Keep Your Firmware Safe and Secure

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Most of us can differentiate between hardware and software. But how many know what firmware refers to? More importantly, is your business securing its firmware against security vulnerabilities?

Your business knows it needs to keep its operating systems (OSs) up to date. Installing patches as they are released helps protect your OS and software applications from attack.

Yet firmware can be easily overlooked when setting up cyber protection. You’re opening up Explorer every day, and your business relies on its Excel spreadsheets, but you don’t think about the basic software that runs the hardware as intended – that’s the firmware.

Without firmware, your computer wouldn’t know how to detect its hard drive, and the gears on the business printer wouldn’t spin to pull the paper through the device. There’s firmware in network and sound cards, routers, range extenders, keyboards, and more. Firmware also makes your webcam or surveillance camera work correctly.

The Need to Update Firmware

Cyber-criminals aren’t known for their lazy reliance on just one tactic. Instead, they are constantly finding new ways to exploit business devices and systems, and this includes attacking firmware. Without securing your firmware, you run the risk of bad actors:

  • spying on business activity;
  • stealing business data;
  • taking control of your business computers.

You may think you’re safe because you have antivirus scans in place, but hackers can get around those by embedding their malware in your firmware. In the past, they could guess firmware manufacturers weren’t prioritizing security. That’s changing now that firmware exploits have gained attention.

Manufacturers release firmware updates for at least a few years after initial release. The goal is to ensure the stability of that device your business depends upon.

Find firmware updates online at the manufacturer’s website. You might also look on the device support page. Make it a policy to consistently seek out firmware release updates. That way, the business is up to date with new patches to fix holes or fresh vulnerabilities.

Taking Care of Business Firmware

Too many people aren’t thinking about the firmware threat; it’s a set-it-and-forget-it problem. Once people set up their devices, they don’t think about the possibility of a future compromise.

For example, in last year’s Avast Threat Landscape Report, 60 percent of users had never updated router firmware. Yet router hijackers can inject malicious HTML and gain access to usernames and passwords.

Businesses are growing more reliant on technology, particularly connected technology. (Thank you, Wi-Fi and Internet of Things.) This is also expanding the attack surface available to cyber bad guys. Don’t become complacent. Apply patches when issued to all business connections and technology.

Now you know what firmware is and why it matters, that doesn’t mean you’re any closer to being able to actually update it all. Partner with one of our technicians. We can do an audit of all your firmware and find any holes that need plugging. Give us a call today at (515)422-1995!

How Microsoft Intune Can Benefit Your Business

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The use of mobile devices is becoming standard in business. Smartphones and tablets have taken their place as tools your employees want to use. Whether for communication or collaboration, expect people to have mobile devices at hand. To make this work, your business needs mobile device management, that’s where Microsoft Intune can help.

More work is getting done in the cloud, especially with more people working remotely. Employees want to be able to access the same applications and data they’d get on a desktop or laptop, right there on the device in their hands, wherever they may be.

This presents a security challenge. When all devices connecting to a work environment are on-site, it’s easier to control the connections. The business could put “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) policies in place to control:

  • what devices employees use to connect;
  • how much access they have when connecting;
  • what applications they can use on devices connected to the business network.

Still, mobile device management software can benefit your business. You’ll be able to reduce IT workload, improve user experience, enable greater efficiency, and reduce risk.

Cloud-based Mobile Device Management with Intune

Microsoft Intune offers cloud-based mobile device management (MDM). This enterprise security offering combines MDM and mobile application management (MAM).

In a use case, Accenture used Intune’s MDM to enforce mobile device encryption and use of a PIN. MAM helped secure the Microsoft Office suite, without having to control employee devices.

Intune allows users to access critical business data and applications on any mobile device. Intune provides a unified way to securely manage Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS devices.

Further, Intune streamlines and automates deployment, provisioning, policy management, app delivery, and updates. Plus, the globally distributed cloud service architecture is highly scalable.

This helps your IT team support the diverse mobile ecosystem more efficiently. There’s no need to set up each device individually, as the software deploys across all devices at once. IT can track licenses, rollout updates, and get hardware configuration and software installation information, all in one place and without having to buy any added infrastructure. Meanwhile, employees can move between mobile devices and desktops without jeopardizing company security.

Your business might ask employees to enroll any devices they use to access Office 365 data, yet there may still be devices you don’t know about or that your partners are using to access your important data. Intune provides you with precise control. You can specify what data different users can access. You can also say what they can do with the data within Office and other mobile apps.

