No modern business will get far without some tech to support its operations. Implementing the right software is key to running your business effectively and efficiently. The appropriate technology will make routine tasks a breeze and help you do more for your clients.
However, with so many excellent business solutions on the market, it’s difficult to know where to start. To narrow it down, here are seven software tools that your business shouldn’t be without.
Table of Contents
1. Customer Relationship Management
As your customer base grows, you’ll need a way to keep track of each client relationship. This is where customer relationship management software comes in. Your CRM will help your entire team keep track of customer contact information, orders, and other touchpoints.
There’s a huge range of CRMs on the market, some of which have industry-specific features. A few of the most popular options include HubSpot, Salesforce, Zoho, and Zendesk. Using a CRM puts all your relevant customer information in one place that your entire team can access. You can even create your own custom workflows based on your business model. This ensures that no client or sales prospect gets left behind.
2. Project Management
In addition to managing customer relationships, you’ll also need a way to manage your projects internally. The obvious solution is project management software. Popular project management software platforms include Asana, Trello, Monday, and ClickUp. Many project management tools also have CRM features, so you can handle both tasks in one place.
With project management software, you’ll divide each project into tasks and track them from start to finish. For example, if you’re creating a video marketing campaign, you’d break the project down into steps and assign them to each stakeholder. Steps could include copywriting, developing graphics, shooting the content, video editing, and distribution. This way, each of your team members knows exactly what they’re working on and when it’s due.
3. Billing
Once your work for a client is complete, you need an easy way to send them an invoice and collect payment. Billing software is the ideal candidate for the job. Invoice and estimate software makes it easy to generate quotes and invoices for clients using templates. Payment processing software allows you to collect payment online using a variety of methods. Many billing tools have both features included.
By using billing software, you won’t have to generate invoices or quotes manually, saving your team time. This software also makes it easier for clients to pay using their preferred payment method. This results in more on-time payments and more transparency for both parties.
4. Accounting
Accounting software is essential for maintaining your organization’s finances. In addition to keeping an eye on your bottom line, accounting software is also helpful in complying with financial reporting requirements. Ideally, your billing software will integrate with your accounting software to streamline financial management.
Robust accounting software will contain a variety of different features. Bookkeeping and expense management are key to budgeting and managing your operations. Your accounting software should also have payroll processing and tax withholding features. This will ensure that your employees are paid correctly and on time and prevent tax surprises come April.
5. Internal Communications
Your team members need a fast and easy way to communicate with each other, particularly if you’re working remotely. Internal communications software provides a reliable, more user-friendly alternative to email. It allows you to message one-on-one or manage group chats, and such platforms are also mobile-optimized for on-the-go work.
Slack is one of the most popular internal communications platforms on the market due to its ease of use and engaging user interface. However, if your team needs to conduct remote meetings frequently, you may prefer a tool that emphasizes videoconferencing, such as Microsoft Teams or Skype.
6. Time Tracking
For many business owners, the biggest challenge is making the most of their team’s limited working hours each day. Time–tracking software will help you understand how each team member spends their time. You can use this information to improve your work processes and operate more efficiently. Time tracking is also very helpful for scheduling and developing realistic project timelines.
If you have hourly employees, you’ll also need time-tracking software to manage them. In this case, your time-tracking software should integrate with your payroll software. This will help you pay employees accurately and schedule shifts appropriately. Clockify and Harvest are leading time-tracking software options.
7. Website Management
Even if you outsource your website’s design, you’ll still need access to a website management tool to keep things updated. Website management software is what you’ll use to post new website content. Many website management platforms also have drag-and-drop template options. These are ideal for new business owners who need to create a budget-friendly DIY website.
Leading website management offerings include WordPress, Squarespace, and Wix. In addition to standard website-building features, these tools also include plugins for search engine optimization, blogging, contact forms, and more.
Final Thoughts
The software solutions discussed above will help you stay on top of your business and get things done more efficiently. If there’s a task you’d like to streamline, chances are there’s a software tool out there to help you do it. Business software ranges from free plugins to pricey enterprise-level software suites. At the intersection of your company’s business needs and the market’s myriad offerings, you’re bound to find tools that will fit the bill.