these things are made possible by the cloud – the concept of storage and services that are hosted centrally, with your internet connection bridging the gap between your business and the resource. Of course, you’re going to need a connection that is stable and fast enough to allow uninterrupted access – but that’s more than realistic for most internet service providers.

Interestingly – the monetary benefits of SaaS are actually likely to be two-fold, as there’s an increasing body of evidence that suggests people actually work more effectively together when they’re collaborating online, even when compared to sitting next to one another in an office space. If you want to increase productivity and reduce costs with the help of IT tech, you could do a lot worse than to explore which of your required resources could be procured ‘as a Service’.

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Marketing

5 Steps On How To Have A Strong Online Presence For Your Cloth Diaper Brand

Parents who care about the environment are using cloth diapers more and more often as a way to reduce their environmental effects. Due to the expansion of social media, cloth diaper companies now have more opportunities than ever to engage with their target audience and build brand loyalty. However, given the range of social media platforms and strategies, it can be challenging for cloth diaper producers to know where to start. This article will provide you with a step-by-step strategy for developing a fruitful social media campaign for your cloth diaper business. It's important to remember that social media is just one part of a larger marketing strategy for your cloth diaper brand. Even though social media can be a potent tool for increasing brand recognition and connecting with your audience, it's also critical to take other marketing channels into account. This covers events, influencer marketing, and email marketing. You may be able to reach a larger audience and strengthen your brand's presence as a result. As you develop your approach, consider how social media fits into your overall marketing plan. Consider how you can build your cloth diaper company by using other channels to promote it. 1. Establishing Your Brand Voice And Visuals Establishing your brand voice and images is the first step in developing a thorough social media plan for your cloth diaper business. The brand voice of your company is the persona and voice that it conveys through messaging. It should be consistent across all media and reflect the messaging and values of your firm. Your brand's visuals are the images and graphics you use to represent your company. Here are some examples of how you can establish your brand voice and visuals for this specific brand: Determine Your Brand’s Personality And Tone The finest nappy for babies in the Philippines may aim to reflect the affectionate and protective traits of new parents in personality and tone. You may say it in a kind, compassionate way with messaging that prioritizes the health and welfare of infants and their families. Use Consistent Visual Elements A strong brand identity must be created through aesthetic consistency. This involves utilising uniform fonts, images, and color schemes across all platforms. For the cloth diaper company, it would be great to employ a soft color palette and sweet images that reflect the company's core principles. Use Graphics That Align With Your Brand The social media images should convey your company's values and messaging. The newborn diaper may have pictures of families and babies together with wording that emphasizes the brand's commitment to local traditions and customs. Personalize Your Messaging Use your brand voice to create a personal connection with your audience. By inviting them to share their personal experiences with your products, you may captivate your audience with compelling anecdotes and insights. This may emphasize how important it is to maintain an infant's happiness, health, and comfort. 2. Choosing The Right Platforms The next step is choosing the social media platforms best suited for your brand. Choosing the right social media platforms for your diaper brand is critical to developing a successful strategy. Your social media campaign's success may be impacted by each platform's unique qualities and user demographics. When choosing social media platforms for your cloth diaper business, keep the following in mind: Audience Demographics: To choose the best social media sites, you must first understand your target audience. Different platforms draw users from different age groups. For instance, Facebook often attracts an older demographic but Instagram attracts a younger one. Instagram might be the best medium for you if your target demographic is young parents. Content-Type: There are several platforms built for different types of content. For instance, Twitter excels at providing brief updates, whereas Instagram excels at providing visual information like photos and videos. If your diaper business creates a lot of visually appealing material, TikTok or Instagram may be the perfect platforms for you. Brand Personality: Every social media network has a distinct culture and tone all its own. It's crucial to select platforms that reflect the character and principles of your brand. TikTok might be a wonderful fit for your nappy brand, for instance, if it has a playful and entertaining nature. Competitors: Finally, it's critical to investigate the social media presence of your rivals. You must examine the platforms they employ and the methods of audience engagement. You can learn from this which platforms are most effective for your sector. You can use it to choose the platforms you want to use. 3. Creating A Content Calendar: Once your brand voice and imagery have been defined and the right platforms have been chosen, creating a content calendar takes work. A schedule for the types of content you'll produce and when is called a content calendar. User-generated content, informational materials, and product advertising are all permissible. It's critical to establish a consistent publishing schedule that matches the vocabulary and style of your brand. Here are some guidelines to assist you. Define your social media goals Research your audience Brainstorm content ideas Organize content by themes Create a content calendar 4. Engaging With Your Audience Engaging with your audience on social media is essential to developing a solid online presence for your cloth diaper brand. It can promote a sense of community and boost brand loyalty. These suggestions will help you interact with your audience: React to messages and comments. Pose inquiries that resemble feedback. Hold giveaways and contests. Share testimonials and pictures. Work together with influencers. Offer informative content, such as advice on caring for babies and cloth diapers. 5. Analyzing And Adjusting Your Strategy Monitoring metrics is essential to developing a successful social media strategy. Metric tracking makes it possible for you to determine what is working and what isn't so you can make the required adjustments. Monitoring engagement metrics like website traffic, likes, shares, comments, and follower growth is essential. Review Your Goals Are you succeeding in your brand's goals that you set forth? If not, it's time to review your objectives and modify your plan. Review Your Metrics Track your performance measures, like reach, engagement, and conversions, using social media analytics tools. Determine which sorts of materials are effective and which require your audience to connect with them. This information can be used to modify your content strategy. Review Your Audience Your audience may change as your brand develops. To make sure you're still focusing on the proper demographics and interests, review your target audience profile. Review Your Competition Keep an eye on your rivals and consider what they are doing right and where they need improvement. Utilize this data to find chances to distinguish your business and enhance your social media strategy. Adjust Your Content Strategy Adjust your content strategy in light of your analysis to suit your objectives, KPIs, target audience, and rivals. This can entail coming up with fresh content concepts. You can also change your content focus or alter the frequency and timing of your posts. Test And Iterate Once your plan has been modified, test your new strategy and keep an eye on your performance indicators. Repeat this process as necessary, testing and fine-tuning your plan of action until you get the desired outcomes. Conclusion Initially, creating a thorough social media plan for your cloth diaper company might be difficult and challenging. You may still develop a strategy that is suited to your brand's distinct voice and values by adhering to these essential stages. Establish your brand's voice and images, pick the appropriate platforms, plan your content, interact with your audience, then assess the results and modify your strategy as necessary. You'll be able to effectively engage with your target audience and establish a strong online presence for your cloth diaper brand by doing this. Read Also: How To Make Your Online Business More Humble By Managing Your Reputation The Online Reputation Management Mystery Revealed Online Marketing : Selling Your Product And Services

