Our digital world is constantly changing. It is a common perception to believe that the younger your age, the more skilled you are in navigating the digital world. While it can be easier to adapt to the growing changes of technology the more you are exposed to it in classrooms, labs, and lifestyle; the Internet still remains a tool that can be difficult to use. Usage does not (unfortunately) constitute for proficiency. Despite popular belief, we still rely on some of the same old tools that help businesses function today. The Internet being just another addition to the toolbox.
On one of my first days here at DatAchieve Digital, I sat in on a meeting with a client where we were discussing what the best approach would be to expanding their connections with their customers. They were focused on convenience and planned on executing that wish through use of the Internet. They have active social media campaigns and their website is frequently updated. But to further reach their customers, they needed another tool. A tool from the Internet’s toolbox.
I like to think that each business has a toolbox; it embodies their company’s brand, image, services, products, and overall goals. Each tool a piece of the process that helps it succeed. While some tools like time management, good publicity, and computers are common across businesses; each business still has its own unique set of tools. Restaurateurs have tools like POS systems, temperature controlled work spaces, and target models. While a health care service would have tools that assist with submitting patient forms and online payment options. In this case, the tool they needed was a way to improve their ordering system. Unfortunately, finding this tool is harder than it may appear. But, this client has the right idea. When trying to improve a business, many try to throw out the toolbox. They get a new box and try to fill it with the same tools they used before. They focus on changing their ideas rather than changing their tools. But by changing your toolbox, you change your target market of customers. Not only does it take years to rebrand a company, but it ends up being unnecessary. You can improve your business by expanding your toolbox- no renovation needed!
So instead of changing your toolbox, try adding some new tools or grabbing some new perspectives from your clients. Gaining new perspectives and tools allows you to expand your business without changing your target market of clients. Trying to stay up to date with the latest Internet tools can be confusing and tough; especially when not all of them coincide with your business! But by exploring all that the Internet has to offer you could find something small that could serve your business in a new way. Here are some simple tools that you could consider adding to your business:
Evernote: An app that allows you to be able to write down anything on the fly! You can type, speak, or record in an instant for when you do not have a free hand.
Snapchat: The popular ‘face filter’ app can be used for businesses too! Allowing your clients or customers to follow along behind the scenes of your business through your ‘stories’ can not only be cool to see, but help you gain more traction by the sharing of your snapcode. Have a cool band coming to play or a fundraiser that needs a boost? Make your own geotag for your customers to share that you can purchase here All with the lift of a finger!
Square: Encourage yourself to take your business on the go! From festivals to fairs, you do not need to worry about not having access to a credit card machine. Square has got you covered with just you and your smartphone! They take a slight amount of the proceeds but you still make more of a profit than if you stayed home !
Survey Monkey: For free you can create surveys to send out to clients and customers. They take a few minutes to complete and can help you gain those new ~perspectives~! You can even upgrade your plan for $25 a month if you want some added bonuses like unlimited questions and responses per survey.
Unroll.Me: I have so many emails that I have three accounts just to manage and divide them. Managing these is no longer necessary with Unroll.Me. By swiping different directions on your phone, you can unsubscribe to the sender, send it to your inbox or trash! Prioritizing is now made easy. It is even efficient enough that now you can give out even more business cards without fear of junk mail backlash.
Untappd: Want an easy way to connect your restaurant’s beers with your customers? Get some reviews on Untappd! It allows users to research your offered beers and pulls new customers to your restaurant to try them! (DatAchieve can add this on your website too!)
Paige Kutzera is a rising sophomore at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA. She is pursuing a double major in Communications and Food Marketing. She currently interns at DatAchieve Digital where she is gaining production and web experience.