Businesses don’t have to be exclusively e-commerce to use new technology as a launching point for growth. Technological advances can offer more convenience for the customer, more data for the business — and huge potential for growth. Here are four ways even more traditional businesses can adapt new technology for the better.
Consider augmented reality.
Augmented reality applications allow consumers to preview a product in their homes before actually making a purchase — but this technology isn’t limited to just big business and online stores. While major retailers have the budget for launching their own AR options, small businesses can use services to add the feature to their own. For photographers and print shops, for example, platforms such as Shoot and Sell, Studio Pro and Swift Galleries allow small businesses to show their clients what a particular print or canvas would look like hanging in their own home.
The beauty of integrating new technology is that there’s often similar technology that makes it actually easier to implement. For example, product-based businesses could use 3D scanning apps to show potential customers a 3D look at the different options.
Try a voice assistant.
Shopping online isn’t nearly as convenient as asking a smart home assistant to do the shopping for you. Building apps or skills that can be integrated into Alexa, Siri, or Cortana assistants adds even more convenience for customers. Working with voice control will require a bit more skill — probably contracting a programmer specialised in the task — but can be helpful for businesses that have customers frequently re-ordering the same things or any business where added convenience is a big plus (such as pizza delivery).
Customer loyalty software brings personalisation in-store.
Personalising the customer experience ins’t exclusive to ecommerce. Using customer loyalty programs allows even small businesses to track what each customer likes to buy and when, and whether that customer shops online or offline. Thankfully, a number of different customer loyalty software programs allow even smaller businesses to implement a system.
Customer loyalty is a technological win-win. Customers get discounts and personalised service, while businesses get access to data that can help increase sales. Loyalty programs can also be integrated into other aspects of your business, like expanding your email marketing with personalised recommendations.
Accept contactless payments.
Technology means that sometimes customers aren’t even paying with any sort of physical contact. Accepting payments such as Apple Pay, Android Pay, or Google Wallet can be an added benefit for customers, and it’s easy to add for businesses. Thankfully, you don’t have to figure out all the tech behind Apple Pay — you just have to choose a payment system provider that allows you to accept the contactless form of payment. That’s an easy way to add a new technology to your brick-and-motar business.
While ecommerce businesses may have a jump start on integrating new technology, even traditional businesses can expand by embracing some of the latest technological advances. Considering factors like AR, voice assistance, customer loyalty software, contactless payments and more can help small businesses grow.