5 Things to Consider When Starting a Business in 2021

If you are considering starting a business, technology will be at the heart of it in some way, use it to your advantage.

5 Things to Consider When Starting a Business in 2021

Photo by Brandy Kennedy on Unsplash

The technology you use when starting your business will constantly be changing.

There are always advancements in the tech world, and you will need to make sure you, your methods, and systems are up to date. Whether you want to open a shop or an online business, there are plenty of ways to use technology for your benefit. From social media marketing to tradeshows from your home, here are just five things to consider when starting a business in the 21st Century.

  • IT consultancy and solutions

One of the best ways to make the most of the internet and computer technology is to ask the experts. Using an IT consultancy company can help you understand the best ways to use tech and computers and what types of software and hardware would work best for you. Having a better grasp of the types of devices and systems you are using helps you become more IT literate and capable. IT services and solutions can be tailored to you and your business to make sure you have access to everything you need and that everything is running smoothly. This is a great first step to embracing the technology of the 21st Century and discovering what it can do for your business when used to its full potential. IT consultants can also recommend solutions, devices, and software so that you don’t have to go through lots of different options to find what works for you. This can help save time and money and allow you to focus on other elements of your business.

  •  Social Media

For businesses small and large, social media can be a great tool to use. It can help with marketing, advertising, customer interaction, and sales, as well as driving traffic to your website and keeping your customers and followers in the loop. For example, 90% of people on Instagram follow a business, so it is well worth putting a little more time and energy into your posts, images, and captions. You can also take many courses to help you understand how to utilize social media in business properly. Some businesses will have dedicated social media teams, but if you are just starting out, you’re unlikely you will have this. To begin with, some basic tips include taking high-quality product photos, figuring out the correct use of hashtags, writing good quality copy and captions, and making sure your accounts are updated regularly so that you are always popping up in your followers’ feeds. 

  •  Digital Marketing

There are many varieties and methods when it comes to digital marketing, and it is one of the most popular types of marketing. This is partly due to the fact that it is cost-effective, easy to analyze, targeted, and doesn’t involve lots of print or hand-delivering brochures! Digital marketing encompasses a wide range of techniques such as social media, email, content, SEO, influencer, and pay-per-click. One of the great things about digital marketing is that the analytics are easier to access than some other marketing methods, allowing you to see how successful your campaigns or posts have been. Furthermore, this type of marketing can save you money on costs such as printing and delivery and also helps to reduce waste and the impact of your business on the planet.

  • Virtual Tradeshows

Attending tradeshows allows you to demonstrate and promote your products, connect with potential clients and customers, and check out the competition. However, they can be expensive, and other logistical elements may prevent you from attending. There is now the ability to host and attend tradeshows virtually, meaning you may not even have to leave your house. This is a great alternative for small and newer businesses. You can hold demonstrations or live webinars to educate and communicate with your audience and use a live chat service to answer their questions as you would if you were physically there. It can also be helpful to use your social media and digital marketing to announce your presence at the virtual tradeshow so that people know you will be there. It’s also good to provide updates on the event before, during, and after it. 

  • Going Green

Being eco-conscious is incredibly important to help reduce your impact on the planet. This is a huge concern for many businesses and consumers alike, so using sustainable and ethical methods and products wherever you can is not only great for the planet but can make your business more attractive to customers. There are numerous ways you can do this, such as making sure you are recycling correctly, using local suppliers, sourcing locally, supporting other eco-friendly businesses and companies, and even choosing green energy suppliers and sources. Did you know that even emails and the internet can contribute to environmental damage? Web hosting solutions that use renewable energy can help you to reduce your carbon footprint and even encourage others to do the same. Even small changes such as energy-saving light bulbs, reusable water bottles, sustainable cleaning supplies, and recycling properly are great ways to start increasing the eco-consciousness of your business and reducing your negative impact on the planet. 

However you choose to use the technology available to you, it is important to keep up to date with the latest ideas, solutions, and platforms to make sure you are ready to change with the times. Choosing the correct devices and technological solutions for you can help reduce the amount of work you have to do manually, make your business more efficient and productive, therefore increasing the amount of great work you and your team can do. Using an IT consultant is a brilliant way to do this, especially if you are unfamiliar with the tech and software that you will need to be using. Understanding the technology available to you can help you and your business grow and thrive in the 21st Century!