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.

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.

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.

Want to keep up to date with all our new small business technology articles? Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, sent to over 14,000 loyal readers each Tuesday, and receive four valuable bonus reports to download instantly.

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Technology articles

• Technology

  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.

  • Published today
  • David Lawrence
  • 1 Comment

• Technology

  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.

  • Published 05 May 08
  • Philip Shaw
  • 8 Comments

• Technology

  A new website for your business - May 2008

  As a soloist it can be challenging to have a website built for your business. “I’m too busy!” “Who will build it?” “How much will it cost?” Here's a great way to have your business website built or rebuilt.

• Technology

  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.

  • Published 11 April 08
  • David Lawrence
  • 18 Comments

• Technology

  Mobile phone manners

  It’s my observation that shortly after the mobile phone was introduced to society, we rewrote the book on manners. Here are seven things about mobile phone manners that really set me off.

  • Published 28 March 08
  • Megan Tough
  • 18 Comments

• Technology

  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.

  • Published 22 February 08
  • Zern Liew
  • 12 Comments

• Technology

  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.

  • Published 18 January 08
  • David Lawrence
  • 8 Comments

• Technology

  Business Management Software: Nine tips

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

  • Published 11 January 08
  • Heather Smith
  • 4 Comments

• Technology

  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.

  • Published 12 December 07
  • Melissa Norfolk
  • 11 Comments

• Technology

  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.

  • Published 30 November 07
  • Megan Tough
  • 7 Comments

• Technology

  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.

  • Published 13 July 07
  • Paul J. Morris
  • 20 Comments

• Technology

  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!”

  • Published 21 May 07
  • Peter Crocker
  • 12 Comments

• Technology

  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.

  • Published 16 February 07
  • Melissa Norfolk
  • 12 Comments

• Technology

  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.

  • Published 11 December 06
  • Megan Tough
  • 10 Comments

• Technology

  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.

  • Published 04 October 06
  • Melissa Norfolk
  • 3 Comments

• Technology

  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.

  • Published 18 August 06
  • Melissa Norfolk
  • 3 Comments

• Technology

  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.

  • Published 09 August 06
  • Donna Hanson
  • 3 Comments

• Technology

  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?

  • Scott Handsaker
  • 5 Comments

• Technology

  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.

  • Published 26 July 06
  • Sam Leader
  • 2 Comments

• Technology

  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.

  • Published 26 April 06
  • Peter Crocker
  • 7 Comments

• Technology

  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?”

  • Published 19 April 06
  • Melissa Norfolk
  • 9 Comments

• Technology

  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.

  • Published 05 April 06
  • Donna Hanson
  • 7 Comments

• Technology

  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.

  • Published 31 March 06
  • Gary Hecht
  • 5 Comments

• Technology

  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.

  • Published 20 February 06
  • Scott Handsaker
  • 10 Comments

• Technology

  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.

  • Published 03 February 06
  • Gary Hecht
  • 2 Comments

• Technology

  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.

  • Published 14 December 05
  • Donna Hanson
  • 1 Comment

• Technology

  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!

  • Published 30 November 05
  • Donna Hanson
  • 4 Comments

• Technology

  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.

  • Published 21 November 05
  • Megan Tough
  • 9 Comments

• Technology

  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.

  • Published 10 November 05
  • Donna Hanson

• Technology

  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.

  • Published 24 October 05
  • Donna Hanson
  • 4 Comments

• Technology

  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.

  • Published 05 October 05
  • Donna Hanson
  • 10 Comments

• Technology

  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?

  • Published 07 September 05
  • Sam Leader
  • 5 Comments

• Technology

  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.

  • Published 03 August 05
  • Sam Leader
  • 14 Comments

• Technology

  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?

  • Published 07 July 05
  • Sam Leader
  • 7 Comments