Ecsion Developer, Author at Custom Development & IT Staff Augmentation Company

12 Benefits of Cloud Computing for Small Businesses

Leave a Comment / Cloud Computing / By Ecsion Developer

Cloud computing offers small businesses many advantages, such as improved scalability and flexibility, higher security levels, better storage capacity, and cost savings. Here are 12 benefits of cloud computing for small businesses:

Increased Scalability:

Cloud solutions can be easily scaled to meet the needs of a growing business. On-premise solutions need to invest in new or software to increase their bandwidth and storage capacity. But with cloud services, you can quickly scale up or down as needed with little investment upfront.
Improved Reliability:

Many cloud providers offer more reliable systems than traditional IT infrastructure since they often have backup plans in place in case of system failure. If one server fails, another is ready to take over the workload.
Higher Security Levels:

With cloud computing, data is stored in multiple locations instead of only on one server. This improves security and ensures that if a hacker were to access one server, the other servers would still be accessible.
Better Storage Capacity:

Cloud computing solutions provide more storage capacity than traditional on-premise IT infrastructure, meaning you won’t have to worry about running out of space for important documents or files.
Cost Savings:

Cloud services are often less expensive than purchasing hardware and software for an on-premise system. Plus, businesses don’t need to hire IT personnel to maintain the system since it’s all managed by the cloud provider.
Easy Collaboration:

Cloud-based solutions make it easy for teams to collaborate since they can access files and documents with an internet connection. This eliminates the need to email large files or set up VPNs for remote users.
Faster Deployment Time:

Cloud services allow businesses to deploy new applications quickly without having to buy hardware and software, install them, set up servers, etc. This makes it easier for businesses to test out potential applications without making a big upfront investment.
Improved Disaster Recovery:

In case of a disaster, cloud computing allows companies to recover their data faster than traditional systems since all necessary information is stored in multiple locations on the cloud server network.
Increased Mobility:

With cloud services, mobile employees can access their files and documents from any location with an internet connection. This makes it easier for companies to have remote teams or workers that travel often.
Easier Software Updates:

Cloud providers are responsible for updating applications and software, which means you don’t need to worry about keeping up with the latest versions. Plus, new features and innovations are rolled out quicker since they’re available immediately in the cloud.
Improved Efficiency:

Cloud computing solutions make it easier for businesses to be more efficient since backup processes can be automated and resources can easily be shared across multiple users or departments within the company.
Better Insights:

Cloud-based services allow businesses to gain insights into their operations and performance with cloud analytics. This can help you identify where your business needs improvement or how it’s performing compared to other companies in the industry.

With these 12 benefits of cloud computing for small businesses, it’s easy to see why so many companies are making the move to cloud solutions. Not only do they offer increased scalability and improved reliability, but also higher security levels, better storage capacity, cost savings, and more. Why not make the switch today?!

How to Utilize Facebook Business Manager for Clients_ Ultimate guide in 2022

How to Use Google My Business Profile to Get More Customers in 2022

Leave a Comment / social media marketing / By Ecsion Developer

Nowadays in order to gain more visibility on Google, local businesses create a Business profile also known as a ‘Google Business listing’. To Utilize your Google Business Profile, you need management and editing capabilities to work as an effective lead generation and Search Engine Optimization tool.

So how to manage your Google Business Profile?

You need to create a separate Google My Business profile to manage your Google Business profile.

Setting up a Google Business Profile is by far the easiest way for people to find a local business on Google search and Google Maps.

With a Google Business profile, you can interact with your customers through messages, showcase your products and services, build customer trust through reviews, understand how your customers find your business, and even specify what health and safety measures you have put in place to protect them.

Formally known as Google My Business, your Google Business profile can be managed and updated directly on the Google search either from your computer or if you are always on the go, using your smartphone makes it easy to make your business information accurate at all times.

Any business, small-scale, mid-scale, or large-scale is eligible for a Google Business profile. The good news is –

It’s easy to setup
Takes minutes
Doesn’t require any particular computer skills

And I almost forgot… it’s also totally FREE!

Having a well-optimized Google Business Profile in 2022 is going to be more important than ever before for every local business.

Let us first understand what Google My Business is.

What is Google My Business?

What is Google My Business_

Google Business profile or Google My Business is a free Business listing from Google. It helps local businesses to manage their online presence across Google search and Google Maps. It allows customers to find your business online. You can verify and update your business information on your Google My Business profile.

