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Cloud Computing: A Small Business Guide

Broadband internet access and the ubiquity of mobile devices makes cloud computing a viable option for small businesses everywhere.
Cloud computing is a more modern approach to handling long-running business needs.
Broadband internet and smart mobile technology have made cloud computing possible.
There are numerous ways that cloud computing benefits small businesses. It stores and backs up company data, it runs software applications, and it streamlines how information is shared.

What is cloud computing?
In today’s ever-changing business climate, small business owners must get what they need right when they need it, whether they’re on their computers, tablets, or mobile phones – or in the office, out in the field, or on the road. Cloud computing gives users access to data wherever they have an internet connection.

Key takeaway: Cloud computing is a digital service that allows users to access important programs and data stored on a remote server anywhere they have an internet connection.

What is cloud computing used for?

Cloud computing is an umbrella term for different types of cloud services, including:

  • Cloud storage: These services store and back up your files for regular access. Files can also be shared and synced across devices. 
  • Cloud backup: While cloud storage and cloud backup may seem synonymous, cloud backup is designed to serve as a failsafe solution if your company experiences a server crash, cyberattack or other data loss. [See our guide on the best cloud storage or backup service for small businesses.]
  • Software as a service (SaaS): SaaS solutions use the web to provide a service. Examples of SaaS application include Office 365, Google Apps, QuickBooks Online and Salesforce. SaaS solutions may also be called platform as a service. 
  • Cloud hosting: These solutions facilitate multiple types of information sharing, such as email services, application hosting, web-based phone systems and data storage.

Key takeaway: A cloud solution can handle numerous business-related tasks, including web hosting and file storage.

What are the benefits of cloud computing?

Cloud computing saves businesses time and money by boosting productivity, improving collaboration, and promoting innovation. Here are five additional benefits small and midsize businesses can realize from cloud computing solutions:

Extremely accessible data

Businesses use cloud computing to access information anywhere with any compatible device. Rather than storing information on your computer or a server in your office, cloud computing stores data on the internet. Information is available from a central web-based hub that gives anyone with proper credentials access from any location with an internet connection.

Maintains consistency between users

When multiple workers are working on the same digital file, it’s easy for mistakes to happen. Since cloud-hosted files exist in the same central location, data is automatically synced between all devices, which means people are using the most up-to-date version of files.

Allows for remote programs

Businesses rely on software that isn’t commonly used at home. Since specialized software is often installed on company computers in the office, cloud computing allows users to access all types of files and applications as though they were in the office. By removing the barrier of entry for employees to use the programs they’re comfortable with, regardless of where they are physically, cloud computing brings the office to the kitchen table.

Easy data backup

Catastrophic data loss can happen at any time. Whether that loss occurs from natural disasters, power surges, or hardware failure, affected companies are at increased risk of bankruptcy within the same year as the data loss. And while most companies have adopted backup plans, it helps to have additional contingencies in place. By utilizing the cloud to store important data, business owners can rest easy knowing that important files are safe even if hardware fails.

Cost-efficient

Buying and maintaining server equipment requires time, expertise and money. Rather than building your own bespoke server, which can be prone to downtime, a cloud computing provider stores data for you without all the downsides. Prices for business-oriented cloud services are still a monthly expense, but it’s a manageable and predictable expense in many aspects.

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Digital Commerce in a Big Market – Small Business Guide

Things to Think About When Choosing an Ecommerce Platform for Your emerging Small Business. The majority of small businesses do not have infinite resources to invest on a website. As a result, the cost & ease of use will be a crucial factor to consider an ecommerce platform.

From DIY templates to agreements with significant industry players, ecommerce platforms come in different shapes and sizes. Keep in mind that what works for one brand may not work for another, so consider these criteria while weighing the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Technology, Price, cost, and additional fees are all factors to consider.

Operating an ecommerce business isn’t a one-size-fits-all proposition; it’s a broad category of ecommerce software that comes in a variety of flavors. Take your time to research the available possibilities before jumping in head first.

There are different types of ecommerce solutions, mainly:

Open Source.

The term “open source” refers to the freely published and accessible source code that is used to organize a website. Example of some of the most reliable open-source platform are WooCommerce, PrestaShop, Magento etc. Open-source code has a number of benefits, including:

There is no obligation to buy from a specific vendor.
Integration with existing systems is simple.
Customizable platforms are available.


However, open source isn’t without flaws, and the disadvantages may be enough to drive some people away. Open-source systems necessitate more security interventions and may incur additional expenditures, such as the involvement of a special IT team.

SaaS (Software-as-a-Service).

Software-as-a-Service, also known as SaaS, is frequently mistaken with cloud software. SaaS solutions, like cloud software, are housed on a server that is managed by someone other than your company, but there are some key differences.

Although SaaS pricing varies widely, investing in a solid platform can pay off handsomely. Many ecommerce sites, fortunately, provide a free trial period, which is a terrific way for you to try out the site and learn about all of its features. Some of the popular SaaS Ecommerce platforms are Shopify, BigCommerce, Wix etc.

