5 Inventive Ways You Can Use an iPad to Make Your Business More Customer Friendly

It comes as no surprise that iPads are generally regarded as personal technology for casual use. It makes sense-- iPads are a lot like cellphones these days in that they possess a wealth of information and are conveniently portable. Computers were once seen the same way. Fortunately, some businesses are realizing the helpful capabilities of iPads and how they can help them become more accommodating to consumers. You might be wondering how to adopt this approach for your own business. Here are five ways you can use an iPad to make your business more customer friendly.

1. Checkout

This is especially helpful during peak sales days such as Black Friday, when stores are swamped and lines can be unbearably long. Some businesses are starting to adopt iPad checkout systems in which employees roam the store and check out customers wherever they are, rendering standing in line unnecessary. Other businesses are adopting iPads as a way to implement checkout software that is easy to use and implement.

2. Consumer Kiosks

The iPad kiosk is also a rising trend in the business world, as it allows even more connectivity between the consumer and the business. Many of them are tied to social media and allow customers to share their purchases on their social media pages (allowing them to use Instagram to post a picture of one of your new products for bragging rights amongst their friends, for instance.) They also allow consumers to research your products in-store, providing even more of an incentive to stock the best goods.

3. Managing consumer feedback

Whether there are complaints or compliments headed your way, they should be managed with one of the many consumer feedback apps available for use on the iPad. All businesses, large and small, can be harmed by an online controversy that was not properly addressed. They can also have their reputation harmed by complaints that remain unaddressed.

4. Sales Assistants

The time of clerks awkwardly leading consumers to a clunky checkout desktop is coming to an end! With the use of iPads, your staff can be connected to your store's database wherever they are and can bring the information customers need right to them. If someone comes in asking about a new product, the assistant can bring the item up for them in an instant. Not only is it fast and convenient, it's considerate!

5. Social Media Marketing

Businesses being tech-savvy is no longer an option, it is a necessity if you want to appear accessible and relate to your consumers. Social media pages for businesses can establish lasting brand relationships with customers. However, many businesses fail to stay on the ball and respond as well as interact with customers who post on their social media pages. With iPads, the employee you've appointed to social media management can address an online crisis in minutes, if necessary, or seize the moment and make a post inspired by breaking news.

As this list shows, there are countless ways to integrate iPads into your business model and improve the way your customers perceive your business. No matter what way you choose, whether it's installing an iPad kiosk in your stores or creating an app, know that it can help your consumer base see you as more tech-friendly and can help improve the most important part of your business model: making your customers happy.