For example, if you run a business like a restaurant, a medical store, or a retail shop that serves customers at a particular location, your Google Business profile can help them find you. A verified business is considered reputable on Google.

Google My Business profile helps you to claim ownership of your Business profile and also provides you the rights of management. It allows you to utilize its free features to gain visibility on Google.

Now that you know Google My Business, let me tell you about Bing business place which will also help you gain visibility for your business.

Why “Bing Business Place” is important for local businesses?

Bing business place is a FREE service that allows you to manage your business listing on Bing Search results and Bing Maps.

- Bing Business Place helps local businesses stand out from their competitors by updating business information like store time, latest pictures of storefront and interiors, etc.
- To ensure that your users always see the accurate and latest information about your business, you might want to add your business listing on Bing search and maps. It allows you to edit the Business name, address, map location, contact details, website, etc.
- It provides tips on how to make your business listing more visible.

As a local business owner, you should take advantage of both services. Google remains a dominant search engine, but the search behavior of users is constantly evolving and millions of internet users turn to Bing to help them navigate. Bing commands billions of people and high-intent searches per month.

How to optimize your Google My Business profile?

Google Business profile optimization is the key to getting found in local search. An optimized Business profile can improve the engagement of customers, boost the local ranking to provide more visibility with your business and convert more leads.

Here are the ideas to turn your Google business profile into a 24*7 lead-generating tool for your business.

1. Set up a Google My Business account

Firstly, understand that the Google business profile and Google My Business account are separate entities. In order to optimize your Business profile, you need to create a Google My Business account and later connect it with your Google Business profile.

Set up a Google My Business account

To create a Google My Business account

- Search for Google.com/business
- Sign in with the Gmail account you use for business

Once you create your business profile, don’t forget to claim your Google business listing on Google maps. It helps your local business to get found.

2. Fill in every section

Completeness of your Business profile helps Google to rank you higher in local searches. You can provide the latest and updated business information to gain trust and build a reputation.

Fill in every section

Some of the important aspects of your business profile that need to be filled right away are:

- Business name
- Address
- Phone
- Website
- Opening hours/ working hours
- Products and services
- Posts and reviews
- Questions and answers
- “From the business” description

3. Verify your business

Once the profile is created, get your Business verified. To verify your business head to Google.com/business and click on “Start Now”. Verification makes sure that the information in your Google Business listing is correct.

Verify your business

The information includes your business name, address, phone number, website URL, and store time.

Google will send you a verification code which you will have to enter on the website. You can get the verification code by postcard or a phone call, further instructions will be provided after you create your business profile.

4. Include high-resolution photos

Google likes visual content, so utilize plenty of good quality photos of your business inside and outside.

To add photos to your Google My Business profile, select the photo tab, click “add photos” and choose the photos you want to upload.

Include high-resolution photos

Points to remember:

- Add a high-quality cover photo that will represent your brand.
- Showcase different aspects of your business such as products, services, and storefront.
- The standard photo size is 800×600 pixels (Photos smaller than 800×600 will be enlarged to fit the screen and larger images will be cropped to fit the space)

5. Use keywords in your profile

Use of the relevant keywords in your Google business profile is one of the important optimization tips. This will help customers to find local businesses like yours while they are searching on search engines. Include keywords that are most relevant to your business such as services and products you offer or the location of your store.

There are two areas where the use of keywords plays a vital role in getting your business found

- “Name” field: Name field is important because it serves as a link to your business profile.
- “Description” field: Adding keywords in the description field helps your profile show up for related searches. The description area is the place that potential customers will see when they find you in search results.

6. Enable messaging

This feature allows customers to directly send a text message through your Google Business profile.

Enable messaging

This is a great opportunity for consumers to get in touch with you.

7. Performance measurement

Monitoring your Google My Business profile on a regular basis is very important. You can set up alerts via Google My Business account. If someone leaves a review you will get a notification on your phone or desktop.

Performance measurement

Check how things are working, how many views or clicks you are getting, and whether the visibility is increasing or decreasing. By checking GMB listings you can make required changes in your business plan.

8. Get customer reviews

Reviews from your customer play an important role to show your business higher in search results. If you get a list of search results for a restaurant, which one would you choose? The one with a 5 yellow star rating or the one with a 1-star rating with no reviews at all?

Get customer reviews

Reviews influence customer choice, so this is the key ranking factor in Google’s algorithm.