Boosting Cybersecurity Protection with Intune

Intune’s integration with Azure directory also allows the business to enforce access policies. You might limit access based on user, location, device state, or app sensitivity. Powerful AI and machine learning also helps to proactively protect the business environment. Integrating Intune and Microsoft Defender helps prevent and limit the impact of a security breach.

Your business can review and establish security policy and configuration setting baselines. It’s also easier to meet legal and company cybersecurity requirements. Data protection, encryption, and anti-malware are all done in the admin console.

At the same time, you avoid intruding on users’ personal devices. Contextual controls can distinguish between business and personal use of apps.

Improve cybersecurity resilience and support employee productivity on mobile devices. Intune allows you to track devices, manage policies, ensure updates, and protect data, all from one location.

Intune is included in certain Enterprise Mobility and Security subscriptions. Contact us today at (515)422-1995 to learn more about this solution. Learn how it suits your mobile device management and mobile access management needs.

Facing the Five Top Cloud Computing Fears

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The public cloud service market is growing. Software, infrastructure, desktop, and other service numbers are all on the rise. Yet some businesses are still holding back from migrating to the cloud. This article addresses common resistance to this highly scalable and cost-effective solution.

#1 Fear of Losing Control

“I want full responsibility for my IT.” Moving to the public cloud means partnering with a vendor. Some of your existing technology can move as is, whereas other tools your people rely on may need replacement or redesign.

One solution is to migrate to a private cloud. This allows you to continue to control the data environment but will be a more costly solution than a public alternative. When partnering with a public cloud service provider, establish clear responsibilities. Ensure you’re both on the same page about who is accountable for what.

#2 Fear of Change

“If it ain’t broke, why fix it,” especially when it comes to business computing, right? Transitioning from one data center to another requires preparation and effort.

Yet the resulting greater flexibility makes the work worthwhile. Cloud migration is appealing because the technology offers, among other things:

  • scalability;
  • increased effectiveness;
  • faster implementation;
  • mobility;
  • disaster recovery.

The cloud allows you to store data, run applications, deliver content, and more – all online. Your business doesn’t have to invest in the hardware or networking tech on-site.

#3 Fear for Data Security

Any downtime for a data breach can cost business revenue and brand reputation, and productivity can suffer, too. And that’s only the beginning. So, you don’t want to move to a solution that expands your vulnerability to attack.

There are two ways to get attacked: digital or physical. Working with a cloud provider, you gain a partner focused on security. They know the mitigations and countermeasures for cloud-computing-specific capabilities. They know the frameworks, architectures, and approaches to best protect against digital attack. Microsoft spends $1 billion annually safeguarding Azure, its cloud offering, from cyber-attack. Can your IT budget compete?

As for physical security, cloud data centers are secure facilities: we’re talking guards with key cards, fenced perimeters, power backups, and server redundancy. They have the works. Your office is probably less secure.

#4 Fear for Interoperability Challenges

We’re always told to play nicely with others, but what if existing business technology doesn’t play well with the cloud? Business leaders may fear they’ll be stuck having to reinvent the wheel.

The good news? There have been great strides in interoperability. Many application programming interfaces are available to help. Cloud providers want your business systems to exchange and use information seamlessly.

#5 Fear of Cost Increases

Before giving in to cost concerns, take stock of your current IT operating budget. The time and money you could save may surprise you. For example, the software provider takes charge of updates, patching, and new capabilities, which alone can increase IT’s productivity in other areas.

The scalability of cloud solutions also counterbalances cost concerns. With cloud technology, you know your tools are always evolving. Plus, you can quickly add or reduce licenses or data storage size as needed, because there’s no waiting for hardware to arrive and be provisioned by an overworked IT team.

Conclusion

With cloud migration you also avoid training employees to support the technology. Plus, you’re not paying to use office space, power, and cooling to house the equipment. The cloud also provides end users with immediate access from almost any device.

The one challenge is migrating to the cloud securely. Give us a call at (515)422-1995 to get you migrated swiftly and ensure you’re using cloud computing safely.

Security or Flexibility: Which Matters More?

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Business is all about making tough choices. One such choice is whether to value IT security or business flexibility more. Unfortunately, you can’t have the best of both at once.

While having absolute security or flexibility may sound good, neither is actually for the best. An entirely secure environment is tough on users, a fully flexible IT environment is near impossible to keep safe.

