The Internet is one of the most powerful tools you can leverage as a business owner. In fact, entrepreneurs are often unable to hit their target marketing metrics if they do not establish an online presence.
When it comes to choosing small business Internet providers, though, not everybody understands what to look for. Let’s explore the key factors about small business Internet that you should keep in mind.
Past Reputation
Choosing an Internet provider with a strong reputation is imperative. Otherwise, you simply won’t be able to guarantee what type of service that you receive.
When researching their reputation, ensure that you consider the overall volume of reviews in addition to their rating. To elaborate, let’s assume that a small business Internet service has a five-star rating on Google. However, it only has three total reviews.
This still means that you are more or less rolling the dice by working with them. What you want is an established Internet firm that has a proven track record of providing excellent service to its clients. Be sure that you keep this in mind in the future so that you can make your decision easier.
Level of Services That They Offer
Not all Internet for small business is created equal. Some firms offer different levels of service than others, and you’ll need to choose one that can meet your needs. For instance, you might utilize cloud storage on a regular basis so that your remote teams can collaborate with each other.
If you switch Internet providers and they do not offer this level of service, there’s a good chance that you will disrupt your workflow. Even short periods of downtime can cost your business tens of thousands of dollars. This is simply due to the fact that you will miss out on a significant level of productivity.
Are They Scalable?
As your company grows, so will its Internet needs. If the firm you work with does not make it easy for you to scale, you will have to go through the pain of switching providers as you increase in size.
Unfortunately, this comes with numerous consequences. To scale properly, you need to already have an infrastructure in place that allows you to handle any obligations that you have.
If you scale first and then attempt to do so, you won’t be able to satisfy your customers or clients. This could prove to be damaging to these relationships and even harm the reputation of your brand. So, it’s in your best interest to look for a firm that makes scaling as easy as possible.
In fact, the best Internet service for small business will simply require you to call them and change your plan. If it is more complicated than this, it likely isn’t worth the effort of working with them. It’s also important to keep in mind that most businesses will scale in the future.
So, don’t assume that you can overlook this obligation because you don’t necessarily plan on growing in the coming months.
Are They Communicative?
Working with someone communicative can mean the difference between whether or not you have a good experience. To clarify, it shouldn’t take multiple phone calls to get in touch with a representative of the firm.
Similarly, they should be able to handle your questions or concerns in some way outside of business hours. In context, this typically involves using AI to process inquiries that you have and then direct you to the appropriate resource.
In some cases, an Internet provider might even offer 24/7 support. When communicating with them, you should also determine whether or not they make you feel valued and welcome. If they are indifferent about your needs or don’t seem to particularly care about onboarding you, continue your search elsewhere.
How Is Their Upload/Download Speed?
Speed is the key metric of stellar Internet service.
After all, being able to work faster allows you to make more money within the same period of time. Although download speed is often most important for businesses, some companies need to have substantial upload speeds, as well. This is true for those who frequently share large files or run heavy applications on their servers.
The good news is that most firms blatantly advertise these metrics, so it shouldn’t be hard to find out this information.
Do They Work With Companies Like Yours Regularly?
As previously mentioned, not every Internet firm will be ideal for every business. Some specialize in handling certain types of companies over others.
You wouldn’t want to work with a firm that only works with large organizations if your business is small. The inverse is also true.
Working with a small business Internet company as your organization is growing might not be ideal. To help determine whether or not they are right for you, it’s best to get on a call with them as soon as possible.
From here, they will be able to answer any concerns that you have. You can check out this resource by the Comcast Business Solutions Team to learn more.
Small Business Internet Providers Are Game-Changers
This only applies, however, if you choose the right one for your company. As long as you keep the above info in mind, you’ll have no trouble hiring the best option from the small business Internet providers they search through.
Looking for more tips that can help you out later on? Check out the rest of our blog for plenty of more useful information.