Key Takeaway:
Understand how automation can help you work smarter, not harder as a business owner.
Gain practical ideas to get started with automation when it comes to your store’s marketing, website, and sales.
Ever wondered if there’s a smarter way to handle the daily grind? In the spirit of our “lessons in laziness” theme this August, we’re exploring genius hacks that make business operations a breeze.
We’re not encouraging cutting corners. Rather, we’re championing clever automation strategies that boost efficiency in marketing, websites, and sales. Per Statista, 39% of SMB owners and marketing decision-makers who use AI and/or automation technology for their marketing save 26-30 minutes a week.
These hacks aren’t just about being lazy. They’re about working smarter, not harder, so you can focus more on growth and less on grunt work. Join us as we outline some business hacks you can use to automate your marketing, ecommerce website, and sales.
“39% of SMB owners and marketing decision-makers who use AI and/or automation technology for their marketing save 26-30 minutes a week.”
– Statista
Lazy Marketing Ideas
Marketing is one of the top time sucks that business owners face. According to Constant Contact’s The Current State of SMB Marketing 2024 report, 52% of SMBs admit they often delay or postpone their marketing. This same study also found that business leaders put off tasks like managing email campaigns and posting on social because they’re short on time. Here are three tips to improve your efficiency when you tap into automation, so you can put more time back in your day.
1. Email Marketing Automation
Jumpstart your customer relationships with automated email sequences. Welcome new subscribers warmly and keep them engaged with carefully timed follow-ups. *Tools like Klaviyo excel in triggering emails based on specific actions such as purchases or site visits, ensuring your communications are timely and relevant without constant monitoring. Read this blog to go even deeper with email automation.
2. Social Media Scheduling
Stay ahead of your social media game by scheduling posts across your platforms using advanced tools. This foresight ensures your social presence is consistent and dynamic, without needing daily attention. Complement this by deploying chatbots that handle basic interactions, ensuring your followers receive immediate responses anytime.
3. Content Repurposing
Maximize your content’s mileage by transforming single pieces into multiple formats. Turn detailed blog posts into engaging social media snippets or lengthy videos into quick, shareable clips. *Incorporate call tracking, like CallRail, to automatically gauge how customers are finding you, which refines your marketing strategies without manual effort.
“52% of SMBs admit they often delay or postpone their marketing.”
– Constant Contact, “The Current State of SMB Marketing” 2024 Report
Lazy eCommerce Website Ideas
Besides marketing, staying on top of your eCommerce website can take up a lot of your bandwidth as an SMB owner. Here are four tips to save time on tasks like reviewing your analytics and tracking your inventory and customer data.
1. Streamlined Analytics
Configure weekly automated reports from Google Analytics 4 to land directly in your email. Regular updates help you stay on top of site performance and make informed decisions effortlessly.
2. Automate Notifications
* Set up your website forms with a plugin like Gravity Forms to automatically ping your inbox whenever there’s a new submission. This simple automation keeps you connected without constant website checks.
3. Inventory and Customer Tracking
Synchronize your inventory across all sales channels and set alerts for low stock using automated systems. Tools that analyze customer behavior and provide personalized recommendations can significantly enhance user experience, boosting satisfaction and sales.
4. Efficient Order Processing
Connect with fulfillment services to automate your shipping process fully. Pair this with automated invoicing and ensure a seamless transaction process from start to finish.
Lazy Sales Ideas
Boosting your sales efficiency can be straightforward with the right strategy. Here are tips to enhance your sales processes and achieve better results effortlessly.
1. More Leads and Smarter Lead Nurturing
Per data from APSIS, 80% of businesses claim that automation increases their lead generation. You can also employ automated scoring for leads based on their engagement and behavior, and craft follow-up sequences. These messages will help turn potential connections into loyal customers.
2. CRM Smarts
Automate the logging of sales interactions in your CRM system. Set up reminders for follow-ups that keep you on track with potential deals without needing to keep all the details in your head. Check out our blog for more CRM automation hacks.
3. Scheduling Made Simple
*Use scheduling tools like Calendly to automate meeting bookings. These systems match your availability directly with client preferences without the back-and-forth hassle.
Work Smarter, Not Harder
Implementing these lazy business hacks can streamline your operations, automating mundane tasks so you can focus on what matters most. Begin with simple steps, like scheduling social media posts or automating emails, to quickly notice improvements in productivity. As you grow more accustomed, expand your automation efforts and watch your efficiency and outcomes improve.
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