Keep in mind –

- Always have Good ratings and customer reviews
- While asking for reviews from customers, keep it polite.
- Thank your customers who post a review, whether the reviews are good or bad.

9. Ask and answer questions

Google offers a feature “Questions & Answers” on your Google Business profiles. Answering the questions in this section will give potential customers confidence that you are a credible business.

Ask and answer questions

You can do this simply by logging in to your Google My Business Profile and going to your “Questions & Answers” section.

Conclusion

This guide will help you to know how to make your Google My Business listing accurate and complete. Follow the above steps and you will reap its benefits. It will help you to improve your ranking in local search results.

Have you tried optimizing your Google Business profile? Share your tips in the comment section below.

10 Tips For Growing A Successful Small Business – The Ultimate Guide in 2022

Leave a Comment / Digital Marketing / By Ecsion Developer

What defines a successful business?

Every entrepreneur wishes to run a successful business, but what defines a successful business?

A successful business includes the growth of your company and the money it provides you. There is no standard definition of a successful business. Choosing your definition is the best way to satisfaction. For me, a successful business is one that I am happy with and has been profitable.

There is no formula for instant success. When you start your small-scale business, your main goal is to establish your brand and start growing. Growth is an ongoing process that requires hard work, patience, and dedication; but, this does not happen overnight.

Running a successful small business is an entirely different story. Several factors that affect the success of a small business may be internal or external. A business owner might want to know the keys to a successful small business before launching it in the market. The success rate of small businesses is higher than that of large enterprise businesses.

How do small businesses succeed? What qualities determine the success of a small business?

Small businesses are moving ahead and they are the economic drivers of our country. Passion for the venture determines the success of a small business. New business owners usually mistake being over-excited for being passionate.

The following 3 qualities help determine the success of a small business-

1. Passion

New passionate small business owners keep up late working for the fun of working. They make their work their reward. Being passionate keeps them energized for the ups and downs.

Passion

2. Patience

Generous patience is an important factor when building a small business. You need a lot of patience and hard work with a solid strategy.

Patience

3. Love

Love it or leave it! Fall deeply in love with your business. Find enjoyment at work or simply quit it.

When you run a small-sized business, it needs time to build and become profitable.

Love

In this blog post, you will learn the latest ideas to run and maintain a successful small business.

Expert Tips to Grow a Successful Small Business

1. Hire the right people

Hire only strong candidates for key roles. With hardworking employees dedicated to your company’s success, your business will be better equipped for continued growth. People you hire are either going to make your business or break your business. When you find the right people on your team, you make your job easier as a small business owner. Small businesses hire fewer employees due to the low budget and small business size. You need to focus on hiring people who are jack of all trades if your team size is small.

Hire the right people

2. Reduce business costs

Small businesses’ revenue is lower than large-scale businesses. At this scale, your budget is tight. It doesn’t mean that they don’t reach their business objectives. Budget planning is so important for small businesses to reduce business costs. Make smart financial decisions and decide where to put your small business funds.

Reduce business costs

- Use technological solutions
  
  Small business owners have to use software, website, email, and smartphones. It saves time and business funds. This technical advancement helps your small business to grow more efficiently and effectively. This will permit you to expand your company and compete with large businesses.

Use technological solutions

- Avoid landlines
  
  Living in a digital world, the use of traditional telephone landlines is an unnecessary business cost. Small business owners can use cell phones or virtual phone lines instead of landlines to reduce costs.

Avoid landlines

- Go paperless
  
  The cost of paper, ink, postage, and mailing supplies seems minimal at the beginning, but it adds up to a large business expense. Filling all paperwork on a computer can help you save your small business funds.
- Use the internet
  
  Start marketing your business online by utilizing low-cost marketing strategies for small businesses. You can get started with a business blog, digital marketing, and online advertising to get an instant response with a minimal budget.
- Buy refurbished equipment
  
  Buying brand-new devices and equipment can add up to your business cost. You can buy refurbished products and equipment that are as good as the new variety but are offered at a discounted price by the manufacturer.
- Bartering
  
  If you have a business cost-friendly mindset then it can help you save more money. If a business owner adopts a bartering system then you can exchange your goods and services for their goods and services without cash changing hands.
- Find a low-cost business location
  
  Expenses for a physical place can be immensely high. If you convert your business to a home-based business and let your employees telecommute, you can dramatically reduce your business costs by downsizing your retail location.