When weighing security and flexibility, you might think of it on a sliding scale: more of one means sacrificing some of the other. If you amp up your security, you can limit business productivity. Your staff may try to get work done and bump up against security constraints. Or you may decide to give your people full flexibility, but you do so at the risk of leaving your business more vulnerable to attack.

Where you want to land on this sliding scale can depend on your industry. A bank protecting funds or a hospital with private patient data would prioritize security. Alternately, a small widgets business might not worry about data security as much.

Still, it’s a tough choice to make. Security company Balabit asked European IT pros to choose between IT security and business flexibility. In general, 71 percent thought security was equally or more important than flexibility. But when asked whether they’d risk security to clinch a major deal, 69 percent were willing to take their chances.

Finding the Right Balance

Leaders have to find the sweet spot between IT security and business flexibility. Striking the right balance is essential to successful security measures and flexibility aims.

One major consideration is the type of data the IT security is protecting. Credit card or health insurance companies are responsible for securing customer information. A university with many networked computers also needs to think about security; otherwise, criminals might target the school’s processors to power their attacks.

The potential impacts of a security breach are also a factor. Cyberattacks can mean business disruption, and lost productivity and business revenue, plus damage to brand reputation and loss of customer loyalty. A business in a highly regulated industry could also face massive fines and legal fees.

Assessing the risk of attack also helps. For example, a company with a billion-dollar idea, or a utility, face greater risk than a tuna packet labeler. Another consideration would be history of suspicious activity: if your business has already suffered an attack, security should be a priority. Likewise, if your industry is a common target for cybercriminals, you can’t take unnecessary chances.

Then, there’s the demand for business flexibility. How much do you need and in what situations? For instance, allowing employees to use their own devices is a convenience for some, but it’s a necessity in other environments.

The ability to control security and flexibility on a situation-by-situation basis can help. In instances where customers’ identifying information is exchanged, security would trump flexibility. But when work teams collaborate globally, business flexibility is the more important aim.

Get MSP Input into This Equation

A managed services provider (MSP) can provide perspective on the best balance. The MSP examines business processes and goals, and determines appetite for risk. Then, it helps set that slider between IT security and business flexibility.

IT experts recognize the need for adaptable security responding to shifting needs. When that big deal comes up, you don’t want to have to deliberately risk security. Ultimately, you’re looking to achieve flexicurity – just the right combination of both. This lets your technology users do their best, while your business remains secure.

Want to balance security and still be business friendly? Contact our experts for a consultation today! Call us (515)422-1995!

Do More with Microsoft Forms

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There are millions of Microsoft 365 users globally. Businesses rely on the software to power email, drive productivity, and connect to colleagues. Forms is another great tool for users of Microsoft 365.

In April 2020, Office 365 became Microsoft 365. The value of the software suite to communication and collaboration remains intact. A Microsoft 365 subscription provides Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and other useful applications. Those are the familiar options.

But Microsoft is always evolving its cloud-based services. Microsoft Teams is a chat-based workspace integrating people, content, and tools. There’s also a To-Do application, Flow for managing notifications, and Power Bi Pro analytics. That’s to name just a few.

Another good one to get comfortable with? Microsoft Forms.

Microsoft 365 Forms Makes Data Collection Easier

Microsoft Forms allows your business to create surveys, generate quizzes, conduct polls, and capture data.

This easy-to-use application simplifies form creation: you simply select “New Form” or “New Quiz,” input the form details, add images if you want them, and you’re ready to go. You can click and drag to choose your question types from multiple choice, text, rating, or date options.

Ready-made themes allow you to pick different colors or graphics to personalize your survey. Before you go live, you can also preview and test your survey. You can even share with a colleague to collaborate on the survey design.

It’s that easy. In a few minutes you can create the tool you need to:

  • collect employee input;
  • measure customer satisfaction;
  • poll your team about how they feel about returning back to the office;
  • quiz employees doing virtual learning.

Once you have your finished link, you can paste it into an email, post it on social media, or put it on your website. You can also generate a QR code for mobile device use.

Get Results with Microsoft Forms

OK, you’ve shared your new survey, and the responses are raining down on you! There’s a dashboard for that. You can track the number of responses and average completion time. Plus, you can drill down into particular question data.

For any question, you can display your results in charts or graphs for that PowerPoint.

Since this is part of the Microsoft suite, Forms integrates with Excel, too. You can import the data there to leverage the full power of Excel’s analysis tools.

