Recent research claims that 80% of small businesses in the U.S. are yet to take full advantage of tech trends. Businesses resist new technology for various reasons, including lack of understanding and perceived cost barriers. Others think tech trends don’t apply to their industry. All these notions about tech trends are false.
Tech trends have driven changes in customer expectations and business operations. Businesses ready to adapt to new tech trends benefit from reduced expenses, efficient operations, increased revenue, and faster growth. Here are technology trends to watch out for and adapt to in 2021.
Tech-Assisted Customer Interactions
Decentralized operations and remote working has triggered a rise in tech-assisted client interactions. While person-to-person services remain crucial for the competitiveness of small businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises have had to adapt to tech-assisted customer services to stay relevant. As a result, small businesses have shifted from person-to-person interactions to face-to-face virtual meetings and new video communication technologies to remain relevant and competitive.
Decentralized Operations
The Covid 19 pandemic has made businesses realize the benefits of nixing their physical stores in favor of online stores. A decentralized operating scheme like the one https://pioneergraniteandquartz.com/ uses has enabled workers to achieve a desired work-life balance and lowered the overall overhead costs of businesses. In addition, remote human resources and cloud data storage programs have enabled businesses to maintain a solid workforce foundation amidst the pandemic.
Antivirus Software
Online threats put businesses at risk of reputational damage and financial losses. However, businesses can strengthen their online security by updating their antivirus software and investing in encryption software for their online transactions. In addition, online security software programs are increasingly becoming more important as more and more business operations shift into the cloud.
Artificial Intelligence
The benefits of automating a business are well known, including better financial insight, cost-saving, higher productivity, and increased compliance. Small businesses are taking advantage of artificial intelligence to automate their mundane tasks. Adopting software programs for data collection and entry and online inquiries will increase your business presence in 2021.
Businesses that will integrate artificial intelligence into their operations will benefit by staying relevant and ahead of the competition. AI technologies reduce the time workers spend on completing various tasks, leaving them with more hours to focus on things that will drive profit. AI technologies (https://www.mygreatlearning.com/blog/what-is-artificial-intelligence/) ensure that workers focus on high-level work that will propel your business forward.
Social Media Advertising
Social media advertising will continue to grow as an efficient and cost-effective way to reach a specific demographic. It enables brands to create differentiating and unique content to engage customers in the digital era. Social media marketing is paying off, given that three-quarters of consumers in the United States prefer purchasing an item they saw in a social media advert.
5G Network
The 5G network is the fifth cellular capability generation. Its adoption began in 2019 after businesses realized that it had faster data transmission speed than the 4G network. As a result, the 5G network promises small businesses higher data transmission speed, with minimal latency.
The 5G network is a major step in the development of IoT technology. Businesses that will adopt this technology in 2021 will be more capable of supporting interconnected smart devices. However, despite the hype surrounding this new tech trend, businesses should note that it is still in its infancy.
Influencer Marketing
Online influencers have become a viable avenue for brands to showcase their products and connect with potential clients. Gone are the days when brands would drive sales through conventional print adverts. Instead, modern businesses must now adopt a dynamic marketing strategy that should include working with online influencers.
In 2021, consumers will rely on recommendations from online influencers they trust.
Therefore, it is time brands start working with influencers to develop a niche and connect with their target audience. Research your industry and understand your business needs before deciding who to work with as an influencer.