Running a successful small business is about more than just resolving employee issues, fostering collaboration among team members and meeting sales goals. An understanding of technology is key to remaining competitive, boosting productivity, and expanding your operations in an effective manner. Here are five IT terms small business owners need to grasp if growth and efficiency are part of your plan.
CMS
A content management system (CMS) is a tool designed to manage content on a website. It includes features that enable you to create, publish and manage Web content, including text, images and video, even if you have very little technical expertise. Many systems accommodate third-party plug-ins that allow you to offer advertising features, conduct polls or launch chat rooms. It can also enable you to alter the visual look of your site. A comprehensive content management system is key to planning and managing Web site content.
SEO
Search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial to marketing any business online. It’s a strategy to improve your website’s ranking in search engine results. SEO is a very involved process that involves the positioning of keywords within content, among other tactics. With SEO, it’s important to think about the ways people search online when producing content. The goal is for users to find your website easily when browsing through search engine results relevant to your business or industry.
Cloud Hosting
This is when you host your Web site data on virtual servers at a remote location from your physical business. The term “cloud” means the server is accessible via the Internet.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
Software as a Service refers to accessing an application online without the need for a physical copy of the program on your device. A SaaS vendor hosts the application and provides support, which means you don’t need to use your own hardware space or rely on in-house IT to maintain the software.
E-Invoicing
Invoices can be delivered to customers and other business partners electronically. In lieu of paper, electronic invoices can create significant time and cost savings for businesses.
These terms are just a few of the basics all small business owners need to be familiar with if they want to be competitive in today’s hyper-competitive, networked economy.
planning, efficiency, collaboration, small business, productivity