IT’S BEST TO GET ONLINE

UK firms are missing out on £85billion worth of additional business due to a lack of digital skills. A report from Lloyds Bank shows the good news is that 99% of small businesses and charities have now moved online as they increasingly recognise how important digital is to success.

But they need to take up all the digital opportunities available. It’s not just the bottom line that can improve, new technologies can save time too.

Those utilising all the apps and technology to help with admin tasks say it saves them a day a week.

Here are Lloyds Bank tips to help you go digital:

1. Reach a wider base by making sure people can find you – create a free listing (you can do this with Google) with relevant search terms so you don’t miss out on people looking for your service.

2. Use social media to build a new customer base for your brand – monitor other companies that you think do it well to see which posts/photos have the best customer engagement.

3. Use the right advertising. There are many ways to advertise online, and they’re not as scary as they seem. From social media to email, you’re only a few clicks away from reaching your audience. 4. Find the right kind of tools to make life easier – there are lots of online apps that can help you manage admin. Start by looking at what takes up most of your time – e.g. invoicing, where programmes such as Sagepay can help.

5. By using the internet to accept card payments or donations online, you can reach new customers, reduce costs and sell more efficiently. There are a range of secure online payment providers available, such as Cardnet.

6. Make sure you stay safe. You’ve invested in your online world and some of your most important documents are saved there or on laptops – find out how you can keep things safe at getsafeonline. org/business.