What Is VoC Marketing?

Despite digital marketing strategies being effective and robust with their outcomes, these need to constantly evolve since consumer needs and habits are continually changing. That’s not different from the voice of the customer or VoC marketing campaign. The strategy is one in which a business strives to listen to what the customer has to say and gain insight from that feedback in order to act on concerns or needs. The customer’s experience is optimally significant, making it vital that the business leaders hear what the customer has to say to fully understand where improvements to this experience need to be made to garner a greater sense of satisfaction. A robust VoC program should reveal the target demographic’s expectations about the goods and services you provide, whether these expectations are being met, and what needs to happen in order to ensure this happens in the future. The ideal strategy will incorporate a variety of sources to collect this feedback, so the customer knows they’re being given a voice when it comes to their products. The concept might sound simplistic, but it’s a bit more challenging than it seems. Learn about VOC from an AI standpoint at https://www.sixsigmadaily.com/how-innovative-technology-can-improve-voice-of-the-customer/. What Is VoC Marketing? Business leaders might believe their marketing strategies are comprehensive enough to help them understand what the customers have to say but do these leaders hear and understand what the target audience has to say? The facts indicate that many organizations are not up to speed despite significant investments in their research strategies. With those “statistics,” new marketing concepts are developed constantly to make businesses more consumer-centric, including a robust new process referenced as “VoC” marketing or “Voice of the Customer.” With this process, the audience's feedback is collected, heard, understood, and steps are taken to move their suggestions forward. It sounds relatively straightforward but can be a time-intensive and involved process. Let’s look at it more closely. 1. The Interviews With VoC, there is a need for in-depth responses from the target groups. While surveys are usually an integral tool in the marketing scheme and a budget-friendly method for collecting poignant insight, detailed input is lacking. In order to get a feel for the true nature of a customer’s opinion, this new research tool uses “quantitative” and “qualitative” methodologies - not merely surveys. These can include focus groups, interviewing, site analytics, journey maps, and more. The process is used with both the clients and the internal teams having a goal of obtaining “multi-dimensional” feedback on methods of improving the customer’s experience and the products. 2. Answering the tough questions All businesses prefer to receive positive input. That can influence how questions are relayed with the survey creation, with results then being relatively useless. The point with VoC is to step outside of your comfort zone with the difficult questions you might not want to hear the answers to. While the responses could be harsh, these sharp insights are what bring change, improvement, and growth. If you can’t recognize weakness, there’ll be no capacity to make changes. Without constantly evolving along with the consumer’s changing behaviors, the company can’t grow. Read here strategies to help understand VoC. 3. Action is the reaction to the feedback Collecting feedback is only one component of VoC. The leaders need to gain insight from what the audience is indicating with this input. They need to hear and understand what’s being said by their target group, and that consumer wants proof their voice has been heard. How can a company do that? Act on their input and let them know you did so and how. Show the customer the results of their feedback. By churning out more desirable results, you achieve better customer relations and decrease the instances of dissatisfaction. Final Thought Voice of the Customer is a powerful marketing strategy meant to bring the customer’s voice to the business leaders to create a more outstanding customer experience. In exchange for their dedication to the consumer, the company will see an influx of word-of-mouth referrals, greater loyalty with their audience, and a higher retention rate. A demographic who shares their experience with their network will likely make more purchases with the business. Plus, those in their network will come on board to buy goods or services, substantially increasing business revenue. These transactions equate to opportunities to learn where improvements can be made and how the company can evolve positively for the benefit of each person as a consumer. Identifying the customer’s voice is a crucial component not only of a marketing strategy but essentially of growing a business overall. The VoC process is what allows you to connect on a deep and direct level with that target group but also with the individual consumer. That will translate into change, evolve further into growth, and ultimately result in success. Read Also: 8 Tips To Increase Your Cash Flow In Your BusinessHow Customer Service Is Impacting Your Business In 2022!Your Postmates For Everything: Jeench is The Next Generation E-Commerce Marketplace And Much More

