After the last post on automating your sign business, I thought I would share some of the web marketing tools we have used in the past. Being a business owner has plenty of challenges, but thankfully there are a whole host of tools out there that can help you better manage your business. It's 2023 and more than likely you have more technology at your fingertips than you know what to do with. If you are feeling a little overwhelmed trying to learn how you can use the newest tools of the 21st century, take a look at the following Web-sites for a jump start.
For File Uploading or Sending:
- YouSendIt - Ever had an attachment fail because it was too large for e-mail? YouSendIt allows you to upload files to their page, and then sends a notification to the recipient advising them how to download it. They even have a special package geared towards small business owners.
- Uservoice - is designed to help you gather ideas from your customers and users that when put into practice can propel your business.
- Zoho - This system helps with customer development, and has a free version. They also have a complete suite of software tools.
- SurveyMonkey - This is the one we use, and one of my favorites. They have a free version, as well.
- WordPress - My favorite blog. Free, tons of themes available, intuitive to use, and can function as a CMS system. I love it!
- Crazyegg - This site allows you to see where users are clicking on your Web pages. Knowing this enables you to place special offers and other important information in the area where viewers are naturally drawn to. This is a paid service.
- bitly - URL Shortener. Sign up for a free account and get complete history, real-time stats, and saved preferences. Works great for Twitter.
- Google Analytics - The one that practically everybody uses. We use it as well. It's free, and has one of the most comprehensive set of web stats available.
While it may seem a little beyond you to inculcate new technology into your business, doing so is essential for growth. The time and investment that it takes to learn how to better use such tools in your business is well worth it. Be careful that you don't become stagnate in your growth; as a business develops its needs become greater. Many tech companies are recognizing the need for easy to use tech solutions for small businesses. Products like Microsoft's Small Business Center and Resource Business Center are perfect for small business and are the kind of investment that can help your employees be more productive and efficient, resulting in a more profitable business.