If you run or own a business, then you are going to need to understand the IoT (Internet of Things). This new world that businesses are operating under is more connected and fast paced than ever. It is crucial that you change your business by leveraging this technology instead of missing chances to get more customers and awareness for your brand. Here are ten ways that the IoT can change your business.

 

Integration

In the past everything was separate. A phone wasn’t connected to the computer and a tablet with someone across the globe. Today’s consumers expect things to work with each other. If you have a website, app, or smart product, make sure that it works well across various platforms.

 

Smart Home Technology

With Google, Amazon, and others coming out with tech that works in the home and responds to commands, it is important to understand that your business may be found in new ways. If someone is shopping around with voice activation, your descriptions on your site and listings need to be compelling enough for people to want to learn more.

 

Customer Relationships

If you are not using a modern CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software suite, then the likelihood is that you don’t have the information that you could about your customers. You can now track calls, information, and even their process through your sales cycles. Additionally, you can share the info between team units like sales, tech support, and customer service.

 

Email Marketing

Email marketing is still going strong, and it appears that the internet of things has only accelerated this trend. If you truly want to get the most out of your brand going forward, make sure you’re building your list and reaching people in their homes, whether that is through their desktop or phone.

 

Inventory

The internet has certainly changed how people manage inventory. Now, it’s easy to have a third party take care of your inventory so you can automatically ship it to customers without ever touching it.

 

SEO

Search Engine Optimization has always been a major factor online. But today, your business needs to change to be easily found in the search engine results on mobile, not just desktop environments.

 

Shopping

Shopping has become a new area where your business can change if you are in the right places. Today, a customer can buy anywhere from any device, so make sure your photography is compelling and that your digital presence does justice to your brand.

 

Hiring

In the past, hiring was much more difficult due to the lack of video conferencing. Today, with the use of apps and services, you can work with someone across the globe. The only thing standing in your way is a time zone and perhaps a slight language barrier. But the reduced costs could be worth it.

 

Big Data

Have you ever had someone analyze the business intelligence sitting in your internal systems? With all your customer data, you could analyze who is the best type of customer to pursue and which ones you should avoid when building out sales funnels.

 

AI

Automation is king in the IoT world. Let computers do the work for you. If your employees are doing tasks manually that could be programmed or outsourced, it’s time to take advantage of more free time and resources by putting software in place.

When it comes to modern technology, long gone are the days where a business owner could compete simply by getting their storefront set up. Today, fast moving digital technology and the IoT has drastically transformed everyday life. It is crucial that you adapt as a business and understand how to leverage this new wave of technology or your competition could take additional market share while you miss out on opportunities to grow your brand. So use the advice above to make sure your profits go up now and into the future.