From embracing digital and mobile, to changing your attitude towards social and search, you can use technologies to your advantage

Small to medium businesses are the cornerstone of local, regional and national economies.

But small businesses can only stay in such a position if they stay ahead of competitors, remain efficient, keep customers engaged and more – and you can’t do this without using the latest digital technologies to your advantage.

Here are a few strategies that will help keep your business ahead of the game…

1. Give customers a rich experience

Most small and medium business owners view customer relationships as key, and rightly so. Small businesses and start-ups are uniquely positioned to foster strong relationships with customers, and technology can help do this even better by providing rich, enjoyable customer experiences.

For example, a Website is no longer just a static place to display information. Instead, it should take customers on a dynamic journey through your business story and offerings with a smooth, engaging user experience.

Similarly, interacting with customers through email and social media provides even more touch points with your business, continuing their connection with you between and following purchases.

2. Change your attitude

Many small business owners view IT as merely a necessary cost rather than a driver of growth and competitive edge.

Instead of taking your digital tools for granted and using it to do the bare minimum, try to tap into its potential when plotting new strategies.

Make the capabilities of your technology the first thing you brainstorm; whether you’re looking to streamline payments or devise a result-driven marketing plan.

Rather than a necessary cost or risk, start viewing technology as a key driver of competitive advantage. Because small and medium enterprises that leverage digital technology to drive competitive advantage see the return in business results.

3. Embrace emerging technology

When it comes to security, it seems that small businesses and start-ups are investing or planning to invest in it.

However, those same businesses are less switched on when it comes to emerging, sophisticated and trending technology, with few making use of the opportunities presented by big data and analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality. It is precisely these technologies that can play a crucial role in helping small and medium enterprises learn even more about their customers and provide a customer experience that is much more intuitive and immersive than it is today.

So, start-ups and small businesses should keep their fingers on the pulse when it comes to exciting new technology and look to incorporate it in fresh and creative ways.

4. Streamline efficiencies

Having an ultrafast business broadband connection often enables small businesses to achieve more in less time, at a smaller cost. For example, ditching analogue phones for VoIP phones – which transmit calls through the Internet – essentially gives you free calls.

However, not all start-ups are aware of these benefits – only 35% of small businesses saw digital tech as an enabler of efficiency.

5. Stay connected

Today, businesses need to be accessible online 24/7, with the Internet minimizing distances between people and places. Customers are, now more than ever, accustomed to flexibility and instant accessibility.

But businesses can only use this to their advantage if they’re constantly connected – so ensure that you’re working with a provider who gives you a fast, secure and reliable connection to the Web. Speed, security and scalability will be essential to cope with growing business requirements and enable small and medium enterprises to stay nimble, flexible and close to the customer and market.