Technology has provided a never-ending flow of new software tools designed to help entrepreneurs turn their business aims into profit-building realities. However, the ever increasing number of tools available can make it hard for startup business owners to determine which tools will be most helpful at the onset of business procedures. We’ve laid out some of the most useful tools that your company will immediately benefit from, so take a look and determine which you should implement.
For Accounting
Small businesses need to secure accurate and trustworthy accounting software from the get-go. Startups usually don’t require the help of an accountant, but the novelty of confusing financial jargon and processes can result in monetary stress and strain. Business owners should immediately take note of key metrics involved in their finances, including sales and expenses. That’s why startups benefit greatly from accounting software like Xero. Boasting a clean and intuitive interface, the terminology is basic and understandable, and the company’s entire approach to financial monitoring is user-centric. Another benefit? Unlike other accounting platforms, it supports global currencies, which is essential for companies who do international business.
For Purchasing
If you’re new to e-commerce, finding the right selling software is vital. Shopify has become a popular route for new business owners to peddle their wares. It’s easy to use, and doesn’t require knowledge of CSS or HTML. As a hosted platform, it’s designed to make purchases look great on any device, and even better than that, it allows for blogging functionality. Payments are undoubtedly the most important parts of an online purchasing platform, and this is where Shopify excels over competitors. E-commerce sites require payment gateways to accept money from customers, and Shopify supports over 70 of these gateways, while other options support an average of 20.
For Social Media
If you don’t make your name in social media, your business won’t excel. It’s today’s reality, and with the sheer amount of social media channels available, getting a handle on the maintaining your social media marketing is important. Cue HootSuite. This software makes it easy to manage your social media efforts, providing an interface that allows users to schedule posts, track mentions, drive traffic, and generate essential leads. Instead of logging into each platform, you’ll have a one-stop-shop for all of your social media campaigns.
For Email Marketing
It’s essential for startups to lay a solid, sturdy email marketing foundation. MailChimp is one of the most popular email marketing software tools out there, and for good reason. This software will allow you to create, maintain, and curate a mailing list. Email campaigns might seem an outdated form of digital marketing and less than revolutionary for your aims, but the proof is in the pudding—it’s one of the most prevalent and effective marketing techniques out there. As a startup, you’ll likely have a smaller mailing list; MailChimp is free for up to 2,000 subscribers, so it can be a great option for companies in their infancy who are dealing with tight budget constraints.
For Quality Assurance
If your startup is developing software, it’s essential to lock down the perfect tools for test management. Whether you’re working with offshore developers or employ an in-house team, few things are as important as automated testing and software testing tools can provide this in a quick and efficient manner. The earlier you detect mistakes or glitches, the sooner your developer can resolve the issue. As a startup, it’s essential to make a great first impression, and releasing less-than-high-quality work will lend itself to a poor reputation from the get-go.
For Analytics
When it comes to gathering important data, Google Analytics is king and should be the most obvious first step for startups looking to gain insight on their website and online traffic. The important task to master is determining which of these Analytics features will most help your business aims. From tracking codes to segmentation, filter use to views, there are numerous ways to use this free software to your advantage, and it’s important to invest time into determining which are most beneficial for your aims.
Consider which of these tools your business has been missing out on, and work on implementing the strategies laid out that will best fit your aims.
