When you think about how technology has changed the way we do business, it’s incredible how quickly it has happened. It wasn’t so long ago that having a business website was far from a necessity, but these days? It’s vital.
But, when you are looking to future-proof your business, the waters tend to be a little muddy. With all the new technology that springs up almost every month, how do you make sure you invest in the right areas?
There are no guarantees, of course, but in this guide, we’re going to give you some handy hints. Let’s take a closer look at what you need to watch out for.
The grass isn’t always greener
As much as there have been incredibly successful innovations in recent years, there have also been a lot of duds. Take social media as the perfect example. It was supposed to herald a new dawn for advertising, and provide a free platform for companies to make big noises. But has it? When you consider that Facebook engagement is, on average, less than 0.1%, it would appear not. So, by all means investigate new technology and platforms, but don’t always fall for the hype.
The surefire bets
Next, we’re going to look at two significant technology developments that will help you future-proof your business. The first is cloud technology. The chances are that you are already aware of the cloud, and are using it, too. But, are you making the most of it? Take a look at these advantages of using Telstra cloud services and you will see how the cloud can transform your working practices. It’s great for growth, remote working, and communications. And, most importantly, it’s here to stay.
The second technology that can help you future-proof your business is mobile. Over half of all searches performed on the web are made via a mobile device – and those are some big numbers to miss out on. So, while the mobile platform hasn’t yet seen buying numbers increase to such rates, there is no doubt that they will arrive at some point. Make sure your online presence is optimised for the mobile web, and you will benefit when that time comes.
Spread your risk
Of course, when there is such a significant rate of change in business technology, there will always be something you invest in that ends up a dud. It’s unavoidable these days, it seems- but you can limit your risk.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket when it comes to new technology platforms. Keep an eye out, and try things that you think might be suitable, but always have alternative options in your mind. Let’s take a look at social media again for an example. You might only have average engagement on Facebook, and if you have invested a lot of money, then it’s going to be disappointing. But, that’s no reason to blow out social media altogether. Maybe your business is more suited to Instagram, or Pinterest? It’s all about spreading your risk, and finding the right tools that work for you.
We hope this has helped you stay on top of the rapid developments in business technology. Let us know your thoughts in the comments boxes below.