Software plays a crucial role in business success, and as a small business owner it’s something you need to get right. From protecting your data to managing your finances and improving customer interactions, you’ll need to rely on various software solutions to stay competitive and efficient. Here are a few to consider.
Cloud Backup Software
Online backup software protects your network information. It works by encrypting data and sending it to secure servers. This is useful because if anything happens to your computers, your information remains safe. This is much safer than backing up to physical disks and hard drives since any problems with your computers could also affect these backups. For example, a flood, fire, or even a robbery could lead to the backups being taken as well as the original computers. When you use a cloud-based backup service, some software runs on the server and performs a backup. This information is then encrypted for safety and stored.
Accounting Software
A vital part of running your own business is keeping good accounts. While you’ll probably have an accountant to do the hard stuff, you’ll still need to keep efficient records over the course of the tax year. Good accounting software will mean either you’re able to do your books yourself, or at least do most of the work, so you’re not having to spend as much money paying an accountant for more hours. Old methods of accounting such as paper records or Excel can slow or even put your business in jeopardy, more efficient methods are s important. They are more accurate and will save you precious time. Plus they can be saved to that all-important cloud-based backup service.
Legal Software
There are a number of legal issues you will need to consider as a small or medium sized business. Investing in legal software means whenever you need legal advice or documents you don’t have the cost of having to consult an attorney each time. This can save you a considerable amount of time and money, Legal software allows you to do things like creating contracts and forms, as well as other changes that need you to have legally binding documents for. You can manage your client agreements with contract management software which is another useful kind of legal software. This offers things like e-signatures, which of course makes dealing with all contracts much easier and more efficient. Asset management solutions are another essential aspect to consider for small or medium-sized businesses. Investing in legal software not only saves on consultation fees but also streamlines the process of obtaining legal advice and documents.
Customer Relationship Management Software
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software is incredibly handy because it helps you plan your interactions with customers quickly and efficiently. It lets you keep all customer contact information and other details in one place. This includes things such as products customers have purchased, feedback they have given plus any marketing materials you have already shown them. Having this information allows you to provide excellent customer service, as well as target information based on their preferences. When you understand your customers in this way, it allows you to accurately market products towards them and could lead to further sales.
Business Presentation Software
If you are selling products, your sales staff will need a great pitch and a presentation to engage the audience and secure clients and customers. You don’t just need to go for boilerplate Microsoft PowerPoint, there are a whole host of other programs out there, many which will likely suit the needs of your business more. Spend some time looking into what’s available and choose based on the kind of slideshows and presentations you want to display.
A Live Chat Feature
Live chat is becoming more widespread, and is an excellent feature for business. Customers might have questions when browsing your products or services, but would never pick up the phone. Instead, they might just navigate away from your site and you lose business. But having a live chat means everything can be answered quickly. It also enhances your company’s professionalism and legitimacy, which is crucial when you’re just starting out.