If you’re a small business owner, you want to do everything possible to make sure your business thrives. Thankfully, small businesses can now benefit from the incredible technology that is offered today. Here are three ways small businesses are currently benefiting from today’s technology and three factors you should consider if you’re a small business owner.

Customer interaction is easier

With interaction easier than ever, customers want to feel like they are valued and heard when they purchase from a small business. One of the biggest benefits of today’s technology is the ability to address customer issues quickly and efficiently. The contact center software Gartner favorites is the best resource to help your customers with problems. Small business owners should invest in a cloud-based contact center software to ensure their customers’ issues can be easily dealt with.

WIth cloud-based software, you don’t need to purchase or set up any expensive or finicky hardware in your business, and your customers will never experience a lapse in contact. This software also allows your customers to switch between different modes of communication without losing contact for a true omnichannel experience. This means they can start by asking their questions in a chat and then switch to a phone call when they get tired of typing. 14 percent of small businesses fail because they ignore their customers. Don’t let that be your mistake when the technology is so easy to implement.

Payment is easier

Obviously, payment is one of the most important factors to your business’s success. Small businesses don’t have to solely rely on cash or check anymore, and odds are, you don’t want to. Your customers want to have a variety of ways to pay, so the more options you can offer, the happier your clientele will be. With today’s technology, small businesses can now provide multiple different ways to pay, all of which can make it easier for you to make money and grow your business.

If your business offers subscriptions or memberships, you want to make sure you choose a payment software that has built-in recurring payments. You might also want to offer a digital payment option, like Google Pay or Apple Pay. You can even offer your customers the opportunity to purchase from your business in their preferred language with software like 2Checkout. Think about your needs, the customers’ needs, and decide what payment options will work the best.

Advertising and marketing is easier

Businesses no longer rely on word of mouth or an attractive storefront to attract customers, and unfortunately, 14 percent of small businesses fail because of poor marketing. However, today’s technology can help you excel in marketing for little cost or effort. One of the easiest and cheapest marketing techniques is email. Join an email marketing platform and send your customers email reminders about what’s going on with your business. The return on what you spend to send an email is proof enough that it’s worth the small effort.

Small businesses also need to focus on social media, as there are almost 3 billion social media users worldwide. You can use your social media platforms to interact with consumers and get your brand out there. Social media is also a great way to highlight your current customers, who will then share your posts and their experiences with you. By posting and interacting on social media, you will spread the word about your business in a personal and fun way.

Technology can make all the difference for a small business owner. If you focus on these three areas, you will see undeniable growth in your business and you will be fully utilizing the best parts of our modern age.