One of the most critical concerns of small businesses is cost savings. With many things to do, such as hiring experienced staff, and procuring a location, equipment, and furniture, every small business must find ways to save costs to optimize their operations and revenue.
Information Technology has become a crucial component of businesses of any size, but it can be pretty expensive. So how can small companies save costs while investing in IT?
Below are tips by which small businesses can save costs while leveraging IT.
Table of Contents
1. Use a comprehensive customer relationship software
Customer relationship management (CRM) software helps businesses keep track of their customer’s data to offer personalized services to them. The software also manages contracts, sales, marketing employees, business information, etc. All of these are crucial for customer relationships.
But how does a CRM save costs for a business?
CRM software can help you avoid paying for other software programs because it houses several functions. Businesses pay significant amounts on multiple software licenses yearly, but having all of those functions in one place reduces the cost. For example, having CRM software with project management and time tracking features.
Great CRM software programs to consider include Salesforce work and Infusionsoft.
Additionally, CRM software can help you eliminate the problem of lost invoices. Consequently, you save money you might have otherwise lost.
2. Cloud computing
Due to its immense cost-saving benefits, most businesses are now moving to the cloud. Cloud computing is all about having all your company information on a shared server provided by a third-party and accessible over the internet.
Since a third party is responsible for providing the servers, IT personnel, hardware, and maintenance, you save cost on all of that. You only pay as you go, that is, paying for your usage of the servers. It’s shared, meaning multiple businesses use the same servers in the cloud, thereby slashing costs for each company.
Cloud computing helps you eliminate hardware costs, freeing up space in your company and allowing you to channel your funds to grow your business.
3. Outsource IT support
Even while using cloud computing, every business must have its computers and use some software and hardware. Hardware and software sometimes develop faults, causing downtime. Therefore, you’d need IT support to monitor things or make repairs when issues happen.
But hiring a permanent in-house IT staff is expensive for SMBs and startups. Outsourcing IT support for small businesses can help save costs by offering a pay-as-you-go pricing model. That is, you only pay the IT support provider for their services when needed.
This external IT support can offer 24/7 monitoring of your IT infrastructure to prevent issues that cause downtimes, leading to losses. They may also execute repairs when necessary. But since they are not dedicated to your company alone, the cost of outsourced IT support is far less than hiring an in-house team.
4. Leverage budget-friendly tools
As a small business startup, it’s wise to look around for cheaper alternatives to the famous — and expensive — software programs. From CRM to HR, there are less popular but more budget-friendly options that offer just what a small business of your scale needs. The more popular and expensive ones tend to be pricier because they’re more sophisticated. Unfortunately, you may not yet need all the functions because of your size.
As a startup, you can as well go for free/trial versions until you outgrow them.
Final words
You deserve to employ competent people just as much as anyone else. Tap into background check services for businesses to know that you’re hiring trustworthy people on your team. Background checks are important, especially if your company is in the finance industry or handles sensitive information.
It can be expensive, but you can save costs while still making the most of it. Outsource your IT, look for comprehensive CRM programs, hop on the cloud, and you’ll be surprised how much money you’ll save for your small business.
I’m a writer, artist, and designer working in the gaming and tech industries. I have held staff and freelance positions at large publications including Digital Trends, Lifehacker, Popular Science Magazine, Electronic Gaming Monthly, IGN, The Xplore Tech, and others, primarily covering gaming criticism, A/V and mobile tech reviews, and data security advocacy.