Do you own a successful family business? Check out these five simple tips on how to improve your business’s technology without having to spend a fortune.

#1 Forget using expensive POS equipment and take advantage of apps that can be installed on your iOS or Android device

Why spend thousands of dollars on expensive POS software and hardware for your small business? Thanks to the development of affordably priced apps, you can use your smartphone or tablet to process credit card transactions, manage inventory, and perform any other task you previously completed on a POS system. The technology and equipment used to operate these systems changes rapidly. Invest your money somewhere else and use an app that can be updated regularly without incurring numerous expenses.

#2 Upgrade to the Cloud

A lot of small businesses still use outdated systems of paper files, calendars, appointment books, and accounting. By upgrading to the cloud, all your information will be stored in one centralized location with a searchable database that will save you time and money. There are a full-range of affordable cloud-based and mobile tools specially designed to manage customer scheduling, signups, time tracking and billing, amongst other tasks.

#3 Increase your online presence

No matter what type of business that you own, spending time developing an online presence is a great investment. Open social media accounts and provide your customers with incentives to frequent your business. Let them make appointments online, sign up for a rewards program, and access any pertinent information they may need about your business. Use social media as a free marketing tool that can reach thousands of people in your area.

#4 Update your network security protection

Many small business owners develop close relationships with their employees and feel that their sensitive information is secure. What they fail to recognize is that most threats come from the outside world and that small businesses are often considered an easy target for hackers looking to steal financial data. Audit your network security regularly and make sure your employees are well trained in how to avoid falling victim to phishing and ransomware attacks.

#5 Devise a backup plan and invest in a backup appliance

The time to address your “what if…” case scenarios is before a disaster strikes. What if there is a fire, flood, network hack, power outage, or theft? Every business, regardless of size, needs to have a disaster recovery plan and a backup appliance that stores your pertinent data. Consult with an IT professional for the best advice on a backup appliance and to help you devise a plan that will ensure business continuity in the event of a system failure or security breach. It is also imperative that you test your disaster plan several times a year and make any necessary changes and improvements.