How Digital Workflows Help Small Biz Owners Win
Ramon Ray2021-10-05T10:15:17-04:00For some small businesses, adding technology has been a necessity due to the dwindling workforce. For others, it was all about complying with social distancing guidelines with digital workflows that keep patrons feeling safe. While some just leaned into the cool factor in an effort to wow their customers.
All good reasons. All effective in creating a more modern business. And now, adopting technology has evolved into a necessity for small businesses to compete and survive.
In fact, a recent Verizon-Morning Consult survey reported that 30% of small businesses are now using digital tools to keep operations afloat to compensate for the labor shortage. Also, 63% of business decision-makers are using “digital tools and technologies to enhance customer experiences and create new business opportunities,” which is up from 53% in 2020.
2 Easy Digital Workflows to Adopt Today
So, where’s a small business to start when embracing digital workflows in their day-to-day? Here are 2 easy ways to go digital that will make a big impact right away, whether you need to fill employment gaps or want to create stand-out experiences for your customers.
Online Appointment Scheduling
We can blame the pandemic for forcing this shift, but it’s actually turned into a time-saving blessing for business owners everywhere.
Adding the option for customers to schedule their own appointment from your website serves two main purposes: First, they can schedule at 11 p.m. from the comfort of their bed, if they’d like. Second, it’s faster and easier for them.
Third, you or a team member do not have to stop work to answer the phone or play phone tag to schedule the appointment. (Bonus: Your phone-fearing Millennial and GenZ clients will really appreciate not having to speak to an actual human.)
Online Presence & Search Results
How do new customers find you? Online search. In fact, they’ll find you online before they even see your website. Have you searched for your business lately? It’s vital that you have a good understanding of where your business shows up on search results, and that your online listings are accurate and up to date. Think: Facebook, Yelp, YP.com, Angie’s List, LinkedIn …
And, of course, Google. Maintaining a complete and accurate Google My Business Listing is critical to help you land new customers and stay in front of the ones you already have. The more you have on your GMB listing (think: hours of operation, Q&As, weekly Google Posts, etc.), the better your business will rank in local search.
Did you know: “Near me” searches have more than doubled in the past few years, to help consumers find what they need locally. Follow the steps above to get in front of your prospects when and where they need you the most!
To learn more about how seamlessly creating a better online presence and streamlining digital workflows help you win new customers and grow your business, join us for Thryv Connect21 on Nov. 10 and 11. We’re excited to have Ramon Ray kicking off the event with our opening keynote session. Register today!
Written in partnership with Thryv.

Shellie Terry
Shellie Terry is a content marketing strategist with 20+ years of experience as a journalist, working with news outlets, regional and national magazines, as well as developing content strategy for national and international brands.