In today’s highly connected world, making your business stand out is no longer about just attracting foot traffic. Leveraging digital tools can help you enhance your offerings, simplify complex tasks, and broaden your appeal to a larger audience. Here are five straightforward ways you can use tech to amplify your business presence.
1. Boost your visibility with an optimised Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile, formerly known as Google My Business, should be a cornerstone of your online presence. With 98% of people discovering local businesses through online searches, a well-managed profile can provide insights that refine your business strategy and draw in more potential customers.
If you haven’t optimised your Google Business Profile yet, here’s where to start:
- Claim your business listing and verify your address (you can choose to keep it private if you operate from home).
- Update all contact details and make sure your operating hours are accurate.
- Add a clear, high-quality logo – and even better, add professional photos of your office or products.
- Schedule a few Google Business posts to promote upcoming events, list services and products, or advertise special offers.
- Reach out to satisfied customers you’ve worked with and ask them to leave a 5-star review.
2. Save on expenses with a virtual office
With remote work now mainstream, many businesses see the advantages of virtual office setups. They reduce overhead expenses, cut down on commuting emissions, and provide a professional address without the long-term commitment of traditional leases. For freelancers or small business owners working from home, displaying a virtual office address can add professionalism to your website or Google Business Profile, while also giving you access to physical office and meeting spaces if needed.
Gary Rawlings, Managing Director at Ezi Private Lending, notes, “Over the last few years, more businesses have found success by operating mainly – or entirely – online. A virtual office reduces major costs like rent and utilities, which you can then reallocate to strengthening your online presence or enhancing your e-commerce offerings.”
3. Improve your digital reach with quality content and SEO
Content is a vital component of any digital strategy, which is why Google prioritises websites with high-quality material. By adding valuable, well-written content to your website, such as informative blog posts, you’ll have a better chance of ranking higher in search results. Investing time in quality content can help you outshine competitors on Google.
To maximise the impact, implement search engine optimisation (SEO) techniques across your website. This includes optimising titles, meta tags, product names, image tags, URLs, and even the wording on social media posts. If SEO seems complex, Google’s Starter Guide can walk you through the basics and give you tips on improving your website’s visibility.
4. Add credibility with a professional 1300 number
New freelancers or small business owners often use a mobile phone for all business communications. However, as your client base grows, especially with more established clients, a dedicated business number can convey a higher level of professionalism.
A 1300 number allows you to project a polished image while directing calls to your mobile. You can even customise the number to reflect your business name, and add additional features like live call answering services.
5. Delegate tasks to a virtual assistant
When administrative work piles up, it’s easy to fall behind on important customer communications. If missed calls and delayed email responses are becoming a regular issue, it might be time to bring on a virtual assistant. For small businesses with limited budgets, hiring a virtual assistant is more affordable than taking on full-time or part-time in-house staff.
Digital receptionist services, for instance, can answer calls on your behalf, gather caller details, and pass the information to you, so you won’t miss valuable leads or inquiries. Though this service comes at a cost, it’s an investment in customer satisfaction and time management. By outsourcing routine admin work, you’ll have more time to focus on growing your business.
How to fund new technology in your business
Investing in the right technology can transform your business, but costs may not always align with your cash flow. Fortunately, there are funding options that can help you integrate essential technology without straining resources.
Government grants in Australia
The Australian government offers several grants designed to support digital transformation for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These grants cover areas like cybersecurity, e-commerce integration, and general digital infrastructure, allowing businesses to access new tech solutions at a reduced cost.
For more information on government grants in Australia, particularly those supporting digital and technology adoption for small businesses, you can explore Business.gov.au and Australian Small Business Advisory Services (ASBAS).
Asset and equipment financing through commercial brokers
If you need specific equipment or technology, asset and equipment lending through a commercial broker can be a practical solution. Professional brokers can provide tailored financing options, allowing you to spread the cost over time and keep cash reserves intact.
Leveraging technology can sharpen your competitive edge, and with the right financing options, you can integrate these tools into your business without overextending your budget. Contact Ezi Private Lending today or call 1300 854 033 to find out how our dedicated lending solutions can help you beat out the competition.
“The opinions expressed by BizWitty Contributors are their own, not those of BizCover and should not be relied upon in place of appropriate professional advice. Please read our full disclaimer."
