Running a small business is tough, but having access to the top tools can be a game changer. The right software can help you and your team make the most of limited resources, even when your budget is tight. With the software described here, you can manage company finances, keep in touch with employees and accept customer payments. If you’re looking to streamline your business processes, here are nine essential tools to help.
1. Microsoft SharePoint
As a business owner, you need a way to organize and share documents across your organization. Microsoft SharePoint is a document management system for small and medium-sized companies. The software allows you to create and share files collaboratively with team members, and you can also share content outside of your organization if needed. Also, Microsoft SharePoint has an Office sync feature, so you can use the software even when you don’t have internet access.
SharePoint is a particularly good option for any business already using Microsoft products. The software syncs seamlessly with Outlook and OneDrive, and you can integrate with other third-party apps.
2. Zoho CRM
Zoho CRM is an excellent system for anyone new to using customer relationship management software. The company offers a free plan for up to three users. You can use the pack to track leads, log events and calls, and take notes on contacts. If you want more features, there are four paid plans with increasing functionality to allow the software to scale with your business. If you’re looking for more automation and customization tools, invest in one of their premium packages.
The Zoho CRM integrates with other Zoho products as well as several third party apps. We really love that the software is pretty intuitive and easy to use, especially on mobile. Learn more in our in-depth Zoho CRM review.
Tip: Looking for other CRM providers? Check out our top CRM software picks for additional options.
3rd wave
The best accounting software is a must for all small businesses, and our review of Wave explains why it’s a great accounting service for small businesses on a budget. The software is free to use and gives you access to billing, accounting and banking functions. You can use Wave to create custom invoices for customers and schedule automatic reminders for late payments. When billing, customers have the option to pay by credit card, bank transfer, or Apple Pay.
The Wave program syncs with your business bank account so you can track and reconcile business expenses. And you can use the mobile app to deposit checks and monitor your account remotely. For a more rounded application, you can add payroll and accounting features to your account.
FYI: Wave is an ideal choice for freelancers, contractors, and other service-oriented businesses. However, as your business starts to grow, you may find that it doesn’t have all the features you need. QuickBooks, FreshBooks, and Zoho Books are alternatives worth considering.
4. Clover
The right point of sale (POS) system makes it easy to accept customer payments, manage inventory, and track sales data. Clover provides both the hardware and software businesses need to accept customer payments with maximum efficiency. In fact, as our review of Clover notes, it goes well beyond being just a POS system — it’s truly an all-in-one solution for selling, processing payments, running loyalty programs, and facilitating online orders.
Clover is particularly well-suited to retail stores, restaurants, and service businesses. To start, you buy the necessary hardware through the company’s website or a third party. More than 300 integrations are available as you set up the system, allowing you to create the customized software suite that best suits your business. Clover offers its customers 24/7 phone support, so you can always contact the company if you have any problems.
As our Constant Contact review explains, this company offers affordable email marketing software for small businesses. The system has all the features you need to set up an email marketing campaign, like A/B testing, an autoresponder, and a drag-and-drop email editor. When you sign up for Constant Contact, the software automatically scans your website to import your logo and social media profiles. This feature makes it easy to incorporate your company’s branding into emails.
The software integrates with other third-party apps to help you build your email list. We also really appreciate that Constant Contact has comprehensive reporting and analysis tools. You can easily view your email open rates, click-through rates, and unsubscribes so you can learn what’s working and what’s not when marketing your business through email.
6. Bluehost
If you’re looking for affordable web hosting, Bluehost is a great place to start. The company offers shared hosting, virtual private servers (VPS) and dedicated servers. Note that the dedicated servers and VPS are the most expensive features and are designed for larger businesses. Shared hosting is cheaper and a good solution for most small and medium businesses. Bluehost offers four shared hosting plans ranging from $2.95 to $13.95 per month.
When you become a Bluehost customer, you get a free domain name, SSL certificate, and 24/7 customer support. If you invest in one of the higher tier plans, you also get free domain data protection and automatic backup. Learn more in our Bluehost review.
Tip: If you run a business, you need a functional and responsive website. These highly rated website builders are great tools for businesses looking for drag-and-drop customization and affordable monthly plans.
7th square
Square is a top-notch payment processor for small businesses thanks to its low-commitment pricing model. There are no long-term contracts and no monthly or annual fees. You only pay for what you use and the equipment is relatively cheap. When you sign up for Square, you connect the software to your business bank account. Then, when you receive a payment, the provider automatically transfers the money to your account within two business days. If you need the money sooner, you can opt for the instant deposit service for an additional fee.
The software is easy to set up and use – all you have to do is download the free Square app and connect it to your credit card reader. Customers only need to swipe, dip, or tap their cards, making this a convenient payment option for them too. Learn more about additional features in our full Square review.
8. Zoom
If you need cloud-based video conferencing software, look no further than Zoom. You can use Zoom to host video and audio meetings on any device. The software has robust security settings including encryption, role-based security, and passcode protection. That should give entrepreneurs peace of mind.
When a meeting has multiple participants, you can share screens at the same time for a more interactive experience. And if you’re hosting a webinar, you can enable polls, raises of hands, and music to make the experience more engaging. As our Zoom review highlights, the service comes at a variety of prices. With the free plan, you can host up to 100 participants for a 40-minute meeting. As your business grows, you can upgrade for additional capacity.
9. RingCentral
RingCentral is one of our top picks if you’re looking for one of the best business phone systems. This all-in-one communication service offers a variety of useful features, including unlimited calls, messages, and video conferencing. There’s also a task management tool to keep employees focused and you can track their progress for added accountability.
RingCentral integrates with hundreds of third-party tools, so you can take calls without leaving your favorite apps. The software is available on desktop and mobile devices and is easy to install and use. It’s flexible enough to work well for businesses of all sizes, and it’s a great collaboration resource. Check out our RingCentral review for all the details.
