Modern times call for modern measures, especially when you are dealing with a startup company. Small businesses of today are facing rapid changes, most of them technology-driven, and should do everything they can to adapt to this modernized commerce landscape. Facing fierce rivalry from well-equipped big brands and large corporations is not helping newcomers achieve success at first.
It might seem difficult to compete with well-established companies. A classic underdog scenario. A David vs. Goliath battle.
However, with the right approach and the right tools, even the least experienced startups can stand their ground in this uneven fight. This is where cloud-based solutions step into the spotlight. Let us break down how these technologies can assist you in aiming for business success.
What Are Cloud-Based Solutions?
Cloud-based solutions refer to software, platforms, applications, and infrastructure, which is delivered over the Internet instead of relying on being implemented locally on servers or computers. Such solutions guarantee a plethora of advantages, specifically for startup companies, including the following aspects:
- No heavy upfront investments in hardware and office space.
- Seamless scalability based on the current business needs.
- Quick remote access regardless of your geographical location.
- More automation in terms of data management and customer support.
- Robust security measures and compliance standards.
In their 2023 report, experts from Flexera state that 89% of businesses were already implementing a multi-cloud approach, while small and medium companies have been enhancing their cloud expenditures by 26% compared to 2022.
The cloud is no longer the future—it is the present.
TOP 5 Cloud-Based Solutions For Today’s Startups
The time has come to dive deep into the world of the most fascinating cloud-based solutions that will help your startup thrive from day one. Without further ado, here are 5 tools that you need to implement in order to compete with large corporations.
1. Cloud CRM Platforms: Personalization in Management
Cloud-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms are becoming more widely adopted even among the largest service providers. What used to be a high-end luxury, is now far more accessible and affordable. Furthermore, switching to such solutions provides a set of useful benefits:
- Centralized Client Data: Keeping all information in one place allows startups to understand customer’s buying behavior and preferences more adequately.
- Process Automation: No need to manually create tailored messages, offers, and promotions from scratch.
- Mobile Accessibility: You can review customer profiles on the go, utilizing any kind of mobile device, such as smartphones and tablets.
By personalizing customer relationships, your B2C activities will thrive. Based on Salesforce reports, 67% of small and medium businesses (SMBs) find CRM solutions to be a part of their success. Thus, there is no time to waste in adopting one in your company.
2. Cloud Call Centers: The Best Customer Service Software
Innovations are evolving cloud-based call centers in terms of flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. And since operations related to customer service are so important in the modern business landscape, getting ahead of your competition should become your top priority. With cloud call centers it gets a lot easier to outrun big brands.
What makes this software so impeccable? Here are a few thoughts:
- Omnichannel Support: Phone calls, emails, live chat, text messaging, and social platforms can often be consolidated in a single cloud-based platform.
- Remote Access: Customer service agents are allowed to operate from any location, eliminating the need for an on-site working team.
- AI-Powered Routing: Modern cloud-based call centers utilize artificial intelligence to distribute incoming calls among the most suitable company representatives.
- Real-Time Analytics: Supervisors can review agents’ work with the use of automated and data-driven analysis of their effectiveness and responsiveness.
Startups can build astonishing client support and become trustworthy partners by offering round-the-clock and personalized services. Just like Amazon or any other large-scale platform.
3. Cloud Storage & File Sharing: Easy Access on the Go
You no longer need those old-school USB sticks, portable drives, and messy email attachments. Cloud storage is here to help you save, edit, and share your files! Platforms such as OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, and Wasabi are not just easy to use, but they also guarantee a wide range of free services. Key advantages include:
- Real-Time Collaboration: Teams can work on the same file by accessing it remotely, streamlining the process of editing and improving stuff.
- Automated Backups: Forget about remembering to save your files every now and then, as cloud storage and file-sharing platforms perform regular automatic backups.
- Workflow Control: While working together on a file, managers can supervise who made what changes and when allowing for more work transparency.
Scale is no longer an issue—small and medium business can perform their duties as efficiently as large-scale companies. On many occasions, they might even outrun their larger competitors who adapt to modern standards a bit too slowly.
4. Cloud Marketing Tools: Advertise Like a Pro
For many years successful marketing seemed to be a costly venture. Nowadays, giant budgets are no longer required. What startups need, though, is creativity and a modern cloud-oriented approach. Cloud-based marketing platforms might help you run effective and cost-effective campaigns using the following communication channels:
- Social Media Networks: Advertising and sharing product or service reviews with the help of influencers on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.
- Email Subscriptions: Leveraging newsletters as a form of sending out personalized offers, new product release info packages, and order follow-ups.
Online marketing can be a lot easier thanks to modern automation solutions, which are often a part of cloud-based tools. Businesses gain quick and on-point campaign analytics, ROI tracking, lead nurturing, and targeted messaging tools. All of this allows startups to advertise like professionals without the need to hire an expert ad agency.
5. Cloud Accounting & Finance: Complexity Done Easier
Many startup owners can find accounting to be one of the most challenging things when running their company. Mistakes can be costly, but accounting does not have to. SMBs can rely on cloud-based accounting and finance tools to:
- Track Corporate Finances: Have a precise overview of your company expenses and income in real time.
- Handle Documentation: Automated accounting apps help businesses deal with invoicing, payrolls, and other crucial documents.
- Get Ready for Tax Season: As long as you use the right tools, handling corporate taxes will pose no problems at all.
Switching from regular accounting software to a cloud-based financial platform has become a popular trend. Accountancy Age claims that 78% of small companies were utilizing such solutions in 2020.
Move to Cloud-Based Solutions Now!
The modern online business world is no longer exclusively limited to the biggest brands and corporations. The ever-changing landscape now rewards the smartest, quickest, and customer-focused enterprises. Even startups can compete effectively and aim for success, as long as they rely on cloud-based solutions. Such an approach is no longer a choice in an environment where flexibility, tailored experiences, and consumer satisfaction dominate—it is a must.