Things to Consider When Selecting Your Small Business Ecommerce Platform:

Technology
Price, cost, and additional fees.
Scalabilities
Flexibility

Built-in features.

Success in ecommerce comes from a lot more than simply listing your products for sale. In fact, the advanced features offered by an ecommerce site can play a big role in the results you see. 

From things like easily automated promotions and discounts to comprehensive analytics, the built-in features an ecommerce provider can offer should play a big role in the decision-making process.

Rather than relying on third-party apps to address core functionalities, BigCommerce offers native features that lower cost and complexity and help you achieve your business goals:

  • Website customization: Allow merchants to personalize the look and feel of their website to match their brand image.
  • SEO optimization: Built-in SEO features help increase organic traffic and reach more customers.
  • Payment management: With a partner network of major payment providers such as Cashfree, PayPal, Stripe and Apple Pay, gives small businesses the freedom to choose the payment gateway that works best for them.
  • Application integrations: Using platforms apps marketplace, merchants can discover custom elements and features to enhance their online presence.

Analytics.

If you’re a small business looking to make it big, you’ll need the tools to measure your customer behavior and preferences over time. Understanding what your customers are looking for is key to improving marketing initiatives and better meeting their needs.

Look for an ecommerce platform that offers built-in customer analytics tools, tracks visits and activity on your website and identifies your highest and lowest performing products. This will give you insight into what is most impacting your business and what you can do to better serve your customers.

Ease of use.

A good platform should be, above almost all else, easy to use. The more complex a site is to use, the harder it will be for you to make sure no step of your process falls by the wayside. Consider platforms that focus on these key areas of emphasis.

Set-up flow

From registering a domain name to managing payment processing, a lot goes into a new ecommerce site. A good platform will ensure you don’t miss a beat.

Centralized channel management

Managing your ecommerce site should be as easy as possible. With a way to organize and oversee all channels at one time, centralized channel management is key to staying organized.

Product and SKU management

If you have a lot of different SKUs and product categories, the last thing you want is to have to manage this by hand. Being able to upload CSV files, for example, can make inventory management very easy.

Scalability.

Most businesses have growth goals, whether in a year or a decade down the road. Regardless of how you see your business evolving, you’ll need support from your ecommerce platform as your business grows and changes. This may mean space for unlimited products, expansion capabilities overseas, more payment gateways or additional images and video content.

The Final Word

Small enterprises are extremely important.

We’ve witnessed firsthand how building an online store can alter and scale your business as a platform that works with small business owners every day.

Ecommerce is a definite method for small businesses to stand out — especially in such a crowded industry — since it provides a way to generate sales, enhance web presence, and accomplish growth goals all in one spot.

You’ll be sure to take your business to the next level if you choose a dependable platform that can meet current and future needs while focusing on the most important elements for success.

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Digital Transformation for Emerging Small Businesses

When compared to offline firms, digital SMEs can diversify consumer categories in a short amount of time and thus can gain the following :

Revenue growth
Increasing access to a larger customer base
Improving operational effectiveness
Improving the customer experience

Revenue is a company’s most crucial goal; the bigger the revenue, the faster the company will grow. Businesses have experienced a massive impact as a result of digital transformation, particularly in terms of revenue. Technology-adopting SMEs have shown to be highly profitable. It has been proven that online business earnings increased by 19% annually, whereas offline business income increased by 10%.

Larger Customer Base

A company’s market reach is limited if it just has an offline presence. Customizing technology and having an online presence allows SMEs to expand and improve their game in both domestic and international markets.

Increased digital interaction allows SMEs to expand into new markets, allowing them to compete with industry giants. E-commerce platforms break through geographical barriers by enhancing client experiences and assisting in the development of better supply chain solutions. This enables businesses to sell 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and rapidly expand their consumer base while incurring minimal operational expenditures.

Customer Engagement

By giving a deeper understanding of customers, business intelligence and data analytics have provided chances for SMEs to make better decisions. SMEs have been redesigned with next-generation customer interaction capabilities by using customer intelligence and insights to evaluate and predict consumer wants, inventing new products that match their criteria, and clever delivery of the appropriate items at the right time at a cost-effective price.

The introduction of cloud-based solutions and freemium models, in which basic software is supplied for free but functionality, virtual products, or proprietary services may be charged, has allowed SMEs to expand their capacities and improve customer experience.

Operational Efficiency

SMEs can reduce overall spending by improving operational and marketing costs thanks to digital transformation. Information and communication technology (ICT), digital integrated production planning, shop floor control, supply chain solutions, and cloud-based ERP are examples of IT-driven smart tools and approaches that have improved the operational efficiency of SMEs in the contemporary environment.

Social & Digital Marketing

Effective digital marketing strategies can assist SMEs in retaining or engaging existing and future prospects, hence improving overall business success.

Create Social Media Accounts wherever your target audience is present to advertise your business online. On LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram, for example.

You can also use Google Ads or Facebook Ads to market your website.

The Final Thought

You will not only become a role model, but your business will prosper if you make the proper judgments. As a result, the emphasis must be on shifting perspectives and looking beyond the slump. If need is the mother of invention, we can all agree that there has never been a better time to invent than today.