It’s common for small businesses and startup owners to multitask painfully. Owners become accountants, bookkeepers, customer service reps, and marketers to keep their businesses running. And although this practice saves small ventures money, it can be tiring and, not to mention, frustrating!
If you’re a small business owner and you’re experiencing the same situation then you might consider automating some of your business practices. It’s time to use innovative, efficient, and useful business software.
Let’s find out how software can change the way you run your small business. We will also focus on some of the top business software recommended for small business owners like you.
Your Small Business Needs These 4 Software Programs
Business software is a term used to describe software programs used to automate different business processes. While large companies and business enterprises commonly consider business automation, there is software that can benefit small business owners. For example, consider accounting software, bookkeeping software, communications software, and customer relations software.
With business software, owners can enjoy the following benefits:
- More time to focus on developing their products and services.
- More money, effort, and time to concentrate on marketing and advertising.
- Increased customer satisfaction.
- Fool-proof business tasks processed on time.
- More savings are available to spend on other aspects of a business.
Aside from these benefits, you’ll experience an overall improvement in your business practices. For example, your staff can function seamlessly while your customers recognize your brand and trust your products or services.
1. Accounting Software
Accounting software is the most common and most crucial available business software. This type of software can help business owners in time-consuming accounting tasks such as tax filing, cash flow maintenance, etc.
Accounting software will automate these tasks to concentrate your efforts on growing your business. Almost all accounting software is available at a subscription with a limited free trial. Taking a free trial helps a company decide which software is the best for their business.
Although there’s nothing wrong with manually completing accounting tasks, there’s always the possibility of encountering errors. And, of course, mistakes can be very costly for any business. So, avoid mistakes and focus on your small business better by adapting good accounting software.
Accounting software is essential for the following business functions:
- Invoicing
- Tax filing
- General ledger
- Cash flow, trial balance
- Accounts receivable and payable
- Balance sheets
- Expenses statements
- Payroll
2. Bookkeeping Software
With bookkeeping software, all your business financial records are kept and organized. This type of software is usually part and parcel of most accounting software. Like accounting software, it may offer a free trial Free Profit and Loss Template to make the work more easy.
Manual bookkeeping is possible, but having software that can automate this process makes things more efficient and a lot less stressful. Therefore, this type of software is recommended, especially for small-scale businesses and first-time small business owners. In addition, you can better deal with issues if you have seamless software to use.
Bookkeeping software can help you with the following:
- Categorizing transactions
- Create financial statements such as balance sheets
- Record bank statements and transaction
3. Communication Software
Communication software helps teams connect and work on different projects and campaigns. In addition, this type of software allows you to disseminate information to your team to ensure that all your business processes are seamless.
There are many communication software available online, each with varying features to offer. For instance, communication software like Slack allows you to assign projects for every team member. Slack lets you make direct messages to people and even add clients or customers as your connections. You won’t have to lose track of anything as everything you need is on one screen.
Video communication software is essential for small businesses that need constant communication and collaboration. Software like Zoom helps you conduct meetings or conferences. Meanwhile, Skype lets you make voice calls and video calls for free. You can buy Skype credits and call landlines and mobile numbers as well.
According to Digital Authority Partners, choosing the ideal communication software for your small business will depend on your needs and budget. Also, consider software that’s easy to use and available as a mobile application so you can communicate with your employees or staff anytime.
Good communication software allows you to
- Send direct messages to your team members
- Make voice calls
- Make video calls or meetings
- Communicate with your team even on the go
4. Customer Relationship Software or CRM
Your customers are the heart of your business. You are nothing without your customers and clients, so you need good customer relationship software. CRM software gives you a better understanding of your customers’ needs and keeps track of customer interactions.
CRM software is essential in digital marketing. It enables you to keep and manage customer data which you can mine for marketing ideas and strategies. CRM will automate your sales process and marketing efforts so you can focus on other aspects of your business. Good CRM will also help you forecast sales and customer behavior for future campaigns.
Customer relationship management software will help you with
- Centralizing customer and client data
- Converting your leads
- Increasing customer retention
- Automating marketing
- Improving revenue
Other Software Applications for Growing Businesses
As your small venture evolves into a more established business, you’re likely to expand your service offerings or products. You may also take in other responsibilities to add more staff, branch out to different locations, or acquire more customers.
To help you manage your growing business, you need software like the following:
Data Protection Software
Data protection software secures customer data and prevents hacking and other cybercrimes. Antivirus software, firewall, malware, and ransomware are just some of the most common examples.
Payroll Software
Payroll software automates employee compensation and other benefits. In addition, this software lets you track absences, tardiness, leaves, and other payroll-related concerns.
Project Management
As you take on more projects from different clients, you need efficient project management software so you won’t lose track of your projects. In addition, this software keeps you more organized and every team member working towards a specific goal.
Final Words
With a small business digital marketing expert, you can improve your small venture using the latest tools and software. You can automate business processes, so you’ll have more time to focus on more critical tasks. Find the right business software to give you and your customers the best value.
