Small Business Technology

Just how can technology help you run your small business? That’s what we explore in this section. We cover plenty of ground, from the basics of managing your computer to expert advice on Internet marketing.

In this section we explore just how business technology can help you run your small business. We cover plenty of ground, from the basics of managing your computer to expert advice on internet marketing.

Articles give guidance on managing email and spam; how to design a website, how to promote your business through your website and using the Internet to attract clients. We also road test popular software such as Skype, Google Desktop and Firefox.

Whatever your level of technological expertise, you’re sure to learn something new here.

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Technology articles

• 

  Need A New Website?

  An effective website is vital for every small business. If your website isn’t performing, or you don’t have one, speak to the team at The Web Showroom. They are Australia’s leader in small business websites.

• Review: The Website Marketing Handbook 2009

  Here’s a great, free resource available for subscribers to Flying Solo. If you’ve ever wondered if you could be doing more with your website, this truly is a must-read.

  • 25 June 09
  • Robert Gerrish

• Email management: The seven deadly sins

  Speed of communication is king and sitting firmly in the court of this new kingdom is email – the information revolution that has made it simpler and faster for businesses to communicate…most of the time.

  • 08 April 09
  • Andrew May
  • 6 Comments

• Creating a trustworthy website

  With thousands of hoax websites on the internet, it’s important that your website gains the trust of your clients. Here are tips on how you can use your website copy to create a trustworthy website.

  • 06 April 09
  • Lucinda Lions
  • 8 Comments

• Choosing a PC when there is too much choice

  In the coming months, we will be upgrading our home computer. Sounds simple, until I asked my partner what functionality he wanted in the new upgrade. Decision making can be difficult when there is too much choice!

  • 25 March 09
  • Megan Tough
  • 23 Comments

• Making your website’s homepage work

  Your website's homepage is Increasingly the first impression of your business, and this piece of prime real estate can make or break your cred. So what can you do to keep your visitors reading?

  • 06 March 09
  • Amanda Gonzalez
  • 17 Comments

• Eight no-nos of web design

  We all appreciate how a website’s design can help or hinder its effectiveness. Is your site guilty of one or more of these common web design no-nos?

  • 05 January 09
  • Zern Liew
  • 32 Comments

• Value of websites: Do you really need one?

  In a recent forum discussing the value of websites, someone remarked how a number of professions e.g. tradespeople, say that websites are of no benefit to them. Between ads in the local paper and being busy anyway, they do not need or want a website.

  • 02 January 09
  • Kathie M. Thomas
  • 36 Comments

• Business emails: Five simple rules

  Sam Leader's article on mobile vs email and Megan Tough's article looking at the contemporary rules around using mobile phones got me thinking about another modern day bugbear of mine – the incorrect use of business emails.

  • 31 December 08
  • Trish Weston
  • 13 Comments

• Free software or freeware for small business

  Following on from my article 20 Money Saving Tips, I wanted to share free software or 'freeware' I have tried and tested. Freeware is offered by software firms on a trial basis, in the hope that you will upgrade to their subscription based product.

  • 26 December 08
  • Heather Smith
  • 23 Comments

• Internet tips for beginners

  Many business owners haven't delved into the world of online commerce as a user and so have unrealistic expectations about what a website will contribute to their business. If you want an effective website, the following internet tips may help you.

  • 29 October 08
  • Nicky Jurd
  • 7 Comments

• Do you have an effective website?

  I am always using the web to look for information and opportunities on all sorts of things. As a result I’ve become adept at making a quick assessment of whether a site’s engaging or enraging. Do you have an effective website?

  • 22 October 08
  • Wendy Buckingham
  • 12 Comments

• Business technology money saving tips

  To run a successful business, you must ensure your costs are under control. The costs of business technology is no different. Even trying just one or two of the money saving tips below could translate into immediate savings for your bottom line.

  • 03 October 08
  • Greg Pritchard
  • 10 Comments

• Mobile mania: Are you a nomophobe?

  Remember the monstrous mobiles we used to carry around in the late 80’s? Today’s mobile phone is a far cry from those days - now they’re faster, lighter, stronger and more convergent than ever before, but are you becoming a nomophobe?

  • 01 September 08
  • Andrew May
  • 8 Comments

• Email overload: When email becomes the enemy

  For years as a solo business owner and a communication consultant no less, I was a big, big advocate of email. A raving fan. I had no issues with email overload at all.

