When was the last time you decluttered your tech toolbox? As a business owner, it’s difficult not to be tempted by technology that promises to make your life easier. Everywhere you look, another application or software program is being touted as the solution to your problems.
As unfair as it may seem, increasing the number of tech tools you use will not automatically improve your productivity or streamline your process. Limiting your technology to only the gadgets that supercharge your business will prevent you from becoming buried in clutter.
If you’re ready to simplify your process but unsure how to execute a digital deep-clean, keep reading. Once you learn how to differentiate between tools that empower and tools that encumber, you’ll be shocked at how liberating digital minimalism can feel.
What’s Your Selection Strategy?
Mom knew what she was talking about when she admonished you to “Make good choices!” before leaving the house. It turns out that’s solid advice for every situation, even choosing software for your business. If you’re suffering from an overabundance of digital tools, you probably make your tech decisions based on one (or more!) of these factors:
Discounts
Who doesn’t love a bargain? There’s no shame in being thrifty, but you’ll want to be careful that your desire to score a deal doesn’t end up costing you. Every time you add new software, you need to account for the learning curve that accompanies it, and the extra time the program takes. While you may not want to pass up an application on sale for $14.99, unless that program is essential for your business, it will cost more than you anticipate.
Novelty
New and shiny may seem more fun than the tried and true options but trying every innovative program will leave you buried in technology. When something works, stick with it, even if it isn’t as flashy or fun. Trendy new programs may catch your eye but fight the urge to give them a second look unless they meet a specific need for your business.
Recommendations
Time to head back to the “Mom-isms” with this classic, “If all your friends jumped off a cliff, would you jump too?” When your peers love an application, it can feel like a no-brainer to add it to your arsenal, especially if they seem to be getting fantastic results from the program. However, remember that your business model isn’t their business model, and your business needs aren’t the same as theirs; if you end up using the same applications, fantastic! But you need to decide to use them based on your specific goals.
Put Your Tech Tools to the Test
Step One: Can Your Website Perform the Function?
If you’re using a mainstream hosting platform such as WordPress, you already have access to dozens of tools and applications. Take a moment to explore the customizability of your platform. The ability to adapt your website to meet your needs without adding in outside applications will offer massive savings in time, money, and stress. Consider Linktree; is a standalone link page something your business needs, or can you offer the same thing on your website?
Choose to use third-party programs only for services you can’t get through your hosting platform. External applications are a superb tool for tasks such as collecting email addresses, so make them work for you through website integration. Opting to create the pages you need on your website and intentionally integrating third-party programs makes maintaining a cohesive brand simple. It also provides a more polished appearance and increases the authenticity of your business.
Step Two: Which One of Your Core Process Pillars Does It Support?
For an application to serve you, it must meet a clear need. Four process pillars support your business; if a program doesn’t directly contribute to one of them, it only wastes space.
Relationship Building
This pillar revolves around connecting to your audience and building a relationship. Client relationship management software falls into this category, enabling you to provide top-notch customer service and form relationships.
Client Processes
From the first consultation call to your final session, client processing tools make a client’s journey with your business pleasant and productive. Automation software is part of this pillar and allows you to manage clients’ needs without extraneous effort.
Establishing Credibility
Tools within this category help you show your client that you are an authority in your industry and provide you with social credibility. For example, social media scheduling software allows you to strut your stuff and share your knowledge more effectively.
Internal-Support (CEO & Team)
Teamwork makes the dream work, so you’ll need to keep every staff member in the loop. Project management software supports your role as an owner and keeps your business’s inner workings running.
Ready for a Website Overhaul?
Creating the optimal web presence for your business requires juggling multiple pieces and tidying up your tech practices is only one way to optimize your efforts. If you’re ready to maximize your digital footprint, check out our comprehensive Online Presence Checkup Workshop.
In this workshop, we’ll teach you how to attract your perfect-fit clients, build a reliable lead-generating machine, and streamline your online presence. You’ll finish the workshop with three techniques you can implement immediately to draw your ideal clients. Contact us and discover how to grow your business by simplifying your digital processes.