There are currently over 882,300 support specialists working in the computer and information technology industry. These experienced individuals could set your business up for lasting growth and success. With their expertise, you can streamline your entire operation.
Not sure which IT support company you should partner with this year? Here are 10 tips for choosing IT support companies you can use to get started.
With these tips, you can simplify your search. You can find a qualified team with the IT support experience you need.
They’ll help you safeguard your business from a potential cyberattack. They can also find areas in your current operations that are vulnerable or causing lag.
With their help, you can boost your team’s productivity. Your output will rise, leading to a better ROI. You could recoup the cost of hiring an IT support company in the long term.
Without their assistance, however, you could leave your business vulnerable to an attack. You might give competitors the chance to take the lead in your industry, too.
Don’t let that happen. Instead, start your search for the best IT support team around with these tips today.
1. Pinpoint Your Goals
Before you start choosing IT support companies, it helps to know why you need one. Then, you can choose a company that fulfills those needs.
Otherwise, you might select an IT support company that fails to meet your requirements and expectations.
Why do you want to partner with an IT support company? How can they help support your business?
For example, maybe you’re concerned about the rise in cybercrime. Cybercrime could cost the world $6 trillion by 2021. A business falls victim to ransomware every 11 seconds, too.
In 2023 alone, cybercriminals will steal 33 billion records.
If you’re concerned about cybercrime and leaving your business vulnerable to hackers, look for a company that specializes in security.
Many businesses started moving to the cloud in light of COVID-19. You might want to consider cloud computing services, too. If your business ever needs to operate remotely, you’ll remain prepared.
Make a list of your concerns and goals. As you start researching each IT support company, make sure they can meet your needs. If they can’t, you’ll know to scratch that company off your list.
2. Consider Their Location
Some businesses feel more comfortable choosing a local IT support company.
If you’re searching for local support, talk to other business owners in town. Leverage your professional network. Ask if they currently work with an IT support team.
If they do, ask if they’re happy with the services they receive. Consider the type of IT services they use, too.
Then, ask about the IT support team. For example, is the team quick to respond to support calls? How long does a ticket usually take to complete?
You might want to consider choosing a company that offers remote support instead. You won’t have to wait for someone to arrive on-site.
Instead, they can access your system remotely to help.
Remote monitoring and management services could save you time and grief in the long run. You’ll receive immediate access to the help you need. You won’t have to experience prolonged downtime, which could boost your productivity.
Determine if you want a remote or local IT support company as you start searching.
3. Look for Experience
Before choosing IT support companies, learn more about each team’s experience.
Visit their Better Business Bureau listings and “About Us” pages on their websites. Determine how long each company has worked in the industry. You might want to find a long-established business.
An established business already has an operation in place. These teams will know how to work efficiently. You won’t have to experience delays due to operational issues.
An experienced team will know how to troubleshoot common IT issues, too.
During your search, consider finding IT support companies that have experience with businesses in your industry. How were they able to help businesses that are similar to yours? What services did those companies request?
An IT team with relevant IT support experience in your industry will have a better understanding of your needs. They might know the specific IT services you’ll need. You can leverage their experience and expertise to boost your business.
Consider how many people are on their support team, too. Compare that number to how many clients they’re currently helping.
A staffed team won’t experience delays when responding to tickets. If they’re understaffed, however, they might struggle to juggle clients. You might have to wait until they have time to help your business.
4. Review Their Services
About one in every four senior small business leaders doesn’t know where to start with their cybersecurity.
Talk to at least three different companies on your list. Ask how they plan on helping you accomplish your goals. If you don’t know where to start, they could point you in the right direction.
A company with the right IT support experience will consider your distinct needs. Then, they’ll help you develop a customized plan. Their services will ensure you’re able to accomplish your short- and long-term goals.
Determine what services each IT Support company offers. Do they specialize in a specific service?
Consider how long they’ve offered each service, too. For example, the company might have recently started offering cloud computing. If they lack the IT support experience you need, they might make mistakes.
Instead, choose a company that has experience relevant to the services you need.
5. Consider Response Times
Ask each company about their response times.
Remember, if the team is understaffed, you might experience delays. How long does it take for them to respond to a ticket on average? Consider how much downtime you’ll experience as a result.
The longer you experience common IT issues, the more likely your customers will take notice.
Your customers might even get frustrated enough to abandon your business. You might struggle to maintain loyal customers. Without loyal customers, your ROI might not improve.
Instead, choose a company that can respond immediately. Their quick response times will minimize unnecessary downtimes. You can boost productivity and improve your ROI.
6. Read Reviews
Ask each company on your list for references and reviews. Reading online reviews will help you learn more from other business owners. Consider comments about:
- The team’s knowledge and expertise
- Availability and wait times
- Professionalism
- Issues clients experienced with the team
If the company can’t provide you with references and reviews, it’s possible they haven’t helped many clients. Check their Better Business Bureau listing. Consider checking their Google My Business listings, too.
Try to read reviews from more than one resource to determine the company’s professional reputation. A company with a strong reputation will want to maintain it. They’ll strive to provide the best possible services for every client.
Pay attention to any complaints people have posted, too. If the company has major complaints filed against them, look elsewhere.
Focus on choosing IT support companies you can rely on.
7. Request a Dedicated Technician
Ask each company if you’ll work with a dedicated technician.
You could benefit from speaking with the same technician each time you call. A dedicated technician will understand your needs. They’ll have more intimate knowledge of the common IT issues you faced in the past, too.
You might feel more comfortable talking to the same person each time you call as well.
Otherwise, you might waste valuable time explaining the issues you’re facing to someone new each time.
8. Ask About System Familiarity
Before choosing IT support companies, ask about their familiarity with the system you use. If they’re not familiar with your system, they might struggle to help.
Choose a company with the IT support experience you need. Otherwise, they might waste time troubleshooting the problems you’re facing.
9. Review Case Studies
Ask each company if they can provide case studies. Case studies will help you determine how they’ve helped previous clients.
For example, were they able to help their clients minimize downtime? Did they protect their clients from hackers and ransomware?
Case studies will give you proof of the company’s capabilities. You’ll have peace of mind knowing they’re capable of benefiting your business.
10. Consider the Cost
Request quotes from at least three different IT support companies on your list. Determine what’s included with their pricing. Ask about their fee structure, too.
For example, some companies offer an hourly rate or pay-as-you-go support. Others choose to work based on a fixed price.
Determine whether you’ll pay after services are rendered or in an advance, too.
Don’t choose the cheapest IT support company. Instead, make sure they can suit your needs and IT support budget.
Remember, an experienced IT support company can benefit your business in the long run. Their abilities to improve your ROI could recoup the cost of their services.
Strong Support: 10 Tips for Choosing IT Support Companies for Your Small Business
Don’t make any hasty decisions when choosing IT support companies. Instead, use these tips to review your options. With these tips, you can choose the best IT support company based on your distinct needs.
They’ll help support your business for years to come.
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