Is tech anxiety killing your business?
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Posted: Tue 24th Dec 2024
Nowadays, online marketing isn't just a nice-to-have — it's a must for businesses. However, many small business owners, coaches, consultants and freelancers often feel overwhelmed by tech anxiety. And that's normal.
So, what is tech anxiety? It's the fear or nervousness about using digital tools and technology, usually caused by not fully understanding them or having had bad experiences in the past. This anxiety can hurt your business, especially when it stops you from using effective online marketing strategies.
Understanding tech anxiety and its challenges
Tech anxiety shows up in different ways and recognising these challenges can help you tackle them directly:
Fear of the unknown: Technology is changing so fast that it can feel impossible to keep up, making people hesitant to try new tools
Overwhelmed by choices: With so many tools and platforms out there, picking the right ones for your needs can be really tough
Bad past experiences: If you've had frustrating experiences with tech before, it can make you afraid to give it another shot
Lack of knowledge: Not knowing how to use digital tools properly can waste your time and resources, which only adds to your stress
Tech anxiety doesn’t just make you uncomfortable — it can also impact your growth and success in business and marketing.
Cost of inaction: Why you can't let tech anxiety hold you back
Avoiding online marketing because you're anxious about technology can seriously hurt your business growth.
In the UK alone, the online market is huge, with e-commerce sales hitting £200 billion in 2021, accounting for 28.1% of all retail sales. That's a massive opportunity you could be missing out on.
Missed engagement: If your business isn't online, you miss out on valuable customer interactions. A Statista survey found that 75% of people trust online reviews just as much as personal recommendations. You could be losing potential loyal customers by not connecting with your audience
Lost revenue: Without a strong online presence, you risk losing customers to your competitors. An Office for National Statistics report showed 87% of UK adults were online daily in 2021. You will lose potential customers searching for products or services like yours if you're not visible online
Stagnant growth: In today's competitive market, businesses that don’t use digital tools can fall behind quickly. A McKinsey study found that companies that embraced digital tools saw a 20-25% increase in productivity. If you're hesitant to get online, you're missing out on growth opportunities
The cost of inaction is really high. Not addressing your tech anxiety can keep your business stagnant while competitors who are more comfortable with technology move ahead.
Watch this webinar for easy steps to create compelling videos that can amplify your business's presence online:
Simple steps to overcome tech anxiety
Overcoming tech anxiety is important for using online marketing effectively. Here are some simple steps to help you get started:
1. Break down tech terms
Make complex tech terms easier to understand. Instead of trying to learn everything about a new marketing tool at once, focus on mastering one feature at a time.
2. Start small
Begin with basic tools and gradually work your way up to more complicated ones as you gain confidence. For example, try using Canva for simple graphic designs before tackling more advanced software like Adobe Photoshop.
3. Use free resources
Take advantage of free tutorials, webinars and online forums to learn at your own pace. Websites like Coursera and Udemy offer affordable courses on different digital marketing tools and techniques.
4. Get professional help
Sometimes, a little guidance can make a big difference. Consider hiring a consultant or joining a masterclass for personalised support. Our Entrepreneurs Video Masterclass is designed to help even the most tech-anxious business owners become video marketing experts.
Simple online marketing strategies for beginners
Getting started with online marketing is easier than you think and doesn’t need a lot of tech skills.
Engage on social media: Set up accounts on popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram or X. Share updates and interesting insights and interact with your audience through comments and messages. This helps you connect with potential and existing customers, build brand loyalty and drive traffic to your website — all from your smartphone
Use email newsletters: Create an email newsletter with user-friendly tools like Mailchimp or Constant Contact. This will keep your clients updated on new products and important news, which will help keep them coming back for more. Automating some tasks will also let you focus on making great content, ultimately leading to more sales and engagement
Start a blog: Launch a blog on your website using a simple platform like WordPress. Share useful content your audience cares about to improve your website’s visibility on search engines and show that you know your stuff. This will attract more visitors and help build trust with potential customers.
These strategies can boost your online presence, engage your audience and help your business grow.
Importance of learning
Learning new skills is essential for overcoming tech anxiety. The more you educate yourself about online marketing and technology, the more confident you'll become.
Check out resources like YouTube for easy tutorials or detailed guides on HubSpot Academy. Joining forums like Reddit's r/smallbusiness can also connect you with other business owners who can share their experiences and advice.
Remember, everyone starts somewhere and you can overcome your tech fears with practice.
Tech anxiety is a common challenge in online marketing, but can be tackled. By simplifying complex concepts, starting with small steps, using free resources and asking for help when needed, you can overcome this hurdle and unlock massive new opportunities for your business.
You're not alone if you're overwhelmed by tech and online marketing. Our Entrepreneurs Video Masterclass is here to help.
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