{"id":19711,"date":"2021-07-19T11:28:51","date_gmt":"2021-07-19T10:28:51","guid":{"rendered":"\/gb\/en\/blog\/?p=19711"},"modified":"2023-01-16T14:47:47","modified_gmt":"2023-01-16T14:47:47","slug":"a-guide-to-mobile-technology-for-small-business-owners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/gb\/en\/blog\/a-guide-to-mobile-technology-for-small-business-owners\/","title":{"rendered":"A Guide to Mobile Technology for Small Business Owners"},"content":{"rendered":"

The rise of mobile technology has had a significant impact on the way businesses across every industry operate. Pre-pandemic, the growing popularity of cloud technology was already contributing to a boost in the use of mobile technology for business management.<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition, over the last 18 months, the coronavirus pandemic has also meant that many small business owners have turned towards digital solutions to keep operating during lockdown. For customers, this has often resulted in an improvement in customer experience<\/a> with the added bonus of COVID-secure transactions for those who feel uncomfortable using cash or receiving a service in person.<\/span><\/p>\n

With mobile technology revolutionising the way small businesses operate, we\u2019ll explore everything you need to know about the different devices and technology available to help your business reach more customers.\u00a0<\/span>\"Fleximize3006<\/p>\n

The different types of mobile technology that can help run your business<\/span><\/h2>\n

Simply speaking, mobile technology consists of portable communications devices that are usually internet-enabled. To help you understand how mobile technology can be used for business, it\u2019s important to understand the types of devices you could use and the different types of communications technology available.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In terms of devices, the term \u2018mobile technology\u2019 may make you think of smartphones, smartwatches, and contactless payment terminals. But it\u2019s also important to note that mobile technology can be used on laptops and GPS devices.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And, in terms of communication technology, you could be using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, network services such as 4G or 5G, and even VPNs (virtual private networks).<\/span><\/p>\n

The type of mobile technology best suited to your business will vary massively depending on the industry your company falls into.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, private medical practices may leverage the use of text messaging to offer patient appointments. On the other hand, restaurants may consider using QR code technology to help customers view menus and order items directly to their tables. A delivery company, meanwhile, may turn to the use of GPS for route optimisation so that their operations are quicker and more efficient.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To help you understand a little more about the types of mobile technology for your business and industry, we\u2019ve listed some of the most popular types of mobile technology used by businesses today:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Apps<\/b><\/h3>\n

Mobile apps are software applications that can be downloaded and run on mobile phones, tablets, and smartwatches. With more and more consumers accessing websites and purchasing products through their smartphones, it\u2019s easy to see why so many businesses are turning to apps to improve or expand their customer experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Over the pandemic, many in the hospitality industry have created apps to help provide a smoother and COVID-secure customer experience. Some hotels, for example, allow customers to check-in, order room service and even pay for their room, all through the use of an app.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For internal operations, many professional services firms have also leveraged the use of apps to help keep teams connected. The RingCentral app, for example, allows teams to seamlessly contact one another via <\/span>message, video call, or sharing links easily<\/span><\/a>, no matter what their location.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The\u00a0on-demand app development<\/a>, for instance, enables customers to order products and get them delivered to their doorsteps in no time.<\/p>\n

2. QR codes\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

Another form of mobile technology that\u2019s gaining momentum in recent months is the use of QR (quick response) codes. Simply put, a QR code works in the same way as a barcode on a product you\u2019d see in a supermarket. Using your smartphone, you can scan the QR code using the camera application on your phone, and this will automatically bring up a page with an action to complete.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In terms of customer-facing uses, QR codes are often used by restaurants to allow customers to access an up-to-date menu, reducing the need for physical menus which would need to be cleaned or thrown out after each use. QR codes can also be used at events in museums to give users access to an audio file or can be used by small businesses to take payments. Back of house, QR codes are also very useful for business management processes such as stocktaking or inventory.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Fleximize3006<\/p>\n

3. Personalised marketing<\/b><\/h3>\n

Over the last few years, mobile marketing has become a core component of many small business\u2019 overall digital marketing strategies, with the use of text messages and ads being the most popular. Technology such as geofencing is particularly popular for <\/span>targeting customers<\/span><\/a> within a specific radius of your restaurant or store.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Using this technology, small businesses can send texts, emails, or app notifications to customers who are nearby to let them know about special promotions or offers in the store closest to them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other types of hyper-personalised marketing could also include mobile-first ad strategies, where you can personalise ads for a specific audience, based on the user\u2019s browsing and buying habits. Mobile marketing technologies are particularly popular amongst those in the retail and hospitality industry, especially since footfall has started to increase again after lockdown.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Contactless payments<\/b><\/h3>\n

As mentioned above, more and more UK consumers are turning towards cashless transactions in the wake of multiple lockdowns. As such, being able to offer your customers the option of contactless payments has become vital to small business owners.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether it\u2019s through QR codes, Google Pay, or contactless card readers, there are multiple technologies you can leverage as a small business owner which will enable your customers to make contactless payments using their smartphones or smartwatches.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The most popular mobile payment types include:<\/span><\/p>\n