When it comes to starting your own business, having the right tools can make the difference between success or failure. From drafting professional contracts and meeting with clients, to keeping track of your inbox and all the day-to-day administrative tasks associated with running your own business, making sure you have the right tools in place will not only Helping you manage your workflow can also help you maximize profits.
But not all tools out there are created equal. Some are better than others for a particular type of task, while others are better for solopreneurs as opposed to teams. And not all companies need every particular type of tool. When it comes to choosing the best tools to start your business, here are some things to keep in mind.
Type of business
As mentioned above, not every business will have a practical need for every type of tool. Before investing in a particular tool, carefully consider whether what you are doing suits the function of the tool. For example, a small physical store is less likely to need an email marketing tool than an e-commerce site (opens in a new tab). A service provider may not need an expensive camera to take product photos. And a one-man shop can find that a complex project management system is overcomplicated and overwhelming in relation to their needs. Remember what type of business you start when you look around at tools.
Size of business
The size of your surgery will also affect the types of tools you can use. If it’s just you, you might find that you can skip many of the tools that are best for collaboration. And maybe you do not need a payroll tool with all the bells and whistles. On the other hand, it may also be worth checking out their features and functionality if you are planning to scale your business.
Budget
One last, but very important, consideration when going out and finding the best tools to start a business is the cost. After all, you do not want to spend too much money on all these different tools before you bring in some. Many of the tools on our list have free versions or free trial versions, so you can get a feel for the tools before investing in a paid or premium version. See the article : 8 Strategies to Outperform Competitors to Grow Your Business. Often, the free version of these tools is more than adequate for most people who are just starting out in business. Sure, some features may be limited, but it’s often worth swapping for an affordable option.
From creating your business plan and building your brand, to engaging with your customers and keeping track of sales and inventory, having the right tools can help entrepreneurs increase their productivity, free up time and even offer a better experience for their customers. . Using the right tools for your small business to the fullest can sometimes be the difference between success and failure.
With all this in mind, here are 20 of the best tools for starting your own business.
It is crucial to be at the top of your to-do list when starting your own business. Trello (opens in a new tab) is a free tool that allows you to create boards, lists and maps to keep track of all your tasks. Like a kan-ban blackboard, Trello looks like your post-it notes on your whiteboard converted to digital. You can drag and drop maps from one column to another, great for designing workflows or multiple projects. It’s also easy to collaborate with other members of your team as your business grows. Intuitive features make it easy to quickly configure and customize workflows for pretty much anything.
Best for document creation and analysis
Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / Google
Google Docs (opens in a new tab) lets you create and collaborate on real-time online documents from any device. It’s free to use through your Google Account, or you can upgrade to their Workspace service designed with companies in mind. It seamlessly connects with other Google apps for a convenient, all-in-one productivity solution.
Google Analytics (opens in a new tab) gives you important customer insights to understand customer journey and improve marketing ROI. Analytics offers built-in automation, intuitive and flexible reporting, cross-platform attribution and more to help new businesses succeed. It is an industry standard tool that many companies use for their reporting, so it is an advantage in itself to know how to use it.
Like Trello, Asana is an online to-do list and a project management tool for businesses of all sizes. The layout is the same, with maps you can drag and drop, but it builds from there to a high-efficiency productivity management package. The basic plan is free for up to 15 people and is perfect for individuals or teams who have just started project management and offers more than enough features for those who have just started. Asana also boasts more than 200+ integrations (opens in a new tab) (including Microsoft Teams, Gmail and Google Calendar), so you can gather everything you need to communicate, collaborate and coordinate work.
Best for designing professional graphics and images
Canva (opens in a new tab) is a free online graphic design tool that allows users to create visually engaging posts on social media, presentations, posters, videos, logos and more. It’s easy to get started and use. There are thousands of professional templates, images and other content to choose from – ideal for a budding business with a tight marketing budget. Most of them are free so you can get high quality graphics on a budget. The tool offers folders to keep you organized, as well as real-time collaboration with built-in comments. You can even plan, create, schedule and publish your social media posts directly from Canva.
Slack (opens in a new tab) is an online messaging platform that helps remove clogging of your inbox while staying connected with your team. It’s a wild cross between AIM of yore and reddit – with all the joy, distraction and usability it brings. Slack uses a system called Channels to help you stay organized and focused with the ability to share files, tools, and conversations. It connects with over 2,000 apps and integrations (on paid versions) like Google Drive, Office 365 and others. The free option gives you access to 10,000 searchable messages, 10 apps and integrations, 1-on-1 video calling and two-factor authentication. Slack’s handy AI Assistant, called Slackbot, can be used to set reminders, link to other services, and cause harm if you are so inclined.
