If you run a small business, you already know that keeping all the balls in the air can be a mammoth task. The good news? The right tech tools can lighten the load, helping you work smarter, stay organised, and get back to doing what you love … growing your business.

Research shows that businesses using digital tools can see up to a 25 per cent boost in productivity. A survey by Deloitte also found that small businesses with advanced digital engagement were twice as likely to experience revenue growth. So, embracing technology isn’t just about convenience. The jury is back, and the verdict is that using the latest technology can directly impact your bottom line.

In this guide, we’ll break down practical ways small business owners can use tech to boost productivity, save time, and reduce stress. From automation tools to cybersecurity essentials, we’ve got you covered.

Why small businesses should embrace technology

Investing in the right tech can feel overwhelming, especially when budgets are tight. But think of it like this: good technology isn’t just an expense; it’s an investment in your efficiency and sanity.

Here’s why tech is great for small business:

• Time-saving: Automate repetitive tasks so you can focus on strategy.
• Organisation: Stay on top of tasks, projects, and communication in one place.
• Stress reduction: Tech reduces manual work, so you’re not burning out on admin.
• Professionalism: Tools help you deliver better customer service and faster response times.

Top productivity tools for small business owners

Choosing the right productivity tools can be a game-changer for small businesses. In fact, according to a McKinsey study, businesses that use productivity software effectively can save up to 30 per cent of their time weekly. The key is to find tools that simplify your workflow without overwhelming your team.

Productivity solutions help small businesses streamline task management, enhance communication, and stay organised. Here are some of the top productivity tools to consider:

Task and project management

• Trello, Asana, Monday.com: If you’re having trouble keeping projects on track and everyone on the same page, these project management apps offer visual boards and task lists to help you keep things running smoothly.
• ClickUp: A helpful tool that combines task management, docs, and goal tracking in one platform.

Communication tools

• Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace: If your team is in the habit of working collaboratively, then Slack, Teams and Google Chat offer instant messaging tools that keep your messages organised.
• Zoom, Google Meet: Try these video conferencing tools to simplify remote meetings.

Note-taking and documentation

• Notion, Evernote: Keeping your ideas in one spot is straightforward when using these apps.

Resource

• Project Management Checklist Template

How to automate your admin

If you’re finding that you are spending more time on admin than working on your business, you’re not alone. The good news is there is help at hand.

A recent study by Xero revealed that adopting automation could reduce admin time by up to 40 per cent for small business owners. Think about how much time you could reclaim for strategic tasks and growth initiatives if you embraced technology, too.

Automation is key to cutting down manual tasks and focusing on business growth. Whether automating invoices or scheduling social media posts, the right tools can help you work smarter, not harder.

Ready to get started? There is a tool or app to streamline most tasks. Here are some of our faves:

Automation tools

• Zapier, IFTTT: Connect apps and automate tasks without coding. For example, automatically save email attachments to Google Drive or sync contact forms with your CRM.

Accounting and invoicing

• Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks: Automate invoice generation, expense tracking, and payroll. Less human input means less chance of errors. It’s a win-win.

Email automation

• Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign, HubSpot: Set up automated welcome sequences, newsletters, and follow-ups. Easy peasy!

Resource

• Step-By-Step Guide to Automation for Small Business

Cloud computing: Making remote work flexible and secure

Thanks to the power of cloud computing, business owners are no longer tied to physical premises. Cloud computing allows you to collaborate, scale, and stay secure from wherever, whenever.

According to a Flexera report, 94 per cent of businesses are already using cloud solutions and it’s easy to see why. Cloud computing has gone through a revolution in recent years. Prices have gone down and availability has gone up, making cloud solutions accessible to small business owners for the first time. Finally, the playing field has been levelled.

Cloud tools enable remote work, real-time collaboration, and secure data storage – all essential for modern businesses.

Benefits of cloud tools include:

• Access work from anywhere.
• Real-time collaboration with team members.
• Automatic backups and enhanced security.

Top platforms

• Google Workspace: Docs, Sheets, and Drive for cloud-based collaboration.
• Microsoft 365: Office apps with secure cloud storage and sharing.
• Dropbox: Cloud storage for files and media sharing.

Need guidance on how to stay secure and the right tools to use? Visit the  Australian Cyber Security Centre for advice.

AI tools to boost productivity

AI tools are no longer just for tech giants. Thanks to the advent of open-source platforms like ChatGPT, small businesses can now leverage affordable AI technology to save time and improve efficiency.

An SBEC survey showed that 45 per cent of small businesses are already exploring AI tools for productivity and marketing purposes. And why wouldn’t they?

AI can help small businesses streamline marketing and content creation and even transform their customer service. From writing blog posts to handling customer queries, AI makes it easier to manage tasks with fewer resources.

AI for content creation

ChatGPT, Canva Magic Write: Not a wordsmith? Need a helping hand generating blog posts, social media captions, and design elements? Then give ChatGPT or Canva Magic Write a try.

AI for scheduling

Reclaim AI, Clockwise: These tools automate meeting scheduling and help manage your calendar.

AI for customer support

Intercom, Tidio: AI-powered chatbots that handle basic customer queries and FAQs.

Benefits of tech for small business

Embracing technology can level the playing field for small businesses. Tech solutions can boost productivity, streamline operations, and support growth. From automation to AI, leveraging the right tech tools can reduce the daily burden of admin to help business owners focus on strategic tasks that drive success.

By adopting tools like Trello, Asana, and ClickUp for project management, businesses can stay organised and efficient.

Communication platforms like Slack and Microsoft Teams keep teams connected, and automation tools like Zapier and IFTTT free you up from repetitive tasks, saving valuable time. Cloud computing platforms like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 make it simple to collaborate with staff and clients from anywhere, making remote work more accessible than ever.

The benefits of tech extend beyond convenience. Studies show that businesses using digital tools can experience up to a 25 per cent boost in productivity and significant revenue growth. Whether through AI-powered customer service with Tidio or automating invoices via Xero, technology can empower businesses to work smarter, not harder.

So, investing in the right tech tools isn’t just about keeping up. It’s about staying competitive, reducing stress, and unlocking new opportunities for success.