In business, automation is generally understood to be the use of technology to complete tasks and processes that would usually be done manually by you or your team.
There are many examples of automation that we come across in our daily lives, from confirmation of purchase emails from e-commerce stores to hotel chain discount vouchers automatically sent to guests.
And it’s not just marketing tasks that can be automated, but also sales, leads, general admin, finance, office tasks, etc. In essence, any routine and repetitive task that takes up time can usually be automated to some degree.
But what are the benefits of automation for small businesses?
Let’s find out.
Fewer human errors
Even the most meticulous person can make a mistake; after all, ‘to err is human’, especially if you are doing the same task over and over again.
However, the trouble with mistakes is that even a small one can have big consequences for small businesses.
When you automate a process, human error is much less likely to happen as there’s little to no human involvement. As long as the automation is set up correctly, you can be confident it will run and do its job without further intervention.
Increased efficiency and productivity
Automating workflows gets things done quicker, so there is usually an immediate upside to business efficiency. In turn, you can be a lot more productive with your time and spend it on more valuable and profit-making activities.
You could even use the time saved to upskill or create more client-friendly offers and products. Of course, you can also spend the extra time saved with your loved ones or do your favorite pastime activity and enhance your well-being and work-life balance.
Compliance
Automating essential tasks means you can remain compliant with regulatory or other industry standards and rules in your specific sector or location.
Automating regulatory tasks so they get done when needed reduces risk and could even save your business from receiving an unwelcome fine, especially if you are in a highly regulated industry.
Another aspect is data protection compliance and how private information is stored and processed. Encrypted automation tools can help keep documents and information secure.
Cost reduction
Automation tools save you from the cost of doing something yourself, which will typically take longer and pull your focus away from other, more labor-intensive tasks. They also save you the cost of outsourcing the task to another person to perform. Automation tools often work out a lot cheaper than hiring someone. In fact, there are plenty of free and low-cost tools available.
Another way automation can save you money is by reducing the risk of your invoices not being paid on time. Invoicing software can speed up the payment process and send automatic reminders before or after the invoice is due, saving you the cost and hassle of getting paid late.
With Invoice Ninja, a leading free invoicing software for small business invoicing, online payments, recurring invoices, tracking expenses and billable tasks, you can set up first, second, third or endless reminders to help you get paid fast and on time.
Try it for free here.
Helps you stay competitive
In today’s technologically advanced age, automating processes is a necessity that few businesses can afford to ignore if they want to remain competitive.
Most clients expect a degree of automation, especially in front-end customer processes and services where speed, precision, and efficiency count.
For example, a welcome email sequence can be triggered when a customer buys something from you or when you onboard a client. It would act as a great introduction to your brand and lay out what steps are required next and what they can expect from you.
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At the end of the day, technology is a tool, and the success you experience very much depends on how you use it within your business. Now may be a great time to review all the repetitive tasks you spend valuable time on to see which processes you might want to automate to free up time, streamline your business, and improve cash flow.
And remember, it’s not just dry processes you can automate, but fun things too, such as sending out client thank you notes, client meeting scheduling, and prompts to follow up on hot new leads-all imbued with your unique personal branding.
