Automating certain tasks and processes has always been important for small business owners. However, it may be even more crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic. Along with helping you operate with greater efficiency, automation can also help your business adapt for social distancing in some instances.
Consider researching the following types of automation tools. Odds are good most (if not all) of them will help your business thrive not only now, but in the years to come as well.
Social Media Automation
A social media presence plays an important role in the success of virtually any business these days. For instance, did you know that research indicates approximately 80% of Instagram users follow at least one business account? Your customers almost certainly use social media to learn about and engage with businesses.
However, remembering to post on social media throughout the week can be very distracting. You’re better off automating your campaigns. Social media automation tools give you the option to schedule posts in advance, so you don’t need to remember to share them yourself. Just keep in mind that sometimes relevant trending stories or hashtags will give you reason to post on social media spontaneously as well.
Live Chat
Providing customers with the best possible experience is a top priority for most business owners. After all, odds are good yours isn’t the only business providing the types of goods and services you offer. If you don’t satisfy your customers, they’ll turn to one of your competitors in the future.
That said, small business owners rarely have the freedom to drop everything and respond to customer inquiries as soon as they receive them. Use an automated live chat tool instead. In many cases, a bot can probably address a customer service request.
Drip Campaign Automation
A person won’t necessarily become a loyal customer the moment they learn about your business. You need to engage them consistently before they finally make a purchase.
That’s the function of a drip campaign. Through a variety of means, including email, digital marketing, and direct outreach, a drip campaign guides a lead from the initial interaction with your brand to the final step of becoming a customer.
Luckily, there are a range of tools that allow you to automate these drips campaigns. They help you secure customers without needing to actually spend time engaging with each new lead on an individual basis.
True, some small business owners don’t get around to automating key tasks because setting up automation processes takes time. However, you’re more likely to stay in business if you appreciate that setting up automation tools will save you much more time than you need to invest.
Guest post courtesy of Luke Hayward