Running a Business is not cheap – no matter what kind of business you have. You don’t have many resources to use but you won’t be able to make it unless you adopt certain technologies. In today’s world, Technology is the king and companies need it to survive. With the right technology, a small business can even save money and compete with the big players – it’s definitely a great tool for levelling the playing field.

So, how could you save money on technology costs without losing out? Here are six clever ways for small businesses to save on technology.

#1: Leverage cloud technology

Cloud technology is always cheaper than trying to add physical tech to your office. For example, running your website on a cloud-based server is much cheaper than getting your own server up and running. IT infrastructure costs and if you can avoid it, you should do so. You’ll save a lot of money also on securing your files – you don’t need to worry about cloud security as long as you pick your providers carefully and take care of the insurance.

#2: Provide proper education

Technology can cause a lot more if you don’t know how to use it. Your digital products become inefficient and you are wasting money on apps and software if your employees don’t know how to use it. Whenever you are adopting new technology, make sure to properly train everyone using it – including yourself. The better educated your employees are about the products, the easier it will be to use them to the max and to solve any problems that might arise. The good news is that learning doesn’t have to be expensive either – you can find plenty of materials online for learning about coding, using specific software and so on.

#3: Identify your real technology needs

It’s also important to understand that while technology can be magnificent in helping your business gain a competitive advantage, it alone isn’t a savior. Adopting technology just for the sake of it won’t help your business to grow. The technology you use needs to serve a purpose.

Therefore, it’s crucial to always map out your technology needs and to calculate the cost-effectiveness of adopting a certain software or gadget. For example, opting for the latest video conference software and cameras will be a waste of time and money, if you are only going to organize a conference every two months. Similarly, a helpful HR software app might not be useful if you only have three people working in the team.

#4: Adopt green technology

It might seem like a costlier option, but green technology is actually cheaper in terms of operational costs. Things such as eco-friendly printers, light bulbs, and the like will cut down energy consumption and they often have a longer lifespan as well. Whenever you can afford it, you should go green. Furthermore, depending on your country of residence, certain green technologies and practices might be tax deductible. So, it’s worth looking into and talking to your accountant.

Green policies are also good in other areas of your business. For example, instead of spending a lot of money on traveling from one place to another, remote conferences and meetings are a good idea. You also want to avoid using paper bills and other such itineraries as they can add to the cost of running your business. Even the occasional remote day from work can help your small business to save money!

#5: Compare prices and test your technology before purchase

You also need to follow the general rules of shopping smart in order to ensure you’re not breaking the budget. This means doing your research before you commit to a specific technology. Read reviews and talk to other entrepreneurs with similar businesses – listen to their recommendations more than you do the sale talk by the brand itself. You should always take advantage of trial periods and look for offers online once you’ve chosen your technologies. You can find hundreds of offers via VoucherBin.co.uk on gadgets and business software. Don’t forget to check for new products during big saving seasons like Cyber Monday and Black Friday – these are dates when even businesses can make great savings.

#6: Consider free alternatives

Sometimes you don’t even need to spend a penny on your technology. There are many small business apps and software options out there that you can start using free of charge. Depending on the type of your business and its size, these can be a better option than a paid technology. So before you commit to buying a product, search for free alternatives and see whether they are worth it or not. Do remember that free is not always better – so research the products carefully.

Technology can help small businesses thrive and grow. It’s important to adopt the right tools to help your business but you naturally don’t want it to cost a fortune either. With the above tips, you can save on technology and simply reap the benefits!

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