In many ways, the internet has transformed how companies do business. Gone are the days when you had to rely on local customers to survive, keep cabinets and cabinets of files, and hire only employees who can work nine-to-five on-site. The internet—more specifically the world wide web—has made it possible for small businesses to expand their customer reach across the globe, store data on the cloud, and hire skilled workers located in different parts of the world, among other things. If you’re looking for ways to give your business a boost, using the web is a good place to start. Here are some ideas to get you going:
Maintaining a Quality Website
Before you do anything else, you want to ensure that your company website is in tip-top shape. One of the most effective ways to do this is by hiring a CSS developer to update various design elements of your site, such as the layout, colors, fonts, navigation buttons and so on.
On top of being creative, make sure the CSS developer you hire has a grasp of web fundamentals (e.g., JavaScript, HTML), CSS processors (such as Sass and LESS), and front-end CSS frameworks. When you speak with a candidate, it’s important to thoroughly explain the work you need done and to make sure they have the expertise for the job.
Cloud Computing
Since you can do so many things on the cloud, cloud computing is a broad term. The cloud is a centralized location where you can store and access data remotely, as long as you have an internet connection. And since it stores data on the internet, there is less need to use hard drive space on your devices or keep physical files at your office. Cloud computing is flexible, it can save your business money, and it’s really easy to get used to.
Telecommuting
More and more workers are starting to telecommute. In fact, about 40 percent of the U.S. workforce spends at least part of their time working remotely. If you have roles in your company that could be completed away from the office, it could benefit your business operations and finances significantly to hire remote workers. Just be sure to get all the necessary tools in place, such as web-conferencing software, screen-sharing apps, project-management solutions, and chat apps.
Using Social Media
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms can be used in a variety of ways to grow your business. Take advantage of social media by posting promotional videos, engaging with customers (existing and potential), and getting the story of your brand out to the masses. You can even hire social media influencers to market your product to thousands of followers.
Using Email
Though web-based technologies rapidly evolve, email has not outrun its usefulness. It’s still one of the most effective ways to communicate with employees and partners, exchange files, and market your product, among other functions. Depending on your business needs and budget, you can either purchase your own domain name through a hosting service or create a free email account through Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or similar service.
Using even some of what the web offers can help to move your business forward. Make sure your website is up-to-date and professional, and start using the cloud in your business operations. Consider opening up some (or all) of your positions to telecommuting, and use social media and email to your advantage. The web will continue to become more and more integral to running businesses of all kinds; embracing it now will yield instant benefits and help your company thrive in the years to come.