Internet of Things (IOT)

Internet of Things is the concept of connecting any device to the internet and also share data to the other devices that are also connected to the Internet. The Internet of Things is a giant network of connected things and people – all of which collect and share data about the way they are used and about the environment around them.

The Internet of Things includes an extraordinary number of devices or objects of all shapes and sizes – from smart microwaves, which automatically cook the food for the right length of time, to self-driving cars, whose complex sensors detect objects in their path, to wearable fitness devices that measure the heart rate and the number of steps one has taken that day, then use that information to suggest exercise plans tailored to the person that uses it.

Devices and objects with built in sensors are connected to an Internet of Things platform, which integrates data from the different devices of the users who are using it and applies analytics to share the most valuable information with applications built to address specific needs to those users. These powerful Internet of Things platforms can pinpoint exactly what information is useful and what can safely be ignored. This information can be used to detect patterns, make recommendations, and detect possible problems before they occur.

The Internet of Things has been in existence for some time and due to them many advances has been made in a number of different technologies. Internet of Things has made many access to affordable and reliable sensors with low-power sensor technology; connectivity through the Internet; cloud computing platforms for businesses and consumers to access their infrastructures; advances in machine learning and analytics; and also, conversational artificial intelligence through natural language processing.

Internet of Things is also used in Industries in industrial settings, especially with respect to instrumentation and control of sensors and devices that engage cloud technologies. With the emergence of analytics and machine learning, industries can achieve a new automation layer and create a new revenue and business models for their businesses. Some of the common uses of Industrial Internet of Things are: Smart power grids, Smart cities, Connected and smart logistics, Smart digital supply chains, Preventive and predictive maintenance, etc.

Many Industries have benefited through the Internet of Things by using the sensor devices in their business processes. For example: Internet of Things applications allow retail companies to manage inventory, improve customer experience, optimize supply chain, and reduce operational costs; Internet of Things can also be used to improve worker safety for those who work in hazardous environments like mines, oil and gas fields, and chemical and power plants, etc.

The platform of Internet of Things can help organizations reduce their cost by improving the process efficiency, asset utilization and productivity. With improved tracking of devices/objects using sensors and connectivity, they can also benefit from real-time insights and analytics, which would help them make smarter decisions. The growth and convergence of data, processes and things on the internet would make such connections more relevant and important, creating more opportunities for people, businesses and industries.

Effective Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses

Fortunately, there are plenty of marketing approaches and strategies where small business owners can adapt to successfully market their businesses successfully and efficiently. Before directly entering into a marketing strategy, one must first lay a strong foundation like creating a website for their business and also creating social media accounts to reach their customers. They can also start a blog where one can explain about their products, services, practices, their success and all that can help educate the potential customers on why they should trust their business. Some of the successful marketing strategies are mentioned below:

Social Media Marketing: Nowadays people spend most of their leisure time in social media and this is where one can target and reach their business audience. Many business plan and spend much time and their resources in growing their social media audience and fostering their relationships with leads and customers. Small businesses must choose appropriate social media channel according to their preference where they can get more advantage so that they could reach and engage with their audience.

Content Marketing: Content marketing is considered as an important marketing strategy for small businesses. Content Marketing is nothing but the process of creating and publishing quality content for the relevant target audience of one’s business and also providing some time of value for readers or viewers including their greatest challenges, needs, and desires.

Email Marketing: Email marketing has many advantages as a marketing channel, and many prefer the same. It is easy to do, easy to automate, allows instantaneous communication, costs very little and can reach a large number of potential customers with the highest open rates. One must make sure to provide interesting, valuable and relevant content that people will actually open rather than deleting immediately or sending it to the spam box.

Marketing through Google: One of the most powerful tool in marketing for small businesses is “Google My Business”. Google My Business combines all different Google platforms into one central place, which includes Google+ profile, Google Maps profile, Google reviews of one’s business, access to data on Google Analytics and Google Insights, and more. Google My Business gives one business credibility and visibility while it simply requires one to optimize their business profile and then collect reviews and citations.

Knowing your business and customers: One size doesn’t fit all. Same way, whatever the business may be, following the same marketing strategy will not show great results sometimes. One needs to think carefully about their business and their customers before choosing which elements to integrate with their overall marketing strategy. Being clear about details such as these will allow one to develop a targeted and more effective overall strategy that focuses on the channels most likely to produce results efficiently.