If you want to get even more advanced, upgrade to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Voice. Formerly Microsoft Forms Pro, this application helps you gather real-time customer feedback.

There are plenty of survey tools available online today. SoGoSurvey, SurveyMonkey, or TypeForm are top examples, but free versions can limit the number of questions or respondents surveyed.

Microsoft Forms integrates with other Microsoft 365 tools in your subscription. For quick intake or call center satisfaction, Forms is an intuitive application. It’s easy to keep in touch with customers and employees.

You can do more with Microsoft 365. We can help. Our IT experts get to know your technology and business needs, then we’ll identify the Microsoft 365 tools that can simplify the work you do. Contact us today at (515)422-1995!

6 Never Dos for Your Work Computer

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Nobody likes to be told what they can’t do. Still, there are certain never dos that you should keep in mind when it comes to your work computer. This article captures the top six things you should avoid doing on your work computer.

#1 Don’t login to personal sites and services

Sure, we’re all guilty of wanting to check our personal email or take a quick peek at social media while at work, but you do not want to login to your personal accounts on a work computer, especially not a shared one!

Browsers that remember our passwords to sites such as Facebook or your bank can be useful. How many different passwords can one human be expected to remember after all? But letting the browser save your personal access credentials risks your security. The next person to use that computer could access your private data.

#2 Don’t allow remote access

Maybe your computer isn’t working the way you want it to: it’s too slow. Something is up with an app. You’re worried you’ve inadvertently downloaded malware onto your work device. Then there’s that friend you have that “knows computers.” With remote support software being so easy to use these days, you figure it’s easier to ask your friend for help. Work doesn’t even need to know.

But would you let that friend walk into the office and start working on your computer? Probably not. Your business has its own people it trusts to do work on its computers. If you were on-site, you’d tell your supervisor, or at least IT, if you had a computer concern. Even when working virtually, you want to do the same thing.

Allowing remote access is both a security and productivity risk. Plus, your computer could be set in a specific way by your company. Your tech-savvy friend isn’t going to know why and how those particular configurations were established.

#3 Don’t store personal data

We’re all in favor of having more than one backup. Still, you don’t want to make your work computer a storage solution for your personal data, because you can’t be sure that other people at work can’t look through your files.

You also run the risk of losing access to that data if the business goes out of business or lays staff off. Employee accounts can be wiped out by businesses when they sever relationships with staff.

#4 Don’t connect personal storage devices

USB or thumb drives are convenient, as such drives help move data around easily. But the drive can be installed in many different computers and networks along the way. Connecting that USB to a work computer could transfer malware.

You really don’t want to connect someone else’s storage device to your work computer. Criminals actually target organizations by leaving infected thumb drives in the parking lot. All they need is one person to pick up the drive and plug it in to a work computer. Trying to reunite the drive with its user didn’t go over so well for that Good Samaritan!

#5 Don’t do your side business or job search

You don’t want to do these on a work computer unless you want to risk getting caught, because your computer activity can be tracked. Some businesses do full-blown screen recording. Others will maintain an overview of sites you visit.

There are different laws in various states and countries regarding employee monitoring, but you are using a work device on a business network. Doing your own side project during work hours on the business computer won’t go over well.

#6 Don’t log on to public Wi-Fi

Don’t log in to business applications or sensitive data connected to public Wi-Fi. There are many risks. You could end up:

  • opening yourself up to “man-in-the-middle” hackers;
  • connecting to a malicious hotspot;
  • transmitting data on an unencrypted network.

These never dos could endanger your personal data, business network, or your very job. Steer clear of these common mistakes made on work computers. Be smart, be safe.

Need help setting up a personal or work computer? We can help. Our IT experts can also install virtual private networks or other tools to protect your work computers. Contact us today at (515)422-1995!

Want to Be Anonymous Online? Incognito v. VPN

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Maybe you want to be a little mysterious, but more likely you want to protect your privacy when browsing online. You don’t want cybercriminals seeing what you’re doing, or marketers knowing where you go online and what you search for. So, you anonymize your activity using Incognito mode or private browsing. Really though, you want to be using a virtual private network (VPN).

Google Chrome’s Incognito mode helps maintain your privacy when you are online. Other browsers, such as Safari, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Internet Explorer, also offer private browsing. When the feature is at work, the browser does not save a record of the websites you visit or what you what you searched for. Plus, it doesn’t save any of your site logins. This means you have to do without the convenience of access credentials auto-populating.

