Every single day, small businesses grapple with a myriad of technical and IT-related tasks that end up consuming a massive amount of time, often lead to significant frustration, and generally hamper daily operations and business flow. Updating the website, composing and sending newsletters to customers, managing the online store, keeping the time tracking system on track, or fixing something in the helpdesk - there are dozens of such systems in operation that are meant to make your life easier, yet in daily use, they are so much more cumbersome and time-consuming than one would wish. As soon as some little thing goes awry somewhere - and something always does - frustration and rush quickly ensue.
The ideal solution, of course, would be to have their own dedicated IT person on staff to whom all the nitty-gritty could be confidently delegated; their own "IT guy" (or "IT lady") who takes care of all those pesky things that come up time and time again and need to be solved before actual business can take place.
But let's be real: Having a dedicated IT person is a significant commitment and a major hurdle. And not just financially: Aside from budgeting for a salary--which may be higher than all of other team members'--you also need to consider benefits, training, and ongoing professional development. But even finding the right individual for the role is a hurdle in itself. Not only are the tech-savvy usually costly to employ; they frequently possess proverbially unique personalities that may not always align with your team's culture.
A Lifesaver Emerges: Concierge IT Services
Fortunately, there's now an innovative solution: concierge IT services. This new form of alternative IT support is nothing short of a lifesaver for smaller teams or solo fighters in this position.
Imagine a scenario where you don't have to worry about managing your IT needs alone. Yes: Picture a world where expert assistance is just a call, a text, or a click away, tailored specifically to the demands of your small business, and ready to move the tech obstacles out of your way.
Here are some areas where smaller business experience daily or near-daily friction, but where a competent concierge IT service can help to take away the pain:
- Website Management: Many businesses use Content Management Systems (CMS) like WordPress, Shopify, or Wix to manage their websites. Common challenges include website updates, plugin compatibility issues, and ensuring website security.
- Custom and legacy websites: Repairs, updates, addition of new functions, integration with other systems, or simply design and structural refreshing. And let's not forget implementing essential SEO functions such as structured data, improving load speeds, eliminating SEO obstacles, submitting updates and crawl requests to major search engines; keyword research/optimization, as well as mobile compatibility and structural fixes (e.g., faulty heading sequence).
- E-commerce Platforms: Businesses selling products or services online often use e-commerce platforms such as WooCommerce, Magento, or BigCommerce, but none othe runs on its own; they need care, stroking and proper feeding. Challenges include setting up and customizing the online store, continuous inventory management, and integrating payment gateways, to name only a few common tasks.
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software: CRM systems like Salesforce, HubSpot, or Zoho are essential for managing customer interactions and improving sales processes, but learning them is a job in itself. Challenges include data organization, user adoption, and integration with other systems.
- Email Marketing and Newsletters: Tools like Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or ConvertKit can be conveniently used for email marketing campaigns and newsletters, but they all require your work and your time. Challenges include designing effective email templates, managing subscriber lists, and complying with email regulations.
- Online Advertising Platforms: Businesses may utilize platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or LinkedIn Ads for online advertising campaigns. Challenges include optimizing ad performance, managing ad budgets, and tracking campaign ROI.
- Data - Management: Small businesses often struggle with data management and backup solutions. Challenges include selecting appropriate storage solutions, implementing data backup protocols, and ensuring data security and compliance.
- Data - Evaluation and Analysis: Properly and effectively evaluating and analyzing business data (including, but not limited to customer, sales, inventory, shipping, Web stats, and financial data) requires not only special knowledge but also special tools not typically available in small businesses.
- Copywriting and Content Creation: Content creation tools like Grammarly, Canva, or Adobe Creative Suite are essential for producing high-quality content for websites, social media, and marketing materials, but they don't do it on their own. Challenges include generating engaging content, maintaining consistent branding, and adhering to SEO best practices.
Freedom At Last: Imagine a World Without IT Worries
A competent and highly flexible concierge IT service like bility.com will be by your side and assist you and your team with these and many other common challenges. They are indeed focused on being "your new IT guy," working alongside you to take the sting out of a great many daily tech challenges, paving the way for a smoother road to success for you and your business.
