Digital Transformation for SMB
Getting started with Digital Transformation for small and medium businesses
In today’s world, small businesses must keep up with technology or risk falling behind. Digital transformation is a big word, but it simply means using technology to improve all areas of your business.
The numbers
- 60% of the midsize enterprise workload will remain on-premise through 2025.
- 57% of small business owners feel they must improve their IT infrastructure to optimize their operations.
- 51% of SMEs rely on social media to grow businesses
- 92% of SMEs believe digital transformation is crucial for their business. (Digital adoption)
Taking the first steps
Assess and plan
- Before diving in, take a good look at your current situation:
- What technology do you already use?
- What are your processes for getting things done?
- How do customers interact with your business?
- What areas could be improved?
Next, figure out what you want to achieve with digital transformation. Do you want to:
- Improve customer service?
- Increase sales?
- Make things run smoother?
- Make sure your digital plan aligns with your overall business goals.
Prioritization and planning
Focus and action
Small businesses often need more resources than larger ones. Here’s how to make the most of what you have:
- First, focus on the most important and doable improvements. Start with small wins to build momentum and get your team on board.
- Create a plan that outlines the steps you need to take, how long it will take, and who will do what. This plan will guide you on your digital transformation journey.
Building your digital transformation team
Digital transformation is a team effort. Put together a team with people from different departments, like marketing, sales, operations, and IT. This will ensure you get a variety of perspectives and ideas.
Get help from outside
Consider partnering with consultants or agencies to fill skill gaps and provide specialized knowledge.
Choosing the right technology
There are many digital tools and solutions available. Focus on ones that address your specific needs and work well with the technology you already use. Cloud-based solutions are an excellent option for small businesses because they are affordable and scalable.
Digital tools numbers:
- 85% of SMB leaders said that digital tools played a critical role in helping their business grow over the last two years.
- 85% of SMB leaders said digital tools are essential to their business.
- 73% of SMB leaders said digital tools play a critical role in helping them run their businesses amid economic uncertainty by assisting them to operate more efficiently and save money.
- 73% of SMB leaders said that amid a challenging economy, they are confident that digital tools will help steer their business in the right direction. (Connected Commerce Council)
Security first
Protect your valuable data and customer information. Invest in good security systems and train your staff to use them safely.
Putting customers first
Customers are key to your business success. Use digital tools to improve their experience at every touchpoint:
- Create a website that’s easy to navigate.
- Reach customers across multiple channels with your marketing.
- Use customer relationship management (CRM) software to personalize interactions.
- Ask customers for feedback and use it to improve your digital strategy and offerings.
Automation
Free up your team’s time from repetitive tasks using automation tools for data entry, scheduling appointments, and managing social media. This will allow your employees to focus on more critical tasks.
Track and analyze
Monitor how automation is impacting your efficiency and productivity. Analyze data to find more ways to streamline processes.
Learning never stops
The digital landscape is constantly changing. Encourage your team to learn new skills continuously. Invest in training programs to help your team learn how to use new technologies effectively.
A journey
Digital transformation is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Be prepared to adapt your strategy as needed. Track your progress and celebrate your accomplishments along the way.
By following these steps and embracing a growth mindset, your small business can leverage the power of digital transformation to achieve lasting success in the competitive digital marketplace.
Simple steps, significant results with Novas Arc
Take your SMB to the next level with digital transformation. Novas Arc can be your guide. Connect with us to discuss your goals and see how our solutions can fuel your business growth.
