If you’re about to start a small business then you’re probably wondering what else you could do to improve your overall efficiency.
Many entrepreneurs find the first year of their business incredibly overwhelming – but did you know that there’s lots of technology out there designed to help entrepreneurs streamline their processes and focus on what’s most important to them?
It doesn’t matter if you’re not particularly tech-savvy, all the software in this blog is designed to be user-friendly.
Whether you’ve been meaning to research what an image library definition is or find out if there’s an easier way of doing your taxes, this list will help you get off on the right foot.
Image Library
One for creatives everywhere, an image library allows you to easily and securely store photos in a cloud-based location.
This means that if you’re a freelance photographer or designer, you’ll be able to effortlessly share your work and collaborate with clients.
It’s much more efficient than losing track of albums over email and will help you to organize your work by date, location, and various categories.
What’s more, you can store hundreds of files in there at a time, so there’s no need to worry about running out of storage.
Accounting Software
Have numbers really been bringing you down? Investing in accounting software could be the solution you’re looking for.
Designed to automate your taxes, the right software will work out how much you owe without you having to lift a finger.
It’s cheaper than hiring an accountant and gives you complete visibility over your books, helping you to keep track of your cash flow.
Accounting software also helps you to process and generate invoices with the click of a button for complete efficiency.
All your documents will be securely stored in the cloud and safe from hackers and hard drive failures.
Scheduler
Essential for any one-man band, a scheduling tool helps you to stay on top of social media content.
It can be tough to post across multiple channels at different times, especially when your customers are online at a time when you’re sleeping.
Scheduling software allows you to prepare posts in advance and post them automatically at any time you like.
You’ll seem like you really have it together and your audience will soon learn to expect regular content from your business.
Analytics
Marketing is only as effective as the strategy behind it. If you’re doing any kind of marketing to promote your business, you’re going to need data to support any changes you’re planning to make.
Analytics tools allow you to monitor which parts of your marketing strategy are working and which ones aren’t. This will help you to narrow your focus and understand your audience better.
Whether you decide to invest in paid tools or you choose a free option to start off, make sure you get in the habit of data analysis as early as you can.
Canva
Developing your own visuals for your growing business requires talent, finesse, and plenty of time.
Unfortunately, as most entrepreneurs are racing against the clock and juggling multiple roles at once, this kind of intricate and creative task can fall by the wayside.
However, the need for high-quality, engaging, and professional media such as logos, banners, and personalized graphics should never be overlooked, as it is these assets that can help establish your brand and build brand recognition amongst your target audience.
By utilizing free software like Canva, entrepreneurs can create stunning visuals with little experience and within even less time.
Whether you want to create banners or brochures, edit photos or social media posts, Canva can help you streamline this process and produce stunning and professional visuals, every time.
Mailchimp
As your client numbers and potential leads begin to grow, it’s important that your mailing list is being used to its full potential.
As an entrepreneur, every opportunity you have to connect with any current or potential customers is crucial and should be taken advantage of. And this is where Mailchimp comes in.
This free and incredibly popular email provider is the key to keeping you in touch with your customers and keeping them in touch with your latest products, news, and business updates.
Using their catalog of dozens of free email templates you can create engaging and exciting newsletters, or direct advertising emails within minutes and send them out to your mailing list with just a few clicks.
You’ll also be able to see which of your subscribers has opened and engaged with your emails. Remember, Mailchimp is free for up to 2,000 subscribers!
Fiverr
Not every entrepreneur has the time or the skills to manage every aspect of their small business. And this is where utilizing technology, such as freelancer platforms can help.
Whether you need help designing and managing your website, creating a logo, you need someone to manage your social media, a videographer or photographer to capture images of your products, or a copywriter to fill your site with high-quality content, entrepreneurs can turn to sites like Fiverr to make the most of the talent available – for a cost-effective price.
Slack or Skype
Maintaining high levels of communication throughout your business and in your business dealings is what will help secure your first-year success. As an entrepreneur, you’ll be spinning lots of plates, therefore instant and clear communication between you and your clients or you and your freelancers/employees is a must.
Technology software like Slack or Skype provides a seamless way for entrepreneurs to stay in touch with the things that matter the most.
Whether you’re updating a customer on their order, connecting with remote employees, or even speaking with your vendors, utilizing this kind of technology eliminates the need for complicated and confusing email threads, and keeps you communicative whilst on the move!
Final Thoughts
With so much technology on offer, it can be tough for small businesses to narrow down their choices.
However, a strong selection of versatile and valuable technologies can help you streamline your working practices, iron out the confusion, and keep you focused on what you do best.
As an entrepreneur, it’s all too easy to experience burnout, and spread yourself too thin, but by utilizing the best technology on offer today, you can maintain a healthy balance of life and work.
Think about your own unique pain points, what roles or tasks within your business could be made easier, and write down a list of your weaknesses to help you pinpoint the type of technology that is best for you. This list is a great place to start.
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Some other articles you might find of interest:
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https://www.thekickassentrepreneur.com/time-is-money
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