How to Leverage Digital Adoption at Every Stage

This article summarizes the key takeaways from the Ignite Digital session with digital tech, inclusivity, and diversity expert Melloney Campbell.

Digital adoption can be a game-changer for businesses but can also be overwhelming. As you start and grow your business, it's important to integrate and implement technology that works for you and your goals. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use digital adoption in each stage of your business:

1. Ideation Stage: This is where you're brainstorming and figuring out what you want to do. It's important to have tools that can help you drill down and suss out your ideas. Try using free tools like Google Jamboard, a virtual whiteboard to brainstorm with your team, and Notion, a one-stop shop for organizing your ideas.
2. Start-Up Phase: Project management becomes essential when launching a product or service. Various project management tools, like Trello, Wrike, and Microsoft Project, can help you stay organized and focused. Communication is also critical, and tools like Slack and OneNote can make it easier to collaborate with your team.
3. Growth Phase: As your business grows, you'll need tools to manage your accounting and finances, and FreshBooks and QuickBooks are two great options. Email marketing tools like Mailchimp and Constant Contact can help you maintain your customer relationships, but make sure you get explicit consent from anyone you're sending emails. Brand management tools like Sprout Social and Buffer can help you stay on top of your social media presence and build your brand.
4. Scaling: This is where security and automation become crucial. Cybersecurity is essential to protect your data and customers, and you should make sure your servers are SOC-compliant if you're handling personal identifying information. Automation tools like Zapier can help you cut down on repetitive tasks and focus on growing your business. Training is also essential; tools like Disco can help you provide webinar training to your team virtually anywhere.
5. Marketing: Online marketing platforms like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and Zoho Workplace can help you manage your business on your own time and ensure you're using quality data to target your customers.

Remember, the key to successful digital adoption is finding the tools that work for you and your business. Don't be afraid to experiment with different options and let go of tools that don't work. By integrating technology into your business in a way that makes sense for you, you can streamline your operations, save time, and focus on growth.

Get access to grants, expert advisors and support to develop and to put into action a digital adoption plan that works for you at any stage of your business journey through the Canada Digital Adoption Program.