Running a business involves overseeing many factors at once. Most companies start small, so there aren’t always employees to cover each department. Instead, entrepreneurs will need to manage many elements of the business, including advertising, marketing, content, social media, and more.
There are several quality tools and apps that can help to streamline that process, allowing you to reduce friction and focus your attention. So what tools should you consider using in your business?
Monday
Monday is an app that helps with planning and organizing work. You can use it individually, but best results can come when group cooperation is required. Monday creates a simple workflow, with attractive visual elements to explain the status of each task.
Tomato Timer
It is easy to become unproductive when you don’t manage your time well. Tomato Timer is a simple tool that sets up 25-minute blocks, using the Pomodoro Technique. This time management system is proven to work for countless entrepreneurs, allowing for focused bursts of work.
Dashlane
Working online requires a vast number of passwords and login information. It is vital to have unique details for each account, avoiding the threat of leaking your entire network. Dashlane securely manages all your passwords, setting up and storing complex passwords for each platform.
Google Docs
Google Docs lets you create reports and documents, with the ability to access them from any device. The template library enables you to get started quickly, choosing from various professional designs. You can also use one of the add-ons to insert elements like pie charts and flow diagrams.
3dcart
Many businesses will want to build an online store. 3dcart simplifies this process, letting you control products, inventory, payments and much more from one convenient solution. Their software is bursting with features, website themes, and marketing tools to help you increase conversion rates. 3dcart has everything you need for creating an optimized eCommerce website with a customizable online store and shopping cart, complete with a blog for content marketing.
Hootsuite
Social media is an essential part of running an online business. Unfortunately, though, each social platform operates differently. Hootsuite is a social media dashboard that solves these issues, providing the ability to log into each site from one place. You can also schedule publishing times, adjusting content to suit each platform.
QuickBooks
Staying on top of tax and accounting is vital for an online business. QuickBooks is an established product for managing income and expenses, sending invoices, and managing your accounts. You can integrate your bank accounts and other tools, so your costs can be controlled. Any financial element within your company can quickly be stored and categorized for your accountant to analyze.
Skype
Online enterprises aren’t restricted by location, with the ability to communicate over Skype. Teams can stay in contact, using video or voice calls to host meetings on a range of devices. There are useful features like screen sharing, so you can demonstrate a concept without being in the same room. Also, calls are encrypted, ensuring a high level of security.
HubSpot CRM
HubSpot CRM is a customer relationship management tool, helping you to organize your entire sales funnel. A typical day might involve contacting leads, maintaining communication, sending automated email sequences, dealing with customer service, and analyzing results. All these elements can get completed in the HubSpot CRM dashboard, with team members being able to control individual aspects.
Dropbox
Dropbox lets you store files related to your business, syncing them across all your devices. You can share these files with your team, allowing straightforward collaboration on projects. There are different storage levels, so you can tailor the product to suit your needs. Also, you can retrieve or remotely delete any files if one of your devices gets stolen.
A collection of useful tools can make a big difference in your productivity. Each aspect of running a business will usually have tools to help simplify the processes. The online business tools listed above make up a capable suite that work cooperatively. You can get by without many of these options, but life could be a lot easier if you add them into your day-to-day operations.
