If you’re a relatively small business, you may be facing unique challenges when it comes to allocating your IT budget effectively. Often, we see small businesses with limited resources allocated to IT—meaning every dollar counts, and spending strategically is crucial to optimize technology utilization and business growth.
Exactly how much should your small business be allocating to IT? While figures vary by industry, a global survey by Deloitte found that the average budget equates to 3.28% of revenue. So if your business makes $10M in annual revenue, it’s safe to say that your IT budget should land somewhere between $150,000 - $700,000 depending on the industry you’re in.
If you’re hearing these numbers and the budget feels tight, here are some practical strategies that your small business can implement to make the most of its IT spend.
1) Assess Current IT Infrastructure
Before diving into budget planning, it's essential to conduct a comprehensive assessment of your existing IT infrastructure. Evaluate your hardware, software licenses, network infrastructure, and security measures to identify outdated or underutilized assets that may be impacting your budget without delivering tangible benefits. Try conducting these reviews annually to ensure legacy systems and subscriptions aren’t draining your valuable dollars.
2) Prioritize Business Goals
Always align your IT budget with your business goals. What do we mean by that? Identify the IT initiatives that directly contribute to achieving your objectives. Whether it's improving customer experience, enhancing operational efficiency, or expanding your online presence, allocating resources to initiatives that support your core business functions is a smart approach.
3) Invest in Scalable Solutions
Opt for scalable IT solutions that can grow alongside your business. Cloud computing services, for example, allow you to pay only for the resources you use and can be easily scaled up or down based on your needs. This eliminates the need for large upfront investments and provides flexibility as your business evolves.
A great example is Microsoft 365, which offers a broad range of productivity tools that empower your people for a low monthly subscription fee that’s paid per user. This single subscription gives your business access to everything from Microsoft’s basics like PowerPoint, Excel and Word, to more modern productivity tools like Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint and Exchange.
4) Outsource Non-Core Activities
Consider outsourcing non-core IT activities such as technical support, network management, and cybersecurity. Outsourcing allows you to tap into specialized expertise without the overhead costs of hiring and training in-house staff, leading to cost savings and improved service quality. To learn more about the benefits of working with a Managed Services provider, read this article on the benefits of outsourcing.
5) Implement Cost-Effective Security Measures
Security is paramount, but it doesn't have to break the bank. Prioritize essential cybersecurity measures such as firewall protection, regular software updates, and employee training on security best practices. Implementing a risk-based approach ensures that you allocate resources to the most critical security areas. Plus, productivity tools like Microsoft 365 come equipped with built-in security features that can save your business, big time.
Determining where to invest your limited IT dollars isn’t always easy. If you’re in need of guidance, let’s talk. We’ll delve into a discussion about your business priorities and current IT ecosystem and together, pave a clear path forward.
