5 steps for getting the best from your digital tools

Making your organisation more efficient, productive and automated is central to running an effective small business in the digital age.

But with so many digital tools and software solutions out there, setting up new systems can be a daunting prospect. Which tools should you use? How do you set them up? What training will your employees need to get up and running? All these questions are likely to be on your mind.

Thankfully, the Australian Government has a helpful page dedicated to [explaining how to use digital tools and software] (https://business.gov.au/online-and-digital/digital-tools-for-business) to drive your small business strategy.

Let’s take a look at the practical steps for getting the best from your digital tools.

Set your business goals

Any new tech that you add to your existing systems needs to be there to support a pre-agreed goal within your business strategy. If your aim is to reduce your staffing levels and cut wage costs, apps that can automate some of your more labour-intensive tasks are a must.

Write your digital strategy

It’s important to write your digital strategy down, so you have an evolving document that lists your digital goals and how they support your wider strategy. This can include creating a broad outline of your ‘app stack’ and how it will deliver on these goals.

Compare the value of digital tools before buying

For each solution and app on the market, there are probably several competitors, all vying to be ‘top dog’ in this specific niche market. Make sure you do your research and try out demos of several apps and solutions before making your final decision.

Know how to keep your business safe from cyber threats

As your business systems become more digital, the amount of customer data and sensitive business information you’re holding in the cloud will increase. Having high levels of cybersecurity in place is a must, with data encrypted and protected from hackers, etc.

Tell staff and manage the change

Employees tend to get attached to legacy systems, so it’s vital to give prior warning of any changes to your software tools and to explain the strategic thinking behind the upgrade. You should also involve your team in the research and testing process, and provide in-depth training so everyone can get up and running as quickly as possible.

If you’re drowning in app and software options and need help to outline your digital strategy, don’t worry. Our team can work with you to understand your business strategy and digital goals, giving you the support you need to build the ideal app stack for the job.