I gazed into my crystal ball and came up with the small business technology trends for 2020. Okay, I googled and pored over some forecasts for this next year. I discovered many topics I touched on last year remain important into the new year.
AI as a service makes this technology more affordable for small businesses. AI technology in marketing and sales allows a small business to gather, and process data to reach large numbers of consumers who may want their product.
Chatbots streamline customer service. AI helps find and hire great employees for your business without combing through resume after resume. Small retailers can use it to speed up and improve product categorization for e-commerce.
IT automation in data storage, data analysis, and security areas assists small business IT teams to focus on higher priority projects as opposed to mundane tasks.
The increased focus on mobile apps continues as more consumers rely on smartphones and tablets to make purchasing decisions. There are several companies that specialize in helping small business with apps, such as BiznessApps or Appypie for the more technologically inclined.
Blockchain becomes more mainstream and business usable. It’s in use or in development for payments and money transfers, notary, smart contracts, gift cards and loyalty programs, and supply chain communications and proof of provenance.
Niche or micro-influencer marketing utilization on social media by small business grows in popularity. A superb way to get customer eyeballs on your product without a big investment.
Digital healthcare continues to grow and reduce healthcare expenses. The explosive growth of freelancing and work from home doesn’t slow. Hiring freelancers for specific projects and employees working from home saves a small business money and enhances efficiency.
Author: Kris Keppeler, a writer who finds technology fascinating and loves humor. She writes for Crossing Genres on Medium.com and Does This Happen to You? on Channillo. Award-winning podcast producer who enjoys telling stories. Follow her @KrisKKAria on Twitter or on LinkedIn.
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