Small businesses in New Zealand need not feel constrained to conducting their operations on the island alone. With today's technology, it's never been easier to extend your reach overseas and send your products all over the world.
It's all about finding the right tools and learning how to leverage them effectively. In addition to using software for accounting, companies can adopt digital strategies to boost their marketing efforts and facilitate sales around the globe.
In fact, a recent report from DHL Express revealed that social media is becoming a choice tool for New Zealand's exporters to expand their operations and drive sales. Almost half (43 per cent) of those surveyed said they had received orders over social media platforms, especially Facebook, and over half (51 per cent) thought they could improve their business using this technology.
In particular, they found value in opportunities to increase their visibility, extend their reach to wider markets and attain new business opportunities.
"Social media is becoming an increasingly crucial communications tool for New Zealand exporters, and these findings indicate that exporters are using this channel in creative and innovative ways," said DHL Express NZ Country Manager Tim Baxter.
Similarly, a report from research firm BIA Kelsey found 74.5 per cent of small and medium business use social media for advertising and promotional purposes.
How can you use social media platforms effectively? Mr Baxter noted the importance of providing shipping and pricing information as well as integrating payment or booking features. Other best practices include:
- Share interesting, engaging content on a regular basis to advance your brand and engage customers.
- Establish measurable, realistic goals to drive your social media strategy.
- Choose a few platforms and manage them well rather than overextending yourself and letting accounts go untouched.
- Know your audience - including the particular market segments that are most likely to use the social media sites.
As your sales and customer base expand, it'll be helpful to have small business accounting software that can grow with you. CashManager by Accomplish comes in several levels so you can have just the features you need as your company grows.