When you start your own business, you are likely to share a lot of files back and forth with teammates, partners, and even potential customers. Dropbox (opens in a new tab) makes it easy to share files that would otherwise be too large to attach to an email. Nobody likes getting the dreaded file-too-big warning from Gmail. Dropbox is easily accessible from any device, so you always have access to files on the go. The free version gives you up to 2 GB of cloud-based storage, while Plus offers 2000 GB and Professional gives you 3000 GB. There is a big jump in storage space from the free to the paid version, but the former should work OK if you only send documents back and forth and you can clear them out of Dropbox when you are done.
Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have all become much more familiar with Zoom. It is a secure video platform that allows you to take meetings, chat, lead webinars and online events and more wherever you are. The Zoom phone app gives you the same functionality as the desktop app. The free Zoom Meetings plan allows you to host up to 100 participants in unlimited meetings for up to 40 minutes (as opposed to Google Meet giving you an hour-long meeting for free). If you need more time than 40 minutes, either for a meeting or team trivia, paid plans (opening in a new tab) start at around $ 150 a year.
SideKick is a browser that brings together all the web tools you use for easy access. It also blocks ads and trackers to help you stay focused. Its AI-based tab suspension system helps conserve memory by automatically suspending tabs you do not currently need. You can give your most used apps a home in the sidebar for quick access, and all the alerts from your various apps are in one place that is easy to find. The SideKick search bar is the really great feature – it lets you search across all your apps, tabs and workspaces in seconds. There is a free version with enough features for any start-up company, but the paid versions (opens in a new tab) offer additional functionality.
Growing an email list is an important goal for many new businesses, and MailChimp (opens in a new tab) makes it easy, whether you’re sending newsletters or marketing emails. You can create, send and track your emails and campaigns from the platform. MailChimp offers easy-to-use design tools and flexible templates to really shine your business emails. There’s even an AI-powered creative assistant that will generate custom designs for your business in seconds! The free plan provides access to MailChimp’s marketing CRM, creative assistant, website builder, a MailChimp domain, forms and landing pages, so you can manage your website and email marketing in one place.
Best for building and hosting a website
Squarespace allows you to create a customizable website or online store that offers an all-in-one solution for those who want to start their own business and need an online home. There are plenty of flexible templates that let you customize your look and feel, and they offer integration into e-commerce and appointment planning. When you create a website with Squarespace, you get free unlimited hosting, security and 24/7 support to help you succeed. For those who do not want to go the DIY route of building their own website, Squarespace offers access to experts who will handle it for you. They also offer integrations with major email service providers like MailChimp so you can easily convert visitors into newsletter subscribers.
QuickBooks products are primarily aimed at small and medium-sized businesses and allow you to easily create invoices, track your cash flow, accept payments and more. Plans (opens in a new tab) start at around $ 5 a month, which covers the basics of getting paid, tracking expenses and accounting for small businesses. It is compatible with a variety of apps, including Square, Plooto and Dext. The accompanying mobile app allows you to get the job done on the go and have access to your financial information at your fingertips. If you decide to hand things over to a paid accountant or accountant later, they will probably already be familiar with QuickBooks.
Best for preparing legal documents
You want to protect your budding business by making sure you have solid contracts in place and that all your startup documentation is in order. However, hiring a lawyer can be very expensive, so many people turn to online legal filing companies to handle basic contracts and legal documentation. LegalZoom allows you to create legal documents without having to hire a lawyer independently. You can create documents such as company formation documents, copyright registrations, trademark applications and more. Documents are based on a fixed fee depending on complexity plus any filing fees. Company documents are accepted in all 50 states.
Best to get documents signed
If you have gone through all the hassle of getting your legal house officially in order, you will need a way to keep these contracts organized and easily accept electronic signatures. This is where a DocuSign account (opens in a new tab) comes While you can log in electronically in most PDF management software, DocuSign puts your most important documents in one place. It also automatically sends counter-signed copies to the signatories, preventing the risk of having outdated, unsigned versions hanging. In addition, the platform can be easily integrated with more than 350 other tools. There is a 30-day free trial without a credit card, after which you can upgrade to a paid plan for around $ 25 per month. month.
When you start bringing in some cash from your business, do not forget to report it when it comes to taxes. TurboTax (opens in a new tab) makes it easy with their guided tax registration software, or you can choose to have one of their professionals handle the details for you. The software searches for deductions to maximize your return and offers a 100% accuracy guarantee – otherwise they pay IRS fines. You will receive free guidance from a trained tax professional if you are ever audited, and email file will give you your return faster. As mentioned, there is a free option while the full service solution starts at $ 389.
A VoIP (voice over internet protocol) service provides an enhanced version of what you would expect from a standard business phone provider, often at a fraction of the cost. This way, you and your team are always available to connect. There are many VoIP options for small business owners, but we think Vonage Business VoIP (opens in a new tab) is great because it’s easy to use. It may not be the cheapest if you want lots of features, but the simple user interface and budget-friendly price make it stand out for companies that have just started. There is also a mobile app so you can stay connected while on the go.
