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Using business services to your advantage can bring a healthy return. Here are four thing to think about for your company.
Web Host
Choosing a web host is a vital part of starting an online business. The technical aspects of it can be confusing if you are a newcomer, but the truth is you don’t have to know everything. The basics will get you up and running in no time.
The type of web hosting that you need depends largely on what sort of service you want to provide and how much you want to spend. In this article, we’ll go through the different types of web hosting services that are available, and help you decide which is best for your business.
Free services are best for beginners, but look unprofessional. Shared hosting and dedicated hosting are best for up and running businesses who need technical support. You could even try colocated hosting, where you buy a server and keep it at a web host’s facility. However, a high level of technical knowledge is needed if you want to go down this route.
VoIP
Once you have your business up and running, think about getting a VoIP system put in place. This allows you to make voice and video calls to customers via the Internet. It can be used on its own or in combination with a traditional phone line. Read our article on choosing the best phone system for more advice.
VoIP comes in many different forms. Skype or Google Hangouts are perfect for small business or one man bands, and you could probably get away with using their free services. Even if you pay, subscription is fairly cheap.
However, if you have decided you want to take the VoIP route for your business communications, then you will need to think about using a gateway service. This will give you the best of both worlds and allow you to make calls to traditional landlines, as well as to other VoIP users.
ERP
Enterprise Resource Planning – or ERP – is a great way to free up employee time. It can completely automate many of the day-to-day background tasks that occur in large businesses.
Enterprise businesses will usually buy a software package that is based entirely on their needs. They can use it for any area of their business, from human resources all the way to technology departments.
There is ERP systems available for mobile, social networks and the cloud. HorizonBiz has a great guide to choosing onsite or cloud business software over at their website.
Merchant Account
Merchant accounts are essential for the vast majority of businesses. You will have to get one if you want to take payment for goods and services on credit and debit cards.
Essentially, Merchant accounts are bank accounts for a business. They enable you to make credit and debit card transactions in a safe and secure way. They also ensure that your customer has enough funds in their account to make the payment.
Getting a merchant account has a number of benefits for your business. By and large, consumers prefer paying by card in this day and age. It is easier and safer for them than carrying around a wallet full of banknotes. This means that many businesses find installing a merchant account will bring a positive impact on their sales that occurs almost immediately.
Hopefully, these four services will help you boost your business profits. It takes a little investment, but the results will be worth it!