Top ways to make the most of your small business’s technology

#1. Protect data against breaches

According to the Ponemon Institute’s 2019 Global State of Cybersecurity in Small and Medium-Sized Businesses report, only 30% of small businesses believe they are protected against threats. Meanwhile, some organizations lack resources like personnel and budget, and have limited knowledge to protect their IT infrastructure.

Just because your business is small doesn’t mean it’s safe from cyberthreats. Cybercriminals are actually targeting smaller organizations because these firms tend to have weaker cybersecurity solutions compared to larger enterprises.

This is why it’s imperative to provide your employees with security awareness training to boost your first line of defense--after all, your staff are your “human firewalls.” Train your employees to spot phishing emails that may compromise security via simulated phishing campaigns so that you can know if your staff are susceptible to phishing attempts.

#2. Maximize email marketing

There are many marketing tools available today, but many organizations tend to overlook one powerful tool they already have: email. Email marketing is still one of the most popular and effective ways to reach your customers.

To make your email campaigns effective, segment your audience according to demographics, including age, type of customer, types of products or services that the customer has purchased, purchasing power, and so on. This ensures that you are sending the right message to the right audience.

Use a subject line that will grab the recipient’s attention before they even open the message. This makes your audience more likely to engage with your marketing content.

Optimize your message for mobile devices so no matter what platform your recipients use to read your email, it will be easy to read.

#3. Harness the power of social media

Your competitors are likely leveraging social media marketing tools to gain more customers and followers, and it may make sense for you to consider doing the same. Social media is a powerful tool that lets you connect with your customers and get an idea of what they want and what they think about your business.

Start by creating Facebook and LinkedIn accounts. When creating content, consider including videos, pictures, and relevant hashtags in your posts to maximize engagement potential. Take the time to answer questions from your audience as well, as this helps gain their trust.

If you already use customer relationship management (CRM) software, you can easily monitor your performance and adjust your strategy accordingly.

#4. Partner with Fidelis

There’s a lot more that you can do with your current technology. Managed IT services providers such as Fidelis can help you reach your full potential with IT solutions that make your business processes more efficient and profitable.

For instance, through our Co-Managed IT Support service, we'll deploy the right tools to help you manage your systems. We’ll monitor your IT infrastructure 24/7, and if any issues arise, your team will be notified so you can reach out to us for assistance.

Our security training services can help you improve your overall security posture and reduce your business risk.

Curious about what else Fidelis can do for your business? We empower businesses in Tacoma, Seattle, and Portland through digital transformation so you can experience the full potential of technology. We seek to understand your business like an insider but also bring our own expertise. To learn more about how MSPs can help you break free from self-limiting beliefs when growing your business, download our FREE eBook today.