Career Spotlight: Becoming A Market Research Analyst

Do you know how a company just knows what you want? They collect a few surveys, and suddenly they know more about your requirements than you! Is it all automated? Short answer, no! Someone is sitting and analyzing every behavioral data of a consumer to create profiles. They are called market research analysts! Are you just fascinated with the idea of a market research analyst? Or someone who is planning to become one? This is how you can become a market research analyst - Let’s begin with understanding who a market research analyst is. What Is A Market Research Analyst? Market research analysts are the strategic brains behind a company’s marketing decisions. Their job is to gather data on consumers and competitors and then use that information to guide business strategies. Whether a company is launching a new product or planning a marketing campaign, market research analysts are the ones who determine the best approach. They don’t just guess; they rely on cold, hard data. What Do They Do? A market research analyst’s role involves several core responsibilities. Why don’t we go through them to know the responsibilities a little better? Data Collection: Gathering data is the starting point of any market analyst. This could be through surveys, interviews, focus groups, or analysis of existing market data. Trend Analysis: After gathering the data, they identify patterns and trends that provide insights into market behavior. For example, what products are gaining popularity, or which consumer needs are currently unmet? How can the company they work for help meet them? Market Forecasting: Analysts will often predict future market trends. However, this is not just through guessing. However, when a company plans to launch a product next year, these professionals will forecast whether the market will be favorable or not. Furthermore, they also inform about whether the product will launch in the right direction and be liked by the audience you are targeting. Consumer Segmentation: By analyzing consumer data, they segment the market into groups based on behavior, preferences, or demographics. Reporting and Presentations: Then, they communicate their findings to decision-makers through reports, presentations, and visual data displays. Competitor Analysis: Understanding competitors’ moves and strategies is key. Market research analysts monitor what competitors are doing and how they’re positioning themselves in the market. What Degrees Do You Need To Get? There isn’t one fixed path to becoming a market research analyst, but certain degrees, and conceptual skills can give you a strong foundation: Bachelor’s Degree: A degree in marketing, business, economics, or statistics is often the starting point. Subjects like research methods, consumer behavior, and data analysis are crucial. Advanced Degrees: Unfortunately, just a bachelor's degree wouldn't do for more senior roles. Therefore, a master’s degree in market research, data science, or business analytics can be advantageous. An MBA is also beneficial if you’re aiming for leadership positions. Your educational qualifications should focus on building a mix of analytical, research, and communication skills, as these are the backbone of a successful career in this field. Later you can also upskill by becoming a data scientist, and it can open more doors for you. Tools You Will Need To Learn As a market research analyst, you’ll need to know the art of upskilling. You can do so with various tools and software that streamline your work: Data Analysis Software: Tools like SPSS and Python are complex tools. Mastering them might take you years. However, you should still try to master it because it is great for running statistical analysis and handling large datasets. Survey Platforms: Software like Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, and Google Forms help design and analyze surveys. CRM Tools: Understanding tools like Salesforce and HubSpot are essential for tracking customer data and trends. This ensures that market research analysts do not depend on guesswork. Data Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI, and Google Data Studio are crucial for presenting data in a visually engaging way. Competitive Analysis Tools: SEMrush, SimilarWeb, and BuzzSumo provide insights into your competitors’ strategies and their market performance. After all, you will need to know what others are doing for their customers. That is always a sign of a good market research analyst. Mastering these tools will enhance your efficiency and make your work more impactful. Life Of A Day Of A Market Research Analyst What does a typical workday look like for A Market Research Analyst? We will go through it step by step to have a better idea of their role as a Market Research Analyst. 1. Morning: Data Collection And Initial Analysis The day often begins with reviewing the latest data from surveys, focus groups, or market reports. Analysts spend the early hours gathering information that will guide their day’s analysis. 