In today?s world, it is almost impossible to run a successful business without some type of IT knowledge. IT, or information technology, encompasses many aspects of business. Each of these different aspects is important to business success and can have direct effects on customer loyalty and overall profits. Consider the following ways that IT affects your business.

Customer security

Everyone has heard about numerous data breaches. It happens to even the largest of companies. When a large company is breached, they often see a significant decline in sales for many months following the breach. Eventually, they may be able to recover, but it takes a very long time. Medium to smaller sized businesses, however, often take a much bigger hit. Customers tend to have less trust with smaller businesses, especially in terms of security. If their information is compromised, they are unlikely to return to the business.

Additionally, small to medium sized businesses are frequently being targeted for security threat. There protection systems are not as advanced as larger businesses, and therefore, are easier to penetrate. According to Symantec?s 2016 Internet Security Threat Report, phishing campaigns target small businesses 43% of the time. Most businesses do not have the IT capabilities to properly secure their network support systems. It is important to work with an outsourced network security company to ensure that all network support systems are protected.

Mobile friendliness

While most businesses today are on the internet in some form, many fail to go beyond basic internet usage. Consumers are using their mobile devices more than ever to browse the internet. Some users do not even have access to a desktop or laptop computer. If you do not set up your website for mobile or tablet friendliness, you are likely losing out on an entire group of customers. It is estimated that the number of people using mobile devices for primary internet usage will only grow in the next couple of years. Begin working now with a business IT consulting group to expand your mobile device friendliness. Worldwide IT spending is projected to reach $3.5 trillion in 2017. It is likely that your competitors are already planning for this move.

Basic website errors

We now live in a technological world where convenience is not enough. Simply having the ability to order or schedule online once was enough. Today however, consumers expect this process to be entirely flawless. If there are errors and experience basic troubles, they are likely to go to a competitor. They will not reach out for help and they will not continue to try. Basic website errors can quickly ruin a medium to small sized business. Professional business IT support services are needed to handle these network support and basic website error problems. Most small business owners do not have the IT knowledge required to identify these basic IT problems.

Additional IT features to compete

Competition is key in business success. There will always be businesses that are similar to yours. Your job is to offer a better product or service and to create brand loyalty. To do this, you have to offer your consumer a benefit. This could be with additional features that encourage their purchase. It could simply be with exceptional customer service that is not found anywhere else. To better evaluate your current business model and the services that you provide to your consumer, it can be helpful to work with IT consulting services. Having an outside view of the business process can provide valuable feedback.

In today?s technological world, there is an increasing demand for IT professionals. According to the U.S. Census Bureau?s American Community Survey, the number of information technology workers increased from 450,000 in 1970 to 4.6 million in 2014. As a medium or small sized business owner, you can utilize this growth in IT employees to your benefit. A successful business must have a strong IT backing. Without this IT addition to the business plan, you will find it difficult to protect your customers network support systems, have error free websites, and it will be difficult to grow to meet your consumers overall needs.