Franchises in Canada, like many other businesses, face a choice: innovate or fall behind. When evaluating potential brands for your new business, it’s crucial to consider their current technology use and future tech plans. A tech-forward brand is essential to remain relevant and competitive.
To assess how tech-savvy a brand is, examine their actions in the following key areas.
Customer Touchpoints
Every interaction a customer has with your franchise leaves an impression. While the franchisor sets the brand standards, technology can enhance customer engagement by increasing the number of “touches” or interactions. The more frequently customers engage with your franchise, the more loyal they become.
Franchise impressions often come from ads, logos, and national marketing campaigns, but local social media outreach is also critical. Investigate how other franchisees within the brand use social media. Evaluate their pages for quality and management to understand the franchisor’s support in this area.
Streamlining Operational Tools
Efficiency in business operations allows more time for growth. Technology that automates tasks and improves time management can significantly boost productivity.
Investigate the operational tech tools currently offered by the brand and any future developments. A brand committed to technological advancement will provide useful tools for franchisees and continuously work on enhancing them.
Plans for the Future
Consider how the brand’s technology differentiates it from competitors. Compare websites, apps, and online services of the brand with its competitors. For instance, if your brand doesn’t offer online ordering while competitors do, it indicates a lag in technological adoption. It’s easier to maintain a lead than to catch up once behind, so choose a franchisor that is consistently forward-thinking with technology.
Look for a franchise that leverages every available tool to stay ahead. With technology evolving rapidly, having a tech-forward franchisor is a significant advantage for the future success of your location.