Running a business in Ireland isn’t easy. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face the dual challenge of staying competitive while managing costs. One of the most powerful ways to achieve both is through digitalisation.  

Whether you’re a traditional business or just starting out, embracing digital tools can help you save time, become more efficient and focus on growth, rather than day-to-day tasks.    

“It’s about automating processes and finding simple ways to optimise operations,” says business advisor and mentor Louise O’Conor. “Spending more time on the business instead of in the business.”  

Having worked with hundreds of companies across various sectors, from sole traders to enterprise-level companies, O’Conor recommends starting with a few, simple steps.  

“Think about how customers find you, what sets you apart, and your growth goals. You need to know what your business is looking to achieve, and then explore the grants, funding, and training available to help you get there.” 

Register your business on Google 

The first step all SMEs should take is ensuring their business can be found online. Setting up a Google Business is a free and easy way to make sure your business shows up in search results, even if you don’t have a website or social media profiles. 

You can add your location, opening hours, website, and contact details, making it easier for potential customers to find you. It's a small step that can have a big impact on your visibility.  

Building a website can seem daunting, but it can be as simple as using website builders like Shopify, Wix, or WordPress. These user-friendly platforms have simple-to-use tools and ready-made templates, meaning you don’t have to be digitally savvy to get started.  

But according to O'Conor, having a website isn’t just about direct sales. It’s about building credibility. 

“In a world full of scams and fake content, having a website validates that you’re a real business, providing real services or products.”  

Tip: The Grow Digital Voucher provides funding of up to €5,000 towards industry-specific software, platforms, subscriptions, and IT configuration. 

Social media is an invaluable tool for SMEs looking to connect with their audience, promote their products, and share their brand story. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn provide powerful marketing channels at little to no cost.  

By posting regularly, engaging with customers, and running targeted ads, businesses can reach a wide audience, build brand loyalty, and increase sales. The key is consistency and knowing your audience—what they like, when they engage, and how they interact. 

“A lot of businesses skip the market research, but I always advise them to create personas, and understand what channels and keywords their target audience are using,” says O’Conor. “What we think that we are as a business is not necessarily what other people are typing into Google.” 

Using smart tools that can generate content and schedule posts means that running social media doesn’t have to take up all your day. 

Digitalisation isn’t just about connecting with customers, but also about streamlining your internal operations. Digital tools like accounting software QuickBooks or Xero, project management systems like Trello, and Asana, and customer relationship management (CRM) software like Zoho and Monday.com can help businesses save time and reduce errors.  

These tools bring your business tasks into one place, making it easier to track projects and finances 

“But rather than setting up new systems, look at the ones you already have and see if you can integrate them first. Tools like Zapier can connect existing systems to work together through APIs, saving you from paying for unnecessary tools,” advises O’Conor. 

Tip: Most tools and software offer free trials so try them out before committing to a long-term subscription. 

Here are some government programmes and grants designed to help your digital journey: 

Digital for Business Programme: This is a free, in-depth consultation into all your digital tools and systems. You’ll come away with a tailored digital roadmap and advice on grants that you may be eligible for. 

Grow Digital Portal: Take a free 5-minute quiz to see how ‘digitally ready’ your business is and receive your bespoke digital scorecard with advice, recommendations, and supports. 

Digital Transition Fund: Get funding to invest in new digital tools, services, and technology that will make your business more efficient and resilient. 

Digital Discovery: Get up to 80% grant funding to a maximum of €5,000 to cover analysing current systems and exploring opportunities to integrate new solutions. 

Think Digital: This programme helps food and drink businesses use digital tools, improve their online presence, and access tailored digital training for the food and drink industry. 

Call us today to discuss your business and find the best digital supports for you.