There’s a service that complements web design very well, a service that about half of my web design clients come back and ask for. I’ve been doing this work for years, even before I hung up a shingle as a web designer. The problem is - it’s actually super hard to define.
I’ve landed on Tech Operations Support as the best moniker for this service. It’s got a touch of virtual assistant and a touch of tech support with a whole lot of entrepreneurial “everything is figure out-able” can-do spirit. Tech Operations Support refers to all of those services that are adjacent to having a website and online presence, but aren’t directly connected to designing a website.
Small Business Tech Support Includes Services Like...
- Setting up and managing domain names, hosting, and business email
- Connecting your website to the tools you use to run your business
- Setting up forms, scheduling tools, payment processors, email marketing platforms, and other software
- Troubleshooting the weird little tech problems that inevitably pop up when you run an online business
- Helping you choose the right tool for a particular job (and sometimes telling you that you absolutely do not need another tool)
- Moving content, accounts, or systems from one platform to another
- Setting up automations and integrations so you don't have to manually do the same thing over and over
- Updating website content or making small changes that don't quite rise to the level of a web design project
- Helping you get your online systems organized when things have gotten a little… chaotic
Basically, if there's a piece of technology standing between you and getting something done in your business, there's a pretty good chance I can help you figure it out. I’m willing to do the digging to find solutions that work for you, as well as the unglamorous work that you just want off your plate.
What Does Small Business Tech Support Look Like in Real Life?
Automations
J needed a way to collect waivers and have them filed automatically in Google Drive. He also needed welcome emails to go out to retreat participants, and reminder calls to be sent before Zoom sessions. After some research, I found one program that could handle all of this for J and set up the automations that make it all work, saving him hours of administrative work every month.
Integrations
A sells botanical products on her website as well as her brick-and-mortar location. She needed Square, the payment processor for her in-person sales to talk to WooCommerce, her checkout system for online sales. I was able to connect the two systems so that inventory is synced across platforms, whether someone made a purchase on her website or at her brick-and-mortar location.
Software Setup
L needed to set up an online tool to track her massage customers, guide them through the intake process, and send appointment reminders. I set up her system for her and trained her on how to use it. I included tutorials with screenshots for her to refer back to in the future, empowering her to feel confident using her new system.
Website Projects
S needed a directory built for her website that showcased various professional profiles. I created the directory as well as a profile template. I trained S on how to copy and update that template for each professional profile and how to ensure that it showed up under the correct category. I provided documentation on the process that she refers to regularly.
Scheduling
T needed a calendar system to allow her clients to schedule appointments with her without all the back-and-forth. We set her up with scheduling software, created a checkout process, and automated reminder and follow-up communications.
Marketing Emails
M needed beautiful marketing emails that draw people in to advertise his upcoming course. I worked with him to create a series of emails that match the brand style for his course and help people move from curiosity to customer.
Troubleshooting
P had a hacking issue on her website that needed urgent attention. I was able to secure her site, update her password, and work with her web host to prevent future hacking vulnerabilities.
Landing Pages
J needed a landing page built for his upcoming course, along with different checkout options for different tiers of customers, and coupon codes to assist with promotions he was running, like referral discounts.
Graphic Design
R needed social media graphics for her upcoming training that looked modern and professional, and presented her offer clearly.
Some of these projects took weeks, and some took less than an hour. Some of my clients just need a quick one-off project, and others work with me on a monthly basis to keep their business operations running smoothly. If you’ve got a project you’ve been thinking about, an issue you’ve been maneuvering around for too long, or some other tech-related task that would help your business, reach out to me. I’m always happy to help.
Warmly,
Nikki Shaheed