Several types of digital automation can help a small business by streamlining processes and saving time.
Here are some cost-effective small business automations that every business should consider:
1. Email Marketing Automation
Email automations include those triggered by specific actions or events, such as welcome emails for new subscribers and personalized follow-ups based on customer behaviour. There are many different email marketing platforms, ranging from complex (funnels and abandoned cart integrations), to simpler drip campaigns. If you don’t require complex triggers and campaigns, I like (and use) SendFox.
✨ Tip: SendFox costs $49 USD! Pay once and never pay again — until your subscribers exceed 5,000! (other tiers with higher contact limits are available)
2. Social Media Automation
Tools like Buffer, Later and Postly allow scheduling of social media posts in advance. This saves time and ensures consistent engagement with followers across various platforms. Bonus: many scheduling tools now include AI features, to aid in both image creation, caption writing and more!
3. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Automation
CRM platforms automate tasks related to customer interactions, such as managing contacts, tracking communication, and sending follow-up emails. This helps in maintaining relationships and nurturing leads effectively. I personally use Toute Suite, which is fully customizable and replaces 80-90% of my old automation and business tools.
4. Workflow Automation
Tools like Zapier and IFTTT automate repetitive tasks by connecting different apps and services, enabling seamless data transfer and workflow automation without manual intervention.
👉 Here’s an example of a workflow automation: someone registers for a workshop on your website; upon payment (Stripe), a Zapier integration automatically adds their email address to your email marketing list (i.e. Mailchimp or SendFox).
5. E-commerce Automation
For businesses with online stores or other purchase capability (such as selling consulting sessions, workshops or training packages), automation can include adding up-sell options at checkout, cart abandonment follow-up emails, and more.
6. Appointment Scheduling Automation
Implementing tools like Calendly, MeetFox and TidyCal streamlines appointment booking processes. They allow clients to schedule appointments online, reducing back-and-forth emails or calls.
✨ Tip: MeetFox has integrated virtual meetings, replacing the need for Zoom!
7. Accounting and Invoicing Automation
Software like QuickBooks or FreshBooks automates invoicing, expense tracking, receipt capture and financial reporting, making it easier to manage finances and stay organized.
No matter how small your business, implementing a few of these types of digital automation can free up valuable time and resources, allowing you to focus on core tasks and growth opportunities.
👉 If you’re interested in finding out which automations you could add to your business, book a free discovery call.
What types of automations are you using in your business? Or, what would you LIKE to implement? Do you have any tools that you love? Feel free to share.
💬 Ask me anything about small business automations by commenting below!
Note: this post contains some affiliate links; I only share products that I love and have personally used.