Best for running online business tools
It goes without saying that in order to use many of these software tools, you need a laptop to power them. But we say it anyway: You need a computer to run your business if you do not already have one. (Not to mention staying connected, processing sales and so much more!) Depending on your business, it may be worth having a dedicated laptop. Fortunately, our sister site, PCMag, has a list of the best business laptops in 2022, with the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 taking the cake. It is ultra portable, has a world-class keyboard and offers outstanding battery life for the price.
Best to keep the connection on the go
When starting a business, it is important to be connected and accessible. Not only does a smartphone let your team and your customers stay in touch, it provides access at your fingertips, literally, to all the apps needed to run your business. iPhone 13 Pro Max is a solid choice for those starting their own business, as most business software offers apps that are iOS compatible. The large screen makes it easy to review documents or check specifications from the palm of your hand. Upgrade to 1 TB of storage and you never have to worry about running out of storage.
Best for taking better cell phone pictures
If you want to get the most out of your smartphone’s camera capabilities, a lens set can help. That’s the difference between the cell phone photos you take right now and the ones you see everywhere on Instagram. Yes, it’s technically the same device, but with some important differences. Xenvo Pro Lens Kit is compatible with both iPhone and Android devices and comes complete with a TruView 0.45x wide angle lens, Clarus 15x macro lens, TruGrip lens clip, GlowClip Mini rechargeable LED light and charging cable, Quick-Release Lanyard, DuraCase, EasyClip , cleaning cloth and lifetime warranty. It is ideal for taking wide angle and ultra-close-up photos.
Best for video calling and “live” lighting
A ring light (with stand) easily lets you look your best on video calls and other business uses such as Instagram or Facebook life. Without good lighting, you can see the grain when using the camera. It also allows you to make professional looking videos with just your mobile phone! UBeesize 10 “Selfie Ring Light with 50” Expandable Stand Stand & amp; Flexible phone holder gets great reviews, is easy to set up and use and costs under $ 50. For those who do not have access to uniform natural light, or do not want to invest in a full lighting setup, a ring light and stand are a good starting point.
What do all businesses need?
7 things every business needs See the article : How businesses mitigate the risk of unforeseen events in times of uncertainty.
- An idea or a dream. Not just any idea though; you need a viable idea. …
- Love or passion for the concept. …
- Persistence and Gumption. …
- Experience, knowledge, education and training. …
- A plan or roadmap. …
- Money. …
- Help and assistance along the way.
What do all companies want? Business owners are a simple bunch. They want to know how to make more money, reduce the cost of doing business, avoid taxes, avoid expensive lawsuits, find new business opportunities, and find inexpensive ways to finance business growth. Beyond that are the details and solutions to their unique problems.
Is starting a business worth it?
Starting your own business has several financial benefits compared to working for a salary or salary. First, you build a business that has the potential for growth – and your wallet grows, as your business does. See the article : Google says it’s time to pay for longtime small business users. Second, your business is in itself a valuable asset. As your business grows, it is worth more and more.
Is It Worth It To Be A Small Business Owner? Although owning a business involves financial risks, you are also reaping the financial rewards. If you do not have a business partner or employees, you do not have to worry about paying them. If you have only a few employees, that means fewer people are taking a cut of your earnings.
Why you should not start your own business?
If you run your own business, you would have total control over everything … or not. Starting a business can actually make you feel less in control. You can not control when customers pay you or whether they want to buy your product. You can not force your employees to do things according to your crazy expectations.
Is it profitable to start your own business?
Most companies do not make a profit in their first year, according to Forbes. In fact, most new businesses need 18 to 24 months to achieve profitability. And then there’s the reality that 25 percent of new businesses fail in their first year, according to the Small Business Administration.
Why do small businesses fail?
The most common causes of small business failure include lack of capital or financing, maintenance of an inadequate management team, a defective infrastructure or business model, and failed marketing initiatives.
What is the # 1 reason companies fail? 82% of small businesses fail due to cash flow problems. And while most small business owners agree that cash flow is the biggest risk for small businesses, cash flow is also an overarching term – a symptom if you will – for several underlying reasons.
What is one of the three major causes of small business failure?
The three main reasons for small business failure are management shortcomings, insufficient funding and difficulties in complying with public regulations.
What is the best business concept of all time?
Uber is valued at $ 51 billion and is clearly one of the best business ideas ever. Its success has spawned an entire industry as many other companies have come up with similar business models.
What is a good business concept? An idea for a company that contains basic information such as the service or product, the demographic goal and a unique sales proposal that gives a company an advantage over the competition. A business concept can involve a new product or simply a new approach to marketing or delivering an existing product.