Privacy browsing also disables plugins that may be used to track your internet activity. Still, plugins often serve a purpose while we’re on the internet. So, again, disabling them can disrupt your convenient, efficient browsing experience.

Yet, as cybersecurity concerns rise, recognizing privacy concerns while browsing may not be enough. For one thing, hiding your browser activity is only half the battle. You should also know that:

  • your internet service provider (ISP) may be monitoring the sites you visit;
  • the site you visited could be tracking your ISP address to find out where you logged in from;
  • if you’re not on an encrypted site, a cyber bad guy could potentially read your data.

That’s why many businesses and home computer users who want to preserve their privacy online look to a VPN. We’ll discuss the distinct advantages next.

Online Privacy Advantages with a VPN

With a VPN, you have your own secure and private connection to the internet.

Consider these advantages of having one for your computer, smartphone, or tablet:

  • A VPN encrypts your online activity. That means no third party (company, government, or hacker) can watch your activity as it is transmitted.
  • When you connect, your IP address is masked. The VPN provides you with a new IP address, so you can’t be tracked to your home or business connection.
  • You may be able to access otherwise restricted content. The VPN IP address could appear to be in a country that is allowed access to specific content. So, the website won’t know to block you.

Of course, the VPN provider could be recording your online activity (as an ISP might also do), but the most reputable providers make it a policy not to keep any activity logs for their users.

What Do You Want from Your Anonymity?

When deciding, it comes down to what you want from your anonymity efforts. If you want your browser to not record what you are doing locally, Incognito or another privacy browser will do OK.

If you want a private and secure connection that allows you to enjoy freedom and peace of mind online, the VPN is for you.

Need help securing your online activity? Our experts can help you determine the best approach and implement the right strategy. Find out more. Contact us today at (515)422-1995!

Local Business v. Big Box Computer Repair

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Your computer is down for the count. You’ve tried the perennial favorite – turning it off and back on again – but somehow, your tech magic has not worked this time! You need help, and you want it fast. The question is whether to take it to a local computer business or big-box store for repair.

Many big-box stores offer depot computer repair. Why are we calling it depot repair? Because just like at a bus or train depot, that store is only one stop on your computer’s repair journey. Typically, the store does not have the facilities to repair your laptop or desktop on-site. Also, their employees lack the skills to do the work right there.

Instead, that computer, along with all your important files, is shipped on to another location. This presents some problems:

  • Computers can get damaged in shipping/handling.
  • Accountability is lost when the device is passing through a chain of people.
  • You don’t know where your computer is at any given time.
  • Its return to you slowed by shipping times.

That’s why we recommend getting your computers repaired at a local business with the skills and facilities to do the work on-site.

Benefits of Small Business Repair

When you take your device to a locally owned small business, you know at all times who is handling your computer. You often hand over your laptop or desktop to the person fixing it, or at least to someone who is in direct contact with the person doing the repair.

Fewer people are going to have their hands on your device. You’re not dropping it off at one location to travel to another location via a major shipping company’s trucks, which means there’s greater accountability.

Another advantage is that should something come up while your computer is in for repair, you could actually get to your device, because it’s not on a loading dock or in some pile of laptops in a manufacturer’s centralized computer repair shop. You can simply take your thumb drive down the road and ask to power the computer on and retrieve what you need, assuming that the device still turns on, that is.

Selecting the Small Business for Your Repair

When selecting a local computer business to do the repair, do your research first. It’s a good idea to ask about the following:

  • Qualifications. Do they have experience with devices like yours, and licenses and credentials?
  • Services. You don’t want to be looking to fix a cracked screen and go to someone who focuses on retrieving lost data.
  • Customer service record. Look for testimonials – you can also check this with business monitoring groups in your area and on community website boards.
  • Savings. If you don’t want to have to buy a new computer, work with a business that is in the habit of reviving old devices.
  • Flexibility. When you’re anxious to get your computer back, you’re going to want someone available right away. Don’t let this cloud your judgment, though.

Some local computer experts will be able to fix your problems without you needing to go to them. Depending on the issue, they may be able to resolve the situation using remote access software, or they could be willing to come to you.

If you’re looking for a partner with a proven track record of giving quality computer service, contact us today!

5 Reasons to Choose Managed Print Services

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This is the digital age, and no matter your industry, it’s safe to say there has been digital transformation. Yet there’s still a need for printers and paper copies, and it might be time for you to partner with a managed print services (MPS) provider.

