Do you find yourself digging deep into a new software touted as the best in its class only to realize that the tool isn’t configured to the needs of a smaller business? Have you heard a product that eloquently describes the software’s USPs but falls short of fulfilling your unique requirements?
Business owners and startups need guidance in comprehending the tech tools that they need to make their operations more efficient and their workforce more productive. We bridge the knowledge and information gap for you by highlighting the tools that are recommended by business owners themselves.
1. Mastering SEO optimization without muddying your hands in technicalities
When the sharpest strategic minds in business tell you that “business SEO is the most effective way to drive highly converting traffic to your website”, you sit up and listen. Search engine optimization may seem complicated to the uninitiated, but that’s precisely what SEO marketing tools are designed to do – take the drudgery out of SEO, do all the heavy lifting, and improve your rankings in Search Engine Page Results (SERPs).
What the business insider would recommend: SEMRush
A steady push up the visibility ladder is what every SEO marketer dreams of, and there’s no better tool than SEMRush to ensure your website remains in the spotlight. You get to view your page rankings and analyze the changes that come about as you explore new marketing opportunities. Through analytics, you can see how you are performing alongside competitors in using keywords and different domains.
You get a better grip on search data and the way your site leverages growing traffic. Even as you analyze your page performance, SEMRush will be pinging you with tips and strategies. It’s an excellent tool for performing a site audit which provides unique insights through organic traffic analysis. A post-audit increase in conversions by 15 percent or more is routine with SEMRush.
2. Following the best accounting and bookkeeping standards
For any business owner, accounting protocols like cash-flow management and taxation are supposed to be quickly dealt with. Probably you’ll hire an army of accounting professionals and bookkeepers who do the job and minimize headaches. Regardless of how focused or efficient your team may be, there’s software that reduces overheads and does the number crunching with consummate ease.
What the business insider would trust implicitly: Xero
In 2018, Xero outperformed crusty competitors to walk away with the title “Best accounting software trusted by business owners.” Shorn of technobabble and jargon, Xero is a robust platform that comes with an affordable price tag.
Business owners without an accounting degree will not be intimidated with jargon like “accounts payable” and will warm up to “billing.” Without much prepping, you find yourself going ahead and setting up Xero and configuring it. Within no time, you’ll be passing on reports to the regular accountants, reports that are understandable. Xero quickly integrates you with banks and credit card companies so you can pull bank statements directly into the software. The bookkeeping standards are higher, enabling you to collaborate easily with financial companies and consultants.
For small businesses that keenly watch their bottom lines, Xero is very affordable with the starter plan pegged at $9 per month with limited invoicing, billing and bank reconciliation. The premium package at $60 monthly offers extensive user collaboration and detailed project management tools, tracking, and support.
3. Using CRM for streamlining your database and becoming more organized
Growth by way of increased product exposure, zooming sales, and a growing customer base pitchfork a business into greater engagement with employees, customers, and vendors. A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool helps you organize and manage the growing database so you can pursue sales more aggressively.
What business insiders are unanimous about: Salesforce CRM
Salesforce emerges as the winner by a substantial margin and the software that small businesses generally opt for.
In the CRM cyberspace, Salesforce is a name to reckon with. A lot of businesses use it to intensify sales, and Salesforce delivers despite its slightly higher price tag. Usability gets a shot in the arm because the tool integrates easily with tons of apps like MailChimp, Slack, and Xero.
There’s a handy email tracking widget that tells you when your message has been opened and at which stage your customer enters the sales funnel.
SalesForce scales with you as you expand your business, and if you want to key up performance, all you need to do is hire a Salesforce developer.
4. Using a product management tool that blueprints a productivity pathway
Small companies struggle a lot as they maneuver their way up the ladder of business success. The biggest hurdle is getting organized and improving productivity with a zillion things distracting the mind.
What business insiders would die for: Trello
Trello offers the ideal solution. Trello is easy to handle because every item on your agenda gets neatly organized through individual cards sorted through different boards. You get the hang of it pretty quickly, and within hours you’re a jet setting pro. It saves you time training co-workers and creates an overview of tasks within the project.
Trello is a visually color-coded masterpiece with tasks neatly mapped out keeping you on top of things. Data is instantly visible in a way that is more revealing than a spreadsheet. You can avoid clogging your mind with a zillion details; you can create notes, add instructions, indicate web links, and provide screenshots with a few clicks. And, every task can be tagged with a due date, the system helps you track the performance of each co-worker.
Conclusion
The information we have provided you above is an overview culled from the experiences of entrepreneurs that have leveraged these tools to run their businesses successfully. These are the essential software and business tools that top businesses would gladly recommend to starting entrepreneurs. Some tools are obvious choices while others will surprise you with their scope and potential. Use them, and you’ll be raving about how they made you a game changer in your niche.