You could argue that it’s both the best and worst time to be running a business. On the not-so-good side, there’s simply more competition than ever before. Regardless of what industry you’re in, you’ll be competing against plenty of other businesses, and there’s always the possibility that a new competitor will spring up, too.
But you can argue that it’s also the best time, thanks to all the technological tools SMBs have at their disposal. Businesses that proactively seek out software tools will find that they can save significant time, money, and energy, boost productivity, and stay ahead of the curve. The fact that most software tools cost a tiny fraction of the cost of an employee makes it obvious why businesses don’t just invest in software tools — they rely on them.
Relatively new to the world of business software? We’ve put together a list of five software tools that can make running your business much easier.
CRM Software
You know how valuable your customers are. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software ensures that your customers know it, too. CRMs provide a centralized platform for managing all aspects of your customer interactions, and typically include their purchase history and all communications. It’s an excellent way to improve customer service while also making things easier for your employees and identifying sales opportunities.
Invoicing Software
Managing cash flow is an ongoing battle for many business owners, with one report highlighting that nearly 50% of business owners were concerned that poor cash flow would mean they were unable to meet their outgoing expenses. While you can’t always force your customers to pay their invoices when you’d like them to, there is software that can make it more likely. Invoicing software speeds up the invoicing process, allowing you to quickly create and send invoices in a matter of seconds. It’ll also send automatic reminders, increasing the likelihood that customers pay promptly, and help you to easily keep track of which customers have paid.
Marketing Automation
Marketing automation tools allow SMBs to streamline their marketing efforts while also boosting outcomes. You can automate campaigns across a wide range of platforms, including email, SMS, and social media, and have confidence that all automated marketing materials will be consistent with your brand. The best tools also automatically send follow-ups and personalized offers to recipients. You can think of it as an all-powerful tool that removes much of the complexity of advanced marketing, all for a low monthly cost.
Analytical Software
The best decisions are the ones backed by data. Analytical software can help take complex data and present it in easy-to-understand graphs and charts, removing guesswork from your decision-making process. Some tools also feature advanced predictive analytical tools, which can help you visualize the long-term trajectory of your business.
Even the best business software won’t do everything, but it can do a lot for your business, providing you and your team with the support it needs to deliver your best work. Ultimately, it can be the difference between being one step behind or one step ahead.