  • 15 August 08
  • Karen Morath
  • 15 Comments

• Seven layout mistakes to avoid

  Over the years, I have noticed common layout mistakes in documents, web pages and PowerPoint slides. Avoid these mistakes and you'll produce more professional documents.

  • 23 July 08
  • Zern Liew
  • 19 Comments

• Five free SEO tools

  Does your website rank well in search engines? While search engine optimisation (SEO) can often be confusing and time consuming, here are some useful free SEO tools to make it easier for you to improve your search engine rankings.

  • 16 July 08
  • Philip Shaw
  • 10 Comments

• Effective business websites

  In my web browser, I have a folder called ‘business websites I like’. It contains random sites that, for one reason or another, drew me in. Looking back at the list, they have three ingredients in common that make them effective business websites.

  • 15 July 08
  • Peter Crocker
  • 24 Comments

• Mistakes to avoid when creating a website

  Part one discussed mistakes to avoid when creating a website. Part two further explored this idea looking at how to pick a web developer and the importance of compatibility and simplicity. In this final part we look at how to handle limitations.

  • 16 May 08
  • David Lawrence
  • 4 Comments

• Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) mistakes

  Ranking highly in Google can have a massive impact on your sales leads. This article explains five common Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) mistakes which limit your ability to secure a high ranking, and how to avoid them.

  • 05 May 08
  • Philip Shaw
  • 13 Comments

• Mistakes to avoid when creating a website

  My first article looked at common mistakes to avoid when creating a website. Here I explore the idea further by looking at the benefits of keeping your website simple, how to pick a web developer and the importance of compatibility.

  • 11 April 08
  • David Lawrence
  • 19 Comments

• Six useful and inexpensive computer upgrades

  It’s easy to let years go by without reviewing your computer system, even though it provides critical support to your business. As your computer is probably the most indispensable part of your business, it is important to consider computer upgrades.

  • 22 February 08
  • Zern Liew
  • 15 Comments

• Mistakes to avoid when creating a website

  A website is an important tool for soloists when it comes to communicating with existing clients and attracting new ones. In this article I will discuss four common mistakes to avoid when creating a website for your business.

  • 18 January 08
  • David Lawrence
  • 10 Comments

• Business Management Software: Nine tips

  Reconciliations wreaking havoc? Transactions disappearing? BAS adjustments giving you nightmares? Here are nine tips for using Business Management Software.

  • 11 January 08
  • Heather Smith
  • 5 Comments

• Should your business sell products online?

  Who is shopping online, when and what for? This review of shopping trends this holiday season will help you decide whether e-commerce is the way to go for your business.

  • 12 December 07
  • Melissa Norfolk
  • 16 Comments

• Taking control of your all-in-one device

  All-in-one phone, email and internet devices have a bad reputation for taking over your life. But they can be used to your advantage, if you are willing to set the right boundaries. Here are the ways I get the most out of my gadget.

  • 30 November 07
  • Megan Tough
  • 7 Comments

• The best free software for soloists

  One of the largest costs of starting and operating a small business is software. But before you rush out and purchase the standard proprietary software for each of your major functions, let’s take a look at some of the best free software.

  • 13 July 07
  • Paul J. Morris
  • 23 Comments

• Why the online brochure is not dead

  At the risk of suffering the wrath of website developers and online marketing consultants the world over, I’m going to go out on a limb and say “There is nothing wrong with a simple static online brochure website!”

  • 21 May 07
  • Peter Crocker
  • 13 Comments

• How an audio message can improve your website

  Adding an audio message to your website helps your site visitors gain a better understanding of your products or services. Plus audio creates a bond and rapport with your website visitor, which makes them feel more at ease with you and your offering.

  • 16 February 07
  • Melissa Norfolk
  • 14 Comments

• Online backup solutions for your business

  Online backup solutions are a good option for those looking to protect their business' critical information. Here's an overview of how they work.

  • 11 December 06
  • Megan Tough
  • 13 Comments

• Tips for a better website

  If you make reference to your website in your business marketing, perhaps via a Yellow Pages ad, now is the ideal time to spring clean and create a better website.

  • 04 October 06
  • Melissa Norfolk
  • 3 Comments

• Website statistics: Digging deeper into your webstats

  In an earlier article on how to read your website statistics reports we looked at the terminology of website statistics or webstats. In this article, we look at how webstats can give you greater insight into how visitors are using your website.

  • 18 August 06
  • Melissa Norfolk
  • 3 Comments

• Email etiquette when confidentiality is important

  A survey on the Flying Solo website found that over 54% of respondents believe it is appropriate email etiquette to discuss sensitive business topics via email. I think this is a huge risk for soloists and our customers.

