The world is increasingly technology-focused. For South Africa, technology holds the key to unlocking innovation and growth within our start-up ecosystem. From fintech to retail tech and edutech, start-ups are using tech tools to address challenges in business and their community.
Tech tools refer to electronic, digital, or technology-based tools that help you perform tasks or create products. These could be laptops, software programmes, solar panels and UPS machines or the latest technological innovation, artificial intelligence (AI).
If you are a start-up, there are many technologies (tools and software) you can use to ensure success and growth for your business in the digital world. Technology tools assist with tasks like analysing data, creating graphics, managing content, and processing payments, to name a few.
Below is a list of some nine tech tools every start-up you might want to explore for your business.
1. Tech Tools for Analytics
Analysing data is important because it provides valuable insights into how your business is running. Google Analytics is a platform that helps with gathering data for your business’s website.
2. Graphic Design Tools
Graphics or imagery is important for a business so it can appeal to customers. Freepik is a platform specialising in providing pictures, website designs and other graphic design items for small businesses. Freepik has a free plan with paid plans beginning at €15,20.
3. Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Managing the relationship between you and your customers is crucial for building customer loyalty. Utilise a CRM platform like HubSpot for functions like marketing, sales, and customer service and engagement (social media). All products aim to make customer service easier and to help maintain the relationship with your customers.
4. Tech Tools for Marketing
Digital marketing is still a growing industry worldwide due to heavy reliance on technology. Digital marketing includes categories like e-mail marketing and SMS marketing. Platforms like MailChimp (e-mail) and Sakari (SMS) help with automating and customising messages sent to your customers. This helps boost customer engagement and builds customer loyalty.
5. Accounting
One of the most time-consuming parts of business is accounting. It entails everything from budgeting to managing cash flows. Using tech tools can make accounting much easier and platforms like QuickBooks are here to help. The platform has features such as tracking income and expenses, sending invoices, and managing bills and payments. Plans start at R 26,45 per month and go up to R 1092 per month.
6. Technology Tools for Collaboration and Communication
Collaborating with your team on one platform makes completing tasks or projects simple and quick. Some platforms to consider are Canva Teams and Asana. Both platforms provide access to collaboration tools, workflows, and project management tools. Both platforms have free and paid-for plans.
7. Payment Tools
Digital payments are the new preferred form of payment, whether it’s tap & go or through an online payment processor. Paystack, has 10+ payment methods, 24/7 customer support and allows for local and international online payments.
8. Artificial Intelligence
AI is being utilised in almost every aspect of business. By leveraging AI, you can build new products or services and stand out from the competition. Tools like Zoho Zia, can help start-ups streamline their sales department, which creates more sales and ultimately more profit. If you are in the creative industry, consider tools like DALL-E 2 for image creation.
9. Office Technology Tools
In order to run a successful business, there is some technology equipment that is needed. Equipment such as computers, printers, and laptops help you and your employees run the business properly. Another form of office tech equipment to invest in is an Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) for those load-shedding days. UPS machines can be bought once-off or rented monthly.
It is so important that you take advantage of all the available tools and invest in technology to take your business further. All these tools can do many things like accounting, customer service and payments, leaving you free to focus on other important aspects of your business.
Lastly, technology is important for a country like South Africa. It fosters an environment of creativity and innovation. It drives people to discover new products and services, enables advancements in research and development, and accelerates growth and progress in various fields especially for startups.