2. Midday: Deep Dive Into Analysis The core part of their job kicks in around midday. This is when they run statistical models, crunch numbers, and identify key insights. Meetings with product teams or marketing departments often happen around this time to discuss early findings. 3. Afternoon: Reporting And Strategy Discussions After the analysis, it’s time to translate data into actionable strategies. Analysts prepare detailed reports highlighting key trends and recommendations. Then, they might deliver a few presentations to senior management to guide their decision-making. 4. Late Afternoon: Market Monitoring And Competitor Analysis Keeping a pulse on market trends and competitors is crucial. Analysts usually allocate some time in the late afternoon to social media updates, reviewing industry news, and studying competitors' moves. 5. End-of-the-Day Planning And Strategy Tweet Before wrapping up, their main job is to refine strategies based on the latest social media insights and plan for the next day’s tasks. After all, without understanding whether your current plan is working or not. The final work would involve technical analytics, strategic thinking, and effective communication, which would also include talking to their team. How To Get A Job As A Market Research Analyst Getting your foot in the door as a market research analyst requires more than just the right degree. Here’s a practical guide: Start with Internships: Right after you have finished your bachelor's degree, many companies offer internships in market research, allowing you to gain real-world experience while studying. Create a Portfolio: Build a collection of your best work. Whether from academic projects, freelance jobs, or case studies. A strong portfolio can showcase your analytical and research skills. Get Certified: Professional certifications, such as the Professional Researcher Certification (PRC) or Google’s Data Analytics Certification, can give you an edge. Network Actively: Next, join industry groups, attend webinars, or engage in professional forums. Networking can open doors to job opportunities and keep you updated on industry trends. Tailor Your Applications: When applying for jobs, customize your CV and cover letter for each position. Highlight skills like data analysis, research methodologies, and strategic thinking. Best Career Options & The Potential Salary The field offers diverse career paths. Depending on your interests, you might specialize as: Consumer Insights Analyst: Focus on understanding consumer behavior and preferences. Product Research Analyst: Specializes in product development and testing. Brand Analyst: Concentrate on evaluating brand performance and strategy. Competitive Intelligence Analyst: Monitor competitors and track industry trends. When it comes to salaries, market research analysts can get a reasonably good salary, provided you have the skills to back it up. Especially when your analysis begins to work for a company and starts bringing in a lot of profit. Entry-level positions typically offer between £25,000 to £35,000 annually. With experience, salaries rise to £50,000 or more. For those in specialized roles or with advanced degrees, six-figure jobs are not uncommon. Final Note! The path to becoming a market research analyst combines curiosity, a knack for numbers, and strategic thinking. It’s about more than just crunching data; it’s about turning data into insights that drive real business results. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance in this field, there are plenty of opportunities for growth and impact in the business world. Especially with the advent of digital marketing, you will have enough opportunities in terms of SEO, and website data analysis. So, are you ready to dive into this world where data meets strategy? You could be the one predicting market trends and helping businesses shape their futures. Read Also: Crucial Aspects To Bear In Mind When Selling Your Business How To Execute An Effective Video Marketing Campaign How to Market a Small Business in a Big City?

How to use IT to Save Your Business Money

How to use IT to Save Your Business Money:

Explore open-source software :

Let employees work on their own devices :

Outsource support :

Buy resources ‘as a service’ :

Marketing – What’s Right for Your Business?

Tips on Selecting a Storage Solution for Your Growing Business

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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Related

5 Steps On How To Have A Strong Online Presence For Your Cloth Diaper Brand

What Is VoC Marketing?

Career Spotlight: Becoming A Market Research Analyst

How to use IT to Save Your Business Money

How to use IT to Save Your Business Money:

Explore open-source software :

Let employees work on their own devices :

Outsource support :

Buy resources ‘as a service’ :

Share this Article

Marketing – What’s Right for Your Business?

Tips on Selecting a Storage Solution for Your Growing Business

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

Related