Running a small business means wearing multiple hats and juggling a wealth of tasks. Technology has undoubtedly improved how entrepreneurs manage their operations, but the ever-changing landscape of the digital world can be hard to keep up with. No single individual can be an expert in every aspect of technology!

That’s where outsourcing comes in. It’s a strategic approach to reduce overhead costs, gain specialist knowledge, and ensure the security and efficiency of your company’s digital infrastructure. Below, the business solution experts at BIITS examine the top tech-related tasks for outsourcing and recommend a few software alternatives for automating processes to save you time and money.

IT Services

Maintaining an in-house IT department, especially for a small business, can be expensive and time-consuming. That’s why a growing number of businesses are choosing to outsource their IT services to qualified, dedicated third parties. BIITS offers IT solutions from data center cabling to app development and analytics to meet your business’s needs.

Managed service providers (MSPs) offer a broad range of solutions, such as infrastructure management, hardware support, software installation, and cloud services. Outsourcing IT services will give you the assurance that your systems are up-to-date and running smoothly, allowing you to focus on the core operations of your company.

Cybersecurity

Cyberattacks are increasing in frequency and complexity, and small businesses are becoming even bigger targets for hackers. Outsourcing your cybersecurity to specialized professionals is crucial in protecting your business’s data and reputation.

Cybersecurity services can provide vulnerability assessments, security monitoring, and data protection, mitigating the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access. Plus, these companies can train your employees so they’re aware of how to identify and avoid potential security threats.

Business Formation

The legal structure (e.g., LLC, partnership, corporation, etc.) you establish for your business determines your taxes, liability, and many other factors. Using an online formation service allows you to quickly and conveniently create your own entity. It streamlines the process so you can worry less about legal paperwork and focus more on developing your business.

The right service will give you comprehensive support and access to all the necessary documents, advice, and resources to ensure your business remains fully compliant. Take time to research different services to determine which will best meet your needs!

Web Design and Development

Your website is often the first point of contact for potential customers, so it’s vital that it is professional, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Instead of attempting to build a website yourself or relying on an inexperienced team member, consider outsourcing your web design and development projects to experienced professionals.

With an expert in charge, you can rest assured that your online presence aligns with your brand and operates correctly. The professional will also maximize your site’s functionality, design, and search engine optimization (SEO) for your target audience.

Types of Software To Try

It’s critical to explore all the available software tools that can streamline your business processes and reduce the need for outsourcing certain tasks. For instance, a project management tool like Trello, Asana, or monday.com can help you manage tasks and collaborate with your team more effectively.

If you have an online store, you know that shopping should be an enjoyable and relevant experience. A unified e-commerce platform can help make that happen. Having access to advanced analytics, rich content tools, secure payment processing, and other features can help you create personalized experiences for customers that keep them engaged.

Moreover, automating routine tasks (e.g., bookkeeping, sales, customer service, etc.) can relieve some of the pressure on your team. Look to software like QuickBooks or FreshBooks for your bookkeeping tasks and customer relationship management (CRM) tools like Salesforce to automate email marketing, lead management, and various customer support stages.

Incentivise Research and Training

Outsourcing specific tech-related tasks can play a crucial role in your small business’s growth and success. By partnering with external professionals in the areas above, you can reduce costs, access specialized knowledge, and focus on your core operations. But it can be hard for employees to embrace new technologies, so consider incentivising the process.

Decide exactly what behaviors you want to encourage. Perhaps you’d like members of each department to suggest potential ways to outsource troublesome or time consuming tasks, or you want to encourage your staff to complete training. No matter the goal, you can easily offer user research incentives through an API system that distributes gift cards when particular metrics have been met. That way, you don’t have to track what each employee does and manage card distribution. Simply create the reward system you want and let it manage itself!

The Bottom Line

Change can be hard, but adopting technology can help you to automate processes, save valuable resources, and reduce your reliance on outsourcing by exploring software alternatives like e-commerce platforms, CRM solutions, and even employee incentive programs. Ultimately, it’s best to strike a healthy balance between outsourcing and using technology!