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How to choose the right computer equipment for your business to increase your productivity and efficiency without it costing the earth.

Business software helps you complete a range of tasks. Choose the right software, provide support and train your staff with our introduction.

It is highly likely that you depend on the internet for some aspects of your business. Find out how you can use the internet more effectively.

Good communication with customers, partners and suppliers is vital for business success. This summary explores business communication methods.

How would you cope if your IT system failed or was breached? We cover the main IT security issues and how to protect against them.

Good IT management can help you choose, use and implement IT. Our overview helps you manage IT in a way that maximises the return on your investment.

IT support is vital if you rely on your IT system. But how can you set up an effective safety net in case things go wrong? We explore the options.

Getting the right IT is just the first step. Appropriate training, policies and working practices can help you maximise return on your IT investment.

Managing your online presence - checklist

The internet undoubtedly brings a wealth of business benefits. But it also poses risks. This checklist explains how to get the most from your online activities.

  • Familiarise yourself with how your industry is represented online; search for your customers, suppliers and other contacts. Look at their websites and online social media profiles.
  • Review the audience you communicate with and market to: their interests, preferences and online habits. Which social media and online networking sites do they use? How do they use them and how do they represent themselves in their profiles?
  • Review your own online presence. Where do you appear in search results? Do you have a presence on the social media and networking sites used by your target market?
  • Set up a social media profile on relevant sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn. Connect and communicate with your customers by posting blogs, tweets and useful information. Avoid the 'hard sell'. Your aim is to build relationships.
  • Put in place clear social media policies so that it is clear what is and isn't permitted.
  • Review your website. Is it still doing the job you intended? Does it accurately represent your business? Is it fresh, engaging and easy to use? What devices do site visitors use to view your site and is your site optimised for those devices?
  • Consider using online advertising strategies such as pay-per-click advertising. Research which keywords will be most effective in your online adverts and for driving traffic to your website.
  • Review your email marketing strategy. Are you reaching the right people, with the right messages, at the right time?
  • Consider whether your product or service is suitable for online sales. Does your website offer ecommerce capabilities? Before proceeding, ensure you have a robust ecommerce strategy and the necessary resources to deliver online sales.
  • Apply for merchant status if you want to accept credit and debit card transactions online.
  • Investigate how your website could improve the support and service you offer to customers (eg delivery times, detailing product and price lists, frequently asked questions, chat bots and lists of local suppliers).
  • Use the internet for market research, seeking useful information on customers, suppliers, technologies, markets, and pricing and to keep up to date with industry news and developments.
  • Involve employees; set clear policies, give them training and support, and encourage suggestions.
  • Ensure you are aware of the legal issues: for example, consumer protection, advertising and selling regulations, copyright, data protection and libel laws.
  • Continually review the effectiveness of your online activities; keep up to date with new technologies and opportunities.

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