This 2020, much of the world was taken aback by the COVID-19 health crisis. The pandemic that spread quickly across continents forced many governments to isolate affected communities and place them in quarantine. As a result, many businesses had no choice but to suspend operations.
However, thanks to their type of business model, some companies were still able to offer their products and services amid the outbreak. Some of these small businesses were focused on serving their local community as their target market. It’s an efficient way of delivering products and services to people trying to cope with the lack of transportation and other logistics.
At the same time, operational expenses were kept to a minimum since the transactions didn’t require massive movement of the merchandise.
These companies also utilized internet technologies and digital platforms to promote their business, connect with customers, fulfill orders, and so on. Although small business challenges are present, especially in the time of COVID-19, these companies have proven that the right kind of ideas, target market, strategies, and tools can help your business thrive in extraordinary times.
With that said, here are top tech-related ideas that may be suitable for your small business venture:
1. Pickup and delivery services
In the near future, people will be more cautious about going out on errands. It’s part of the so-called new normal, which recommends that people limit their movement and brick-and-mortar stores implement social distancing measures.
Through pickup and delivery services, you can help reduce the risk that going out may pose to people’s health and safety. Instead of your customers moving around, you show up at their doorstep to get the items that they want to be shipped to someone else or to drop off their purchases from various establishments.
There’s no shortage of what you can include in your list of “errand service,” but here are some ideas to get you started:
- Documents
- Food and grocery items
- Health and beauty products
- Bags, shoes, and clothing
- Baking equipment
- Electronics
- Household appliances
One of the challenges for this type of business is that you need to build a system that will help you manage your pickup and delivery requests. You can do this internally if you have adequate financial and human resources, or you may work with a third-party provider.
The bottom line is: You can’t afford to keep your customers waiting before sending your next available staff to someone who’s booked your service. The sooner you complete the pickup or delivery, the happier your customers will be.
2. Online tutorial or educational services
Arguably, education is vital, whether you’re talking about academics or other life skills. With online learning being one of the major aspects of the new normal, going into the online tutorial or educational services business can be a smart move.
For starters, you can create a YouTube channel and feature informative content about something that you know or do, which other people can learn from. You can monetize your channel by growing your audience base and get paid by Google ads.
You’ll likely encounter challenges in content creation and promotion. You want to stand out and be able to cut through the noise, so be sure to offer something of great value to your audience.
3. E-commerce
Online shopping has been the trend over the last few years, and it’s about to get even bigger. So, if you’ve been putting off building an online store, now may be the best time to do it.
To determine which product or service to sell, think about any gaps that you would like to fill. Since you yourself are a consumer, you probably already have a feel of what customers need or want.
Ask yourself: What is popular in the market today? Can you offer something better but at a lower price? Then, do a feasibility study to help you assess the things you’ll need to get your e-commerce business off the ground.
4. Digital marketing
With a vast majority of brands bringing their business online, they’ll need help marketing to their target audience—and this is where digital marketing services will come in handy. If you have a background in sales and marketing, that’s a good start. You can use your previous experience in traditional advertising to lay the groundwork for your digital marketing business.
You need a couple of people in your team, including a designer for your website, a marketing writer, and a digital marketing specialist to help you in your branding projects.
Since digital marketing is a broad discipline, you need to think hard whether you want to offer a bit of everything or specialize in any of these areas: content marketing, email marketing, social media marketing, SEO, and so on.
5. IT consultancy
IT services will be more valuable than ever for individuals and businesses alike. It’s a great way to earn money by giving expert advice and assistance to those who need help with a wide range of IT concerns—from minor troubleshooting to tech purchases and mobile app software.
You could have your IT consultancy business at home and work on your clients’ IT projects remotely as long as you have access to their system. Since you’ll be handling confidential data, you have to make users of your service feel that they can trust you. You can do this by highlighting your qualifications and sharing positive reviews that you’ve received from past or existing clients.
6. Creative design
Most forms of digital content require that they are in multimedia formats, so this type of business definitely teems with opportunities for you. You only need to update your skills to cater to a broader market. Some of the most in-demand creative design services right now include graphics, animation, website design, and video editing, among others.
Starting Small with Your Tech Business
Amidst the challenges that business owners are facing these days, it’s still possible to work on your dream business using available technologies.
Technology makes it possible for entrepreneurs like you to reach and expand your target audience, as well as innovate your products and services. As such, you’re able to provide excellent value to your customers, allowing your business to grow and become successful despite the odds.
Author Bio: Chellsea is a freelance lifestyle writer for Metrodeal. She loves to travel and on her free time she enjoys watching football games
magkano po ang minimum kong bumili po ako ng balut? kasi gusto ko magbusiness ng balutan.