The evolution of business technology can help your business reach its full potential. In 2020 digital communication, telemedicine, and social media became more important than ever.
And your business can utilize technology trends like these ones to learn more about your potential clients or customers and connect with them.
So, what can businesses expect in the upcoming year from new business technology?
Keep reading to find out!
Business Tech Trends
In order to make technology updates for business, it's crucial to look at the existing trends. And 2020 was a transformational year for digital technology. Below are a few of the business technology trends we anticipate to grow in 2021.
E-Commerce and Contactless Delivery
For health and safety reasons, businesses started to offer more e-commerce and contactless delivery opportunities for customers. Businesses invested in customer-friendly apps that allowed each buyer to shop, ship, or pick up their items without the risk of human to human contact.
While some companies are going to return to their old commerce model, others recognize that this new business tech could be a permanent change and a great opportunity for innovation.
Social Media for Businesses
Businesses use social media to build a successful brand and communicate with customers. This trend shows no sign of slowing down this year. In fact, it's possible that new social media platforms will emerge and offer an opportunity for businesses to grow in popularity.
Staying up to date on social media sites and trends is crucial to connect with ideal customers and to stand out among your competition.
Businesses use social media to drive traffic to their website. They also use blogs. While blogs aren't exactly classified as social media, they serve a similar purpose – connect people with a company's brand and increase site traffic.
Businesses in all sectors, from plumbing to designer handbags, are forming blogs to increase SEO and overall traffic to their site. It allows customers to learn while establishing the business as the authority in their industry.
Remote Working/Telecommunication
Some of the biggest companies in the world started working remotely in 2020. And while many of them expected this to be a short term solution, it has become the new normal.
Remote operating systems and teleconference technology is expected to grow in the next year. Platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams will help businesses hold meetings and even large conferences without traveling. You can also expect to see new companies break into telecommunication this year to take advantage of the growing need.
Online Education
Schools all over the world were asked to change to an online forum. And while this presented new challenges for parents and teachers alike, it also reinforced the importance of new business technology designed for education.
Businesses are working to develop digital classroom products designed specifically for school-aged children. Beyond that, other businesses are donating to the research and development for online education resources to show their support.
Aritifical Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) allows businesses to automate work and become more efficient. New apps run on AI technology to reduce error and use data to learn more about customers and business.
Delivery companies are using AI for contactless or even remote delivery of goods. Businesses are using AI as virtual assistants for busy CEOs and managers. And supply chains rely on AI for manufacturing.
The use of AI and its potential will grow this year and likely beyond. Keep an eye out for AI in the business and technology world.
Small Business Success
Many people thought that COVID-19 meant the end of small businesses as we knew it. But the trends in consumer spending tell a different story.
People have continued to support small businesses through e-commerce, buying gift cards, and ordering take-out or delivery meals. In an effort to feel more connected to one's community, individuals and families have made an effort to shop local and show support and interest in small businesses that were impacted by the pandemic.
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality and augmented reality can be used for everything from business to entertainment. When so much of our work and play was remote this year, it's not surprising that the use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (RA) spiked.
New companies will enter the virtual reality space to continue to provide technology businesses including remote assistance and AR cloud.
CRM Development/Refinement
A customer relationship management (CRM) tool allows businesses to gather data and learn from their customer's behaviors online. Businesses can use this technology to connect with a specific audience and improve the customer experience.
For example, a business can track how a patient interacts with their website via heat map technology. Or they can measure successful conversions on the site from visitors to purchases.
CRM can also be used to automate processes on a business's website to increase customer engagement without any additional effort from the business. Email marketing, social media campaigns, and other digital advertising can all be organized and optimized through the use of a CRM platform.
Keeping Up with 2021 Business Trends
As you can see, there are several exciting new technology trends for businesses this year. And if you are an entrepreneur starting a new business, you might feel intimidated.
But you can keep up with digital trends and business tech by making the most of innovation for your business. Following trends in email marketing, social media outreach, and SEO can bring your business to the next level.
Make Business Technology Work for You
New business technology is constantly evolving. But it doesn't mean you should shy away from innovation for fear of change. Instead – embrace it!
The technology trends above are useful for any entrepreneur looking to start a business or grow an existing business. Let the technology do the work for you and watch as your business's sales and popularity grow.
If you're looking for help optimizing your website or building your brand online, schedule a call with us today and learn how we can help!