  • 09 August 06
  • Donna Hanson
  • 4 Comments

• 

  Online scams: Are you in danger of being dot conned?

  As a solo business owner, you can’t walk over to the next cubicle and ask your colleague what they think of the email you just received. So how do you make sure you don’t fall for online scams?

  • 02 August 06
  • Scott Handsaker
  • 7 Comments

• Writing websites: Do your words work?

  How many of your customers come to you as a result of your website? If the answer’s not many, perhaps it’s time to put the spotlight on your site’s content and look at the best way of writing websites.

  • 26 July 06
  • Sam Leader
  • 3 Comments

• Listen to music while you work?

  If you listen to music while you work and you have a broadband connection (preferably unlimited), read on. I’m sure plenty of you are way ahead of me, but this is easily the best thing I’ve found on the net in the last year or so.

  • 26 April 06
  • Peter Crocker
  • 7 Comments

• How to read your website statistics report

  Do you know which figures are the most important on your website statistics report? Or perhaps you've never seen a website statistics report and are wondering “what are website statistics?”

  • 19 April 06
  • Melissa Norfolk
  • 12 Comments

• Email tips: How to use rules, folders and signatures

  In the same way we regularly clean up our office, so, too we should tidy up our inbox. These email tips include ideas on how to use rules, folders, signatures and more to streamline your email.

  • 05 April 06
  • Donna Hanson
  • 6 Comments

• Choosing a laptop for your business

  There are a large variety of makes and models of laptops (also know as notebooks) on the market today so choosing a laptop for your business can be a really daunting experience. Here are some key points that can help you make the right choice.

  • 31 March 06
  • Gary Hecht
  • 6 Comments

• Online tools to help small business owners

  The Internet has a wealth of handy online tools that can help small business owners run their business. Here are my tips on where to find software, much of it free, that will enable soloists to work smarter.

  • 20 February 06
  • Scott Handsaker
  • 10 Comments

• Creating a secure wireless network

  Wireless has given us the freedom to roam without the restrictions of cables, yet many of us are unaware of the potential dangers. I'll take you through the security risks and give advice on how to create a more secure wireless network.

  • 03 February 06
  • Gary Hecht
  • 2 Comments

• Managing email when you're out of the office

  By managing email better when you're out of the office, you can avoid an overcrowded inbox on your return. These seven simple tips will help.

  • 14 December 05
  • Donna Hanson
  • 1 Comment

• Five tips for reducing SPAM

  SPAM is slang for unsolicited emails of a commercial nature. Like all soloists, you most likely find SPAM a huge time waster and major irritant. There is a way of reducing SPAM!

  • 30 November 05
  • Donna Hanson
  • 4 Comments

• Business communication: less is more

  It may seem counter intuitive, but tearing yourself away from business communication tools like internet and email can actually make you more productive.

  • 21 November 05
  • Megan Tough
  • 9 Comments

• Why we all need basic computer training

  Most of us use our computers every day. But without basic computer training behind us, we could be missing a trick or two.

  • 10 November 05
  • Donna Hanson

• How to set up a business and computer backup system

  What would happen if your laptop, computer or network crashed or was stolen? Because we keep so much vital information on our PCs, it makes sense to have a computer backup system in place.

  • 24 October 05
  • Donna Hanson
  • 7 Comments

• How to choose an ISP (Internet service provider)

  A reliable Internet connection is standard equipment for today's soloist. If you are yet to get online, these hints on how to choose an internet service provider (ISP) will help.

  • 05 October 05
  • Donna Hanson
  • 10 Comments

• Free online tool: Google Desktop Search

  For many, Google has become an integral part of our online experience. Now with Google Desktop Search, you can harness Google's searching power on your own computer. Is this free online tool the best thing ever or an excuse for fast and loose filing?

  • 07 September 05
  • Sam Leader
  • 5 Comments

• Internet telephony: Does Skype live up to the hype?

  With 143 million downloads, Skype is the free Internet telephony service that has got everyone talking. Once you have it installed, Skype enables you to make free 'calls' from your computer. As you'll read it's well suited to us soloists.

  • 03 August 05
  • Sam Leader
  • 15 Comments

• Internet browsers: Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox?

  In the battle of the internet browsers, will heavy hitter Internet Explorer win out or can open source Mozilla Firefox come up trumps?

  • 07 July 05
  • Sam Leader
  • 8 Comments