An MPS provider is a third-party that handles document printing with more efficiency. They manage printing services to find savings, maximize productivity, and ensure security. You get expert help with your business printer technology and usage. Let’s consider the benefits of partnering with an MPS provider.

#1 Matches your printer equipment to your business needs

You might have a highly capable printer, with the operating costs to match, that your business doesn’t need. An accounting firm needs a different printer from a graphic design outfit. The numbers folks might get away with a desktop office printer, whereas those working with fuchsia, salmon, and coral pinks need a high-quality color printer. The MPS provider can identify the best copier for every budget and different needs.

#2 Identifies cost-saving opportunities

You know your business, and you know it well. An MPS has insight into the value of different printer features for your environment. They make recommendations to increase productivity and reduce costs related to printers.

As an example, you might have two printers on each floor of your business. One is in constant use, while the other is seldom touched and in great condition. Instead of overworking a costly printer, the MPS knows when to rotate your equipment. This can avoid downtime and extend the equipment lifecycle.

Or you may be overburdening your office printer. Some jobs are less expensive and faster using an off-site business printing company.

An MPS provider can also negotiate printing supply contracts to reduce operating costs.

#3 Positions you for greater printer efficiency

This involves replacing legacy equipment, upgrading printers, or moving them within the office. An MPS provider starts out by getting to know your business and taking a careful look at your printing output.

Using the tools in printer technology today, the MPS will be able to customize reports for you to review:

  • what printers are used most;
  • who is using printers most;
  • what departments are using more paper;
  • which teams often send in print jobs at the same time;
  • which teams are printing in color, not black and white;
  • who needs high-quality printing for external audiences;
  • who needs fast, high-quantity printing;
  • which high-traffic machines are at risk of maintenance issues;
  • Which printer/copiers are underutilized.

Armed with this data, they can streamline printer placement and make workflow recommendations.

#4 Frees up your team’s time and energy

With an MPS provider involved, you have one point of contact for all printer/copier concerns:

  • If you’re an office with more than one brand of printer, you don’t have to deal with different manufacturers.
  • The MPS provider makes sure toner, paper, and other supplies are available.
  • The IT team no longer has to spend time dealing with printer devices the MPS provider manages.

#5 Optimizes your printer technology

When printing, you know how to navigate the print screen and push the button to start your job. An MPS also manages print issues and introduces preventative maintenance to avoid costly downtime. The MPS provider knows so much more about printer capabilities, plus, they can configure remote printers for staff mobile devices or off-site.

You want a healthy business. An MPS provider can help keep your printers healthy, and productivity high.

Save your employees from wasting time on printing-related tasks. We can help. Contact us today!

Get Your IT Ready for Holiday Shopping

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Holiday shopping will have a new look this year. Many retailers are closing their brick-and-mortar doors for Black Friday, and the big “doorbuster” sales are moving online. With the busiest shopping period of the year going virtual, there’s going to be greater load on the business IT.

If your business wants to be part of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, prepare for a sudden surge in traffic volume. If your technology can’t handle the traffic, you’re going to lose revenue. A crashed system could be catastrophic for your bottom line, plus, it’ll hurt brand reputation and customer satisfaction long term.

Consider these strategies to get ready for the online crush of shoppers.

  • Latency
  • Error rates
  • Number of time-outs
  • Length of response time
  • Availability

Performing OK may not be enough to match the need of holiday sales. Based on the Salesforce findings above, it’s safe to say you could be facing 15–35% increased traffic.

#3 Optimize Your Site and Services Beforehand

In e-commerce, every second, even millisecond, counts. There are several things you can do in advance to make sure you’re putting your best e-foot forward:

  • Make sure that every page of your site and all your images are rendering quickly.
  • Identify where you are seeing shopping cart abandonment, and do what you can now to stem that drop off.
  • Revise site navigation to ensure it is as simple as possible for shoppers.
  • Allow users to buy without registering and to use as many different payment options as possible.
  • Remove unnecessary forms, sidebars, headers, and footers.
  • Make your site as mobile friendly as you can.

You also want to be sure that your order and inventory systems are in sync. Promoting Black Friday items and then selling out will sour customer experience.

#4 Prepare Your Troops, Too

Along with readying your technology, prep your people, too. Need more hands-on deck to handle order fulfillment and customer service? Get on that hiring and training now. Having IT support on call can help respond to any unexpected issues.

Need IT support preparing for the e-commerce influx? Our technology experts can prepare your business for more traffic and transactions. Contact us today at (515)422-1995!

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