As small business owners and corporations duke it out in customer competition, resources that can strengthen their connection with consumers become more attractive. Big corporations have, at their disposal, the funding to get creative about marketing. Yet, small business owners are doing the same at a higher risk. Tech, though available to both, has been leveraged by both parties, with small businesses coming out on top. It isn’t enough anymore for a customer to receive what they’ve ordered; a custom experience makes it that much better and, most times, ensures a return sale. Here’s is how small businesses use tech to outsmart big corporations—and win!
How Small Businesses Are Using Tech: Artificial Intelligence
Small businesses within e-commerce are using platforms with AI to create more personalized shopping experiences for consumers. Elements like data analytics allow companies to offer personalized recommendations that are as more tailored than those of a corporation. Beatrice Ajaero is the owner of Nneji in Queens, NY, and she uses Grubhub as her in-house delivery and marketing systems. She opened her business, a brick and mortar, in 2020 as a part grocery store, part restaurant serving vegan West African food. Launching a small business during the pandemic exposed her need for help from a third-party delivery. Grubhub combined its marketing and delivery services in a way that was affordable to her, providing data that allowed them to hone in on customer preferences. “We see what menu items our diners are trying and when they are placing orders.”
Similarly, AI tools like Gemini allow business owners to brainstorm, offering AI-generated ideas on expanding. Cece Meadows of Prados beauty used Gemini and saw a 500% profit increase in two months with the help of Google Ads as well. Since 2019, she’s ramped up the speed of her business management, allowing her to capitalize across the board.
How Small Businesses Are Using Tech: Social Media
However, it isn’t just data analytics that are beefing up B2C relations, it’s also social media. Small businesses are using social media platforms to more closely connect with customers, using features like posts and stories to discuss exclusive offers. They can build community more organically by directly engaging with their audience. According to an analysis conducted by Teneo for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 9 in 10 small business owners have reported that tech has allowed them to enjoy growing their business. With features like cloud-based inventory management systems, updates can be made while small business owners are away from their companies. This information allows them to make adjustments to their supply chains quicker than that of the average corporation.
How Small Businesses Are Using Tech: Improving Customer Support
Chatbots are one of the many AI-driven customer support tools that small businesses use to provide consumers with 24/7 customer service. This feature is available to them without hiring a team to respond to customer inquiries. It also allows them to resolve issues quicker than their corporation counterparts. And, in fostering that connection with consumers, small business owners are also able to tap into crowdsourcing, allowing them to gather feedback and strengthen strategy while being inclusive of customers.