3. Get Organized

To achieve business success you need to be organized. A good way to be organized is to create a to-do list each day. This will ensure you did not forget anything. You must create a sales funnel to automate your revenue flow and scale your business. A sales funnel has a complete process of finding prospects and converting them into customers.

4. Keep Detailed Records

All successful businesses keep detailed records. It will help you to understand where your business stands financially and what are your potential traits. This will give you time to make solid strategies to overcome challenges.

5. Get Referrals

The easiest way to find new customers is by asking your old customers for referrals. You can offer appealing incentives to your existing and satisfied customers for referrals. This can fuel your small-scale business. For example, many websites give discounts or credits for referring someone else to their platforms. If a new customer purchases through a referral code, shared by an existing customer, then that customer is eligible to avail of the incentives as a reward. This helps you to grow your customer base and achieve small business growth.

6. Research Your Competition

To grow your business always study and learn from your competitors. After all, they may be doing something right that you can implement in your small business. When you are looking to enter a new market, it is very important to research the market first and then dive in. You can find out your competitor’s flaws to improvise and beat them.

7. Research Your Customer

Small business owners are proficient in understanding their customer choices perfectly. That’s why when a customer comes to a fashion designer or a retail store owner, the small business owner can assume their choice and expense limit. This quality of small business owners knowing their customers personally helps their business to grow exponentially.

8. Build Customer Relationship

A great customer relationship can bring success to your small or large-scale business. Due to the small business size, small business owners can personally know each of their customers to build a solid relationship. People like to buy directly from the owners. They have more confidence in the product owner. By personally communicating and resolving all their queries you can form a strong relationship with your customers. This will help you to build a loyal client base.

9. Take Calculated Risks

Take risks as a cost of opportunity and innovation. Innovation can’t happen if you will not accept the risk. If your product has entered the market you can extend its usage. You need to create the requirement in the market and solve it with your products and services. By expanding your product’s usage, you can increase your business sales.

10. Stay Focused

Making money is not an easy game. It takes time for people to know who you are, what you do, and what you serve. Stay focused! Social media will help you to better understand the market. Every business, big or small makes mistakes. But successful small business owners own their mistakes. They stay focused, learn from their mistakes and make better decisions for the future.

Don’t ignore the “Don’ts” of growing a successful small business

1. Don’t rely on a few customers

Losing, a single major customer will get you into trouble. Always nurture your potential customers.

2. Don’t rush the hiring process

If you hire people haphazardly, you might choose the wrong candidate. Make sure you know what position you want to fill in your company. Post a job offer, start interviewing interested candidates and hire the one who is hungry to work. A good candidate is worth waiting for.

3. Don’t underestimate the importance of financial planning

Lack of effective financial management is a common factor that causes harm to your successful business.

4. Don’t ignore what’s happening in the market

You have to adapt to the evolutionary change as a part of production techniques and consumer preferences.

Conclusion

Small business growth needs a lot of dedication and patience. It is a time-consuming process. This post will help you grow your small business more effectively.

Do you have any queries related to Small-scale business growth? If so, let us know in the comment section. Our Ecsion Inc team will help to sort it out for you.

Ecsion Developer

Increased Scalability:

Improved Reliability:

Higher Security Levels:

Better Storage Capacity:

Cost Savings:

Easy Collaboration:

Faster Deployment Time:

Improved Disaster Recovery:

Increased Mobility:

Easier Software Updates:

Improved Efficiency:

Better Insights:

What is Google My Business?

Why “Bing Business Place” is important for local businesses?

How to optimize your Google My Business profile?

Conclusion

What defines a successful business?

How do small businesses succeed? What qualities determine the success of a small business?

1. Passion

2. Patience

3. Love

Expert Tips to Grow a Successful Small Business

1. Hire the right people

2. Reduce business costs

Use technological solutions

Avoid landlines

Go paperless

Use the internet

Buy refurbished equipment

Bartering

Find a low-cost business location

3. Get Organized

4. Keep Detailed Records

5. Get Referrals

6. Research Your Competition

7. Research Your Customer

8. Build Customer Relationship

9. Take Calculated Risks

10. Stay Focused

Don’t ignore the “Don’ts” of growing a successful small business

1. Don’t rely on a few customers

2. Don’t rush the hiring process

3. Don’t underestimate the importance of financial planning

4. Don’t ignore what’s happening in the market

Conclusion