Starting a new online store or running a small one can be a thrilling process. But it also comes with its fair share of challenges. One way to make your work smoother is by having the must have tools for small business at your disposal.
These softwares and applications can help you manage your time, keep track of your finances, stay organized, and communicate effectively with your team.
Sections:
List of Must Have Tools for Small Business Owners
Using tools for an online store is a must because they streamline operations, enhance customer experience, and boost sales. Tools like inventory management systems, payment gateways, and marketing automation software help you stay organized.
They allow you accept various payment methods, and reach a wider audience effortlessly. Plus, they save you time and reduce errors, allowing you to focus on growing your business.
A great example of companies that thrived by leveraging third-party software, integrations, programs, applications are Shopify and WordPress. They’ve became successful by providing a robust platform that integrates seamlessly with various tools, making it easier for merchants to manage their stores and scale their businesses.
Here’s a rundown of 20 must-have tools that can make a big difference for new and small business owners:
1. Messaging app is Slack
When it comes to team communication, Slack is a game-changer. It’s a messaging app that keeps all your work conversations in one place, organized by channels, which can be set up by team, project, or whatever else fits your business needs. For example, if you have a marketing team, a sales team, and a product development team, each can have its own channel.
According to Slack, using their tool can lead to a 32% increase in productivity. Slack also supports file sharing, video calls, and integration with other tools like Google Drive and Trello. This makes it easy to keep everyone on the same page, no matter where they are. With remote work becoming more common, having a tool like Slack can be a crucial part of your business operations.
2. Project management tool is Trello
Trello is another tool that can revolutionize the way you manage your projects. Using a visual board and card system, Trello helps you track tasks, set deadlines, and collaborate with your team. For instance, you can create a board for a marketing campaign, then add cards for tasks like “write blog post,” “design social media graphics,” and “schedule email blast.” Each card can have checklists, due dates, and assigned team members.
A report by McKinsey & Company states that companies using effective project management tools can save up to 28% of their project costs. Trello’s flexibility means you can customize it to fit any workflow, making it an invaluable tool for keeping projects on track and ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.
3. Financial management tool is QuickBooks
QuickBooks is essential for managing your business finances. It allows you to track income and expenses, create invoices, run payroll, and generate financial reports. For example, you can connect your bank account to QuickBooks, which will automatically import transactions, saving you hours of manual data entry.
According to Intuit, users save an average of 11 hours per month on bookkeeping tasks. QuickBooks also offers insights into your financial health, helping you make informed decisions about your business. Whether you’re paying vendors, invoicing clients, or preparing for tax season, QuickBooks makes financial management a breeze.
4. Payment processor is PayPal
PayPal is a widely-used payment processing tool that allows businesses to accept payments online. With PayPal, you can send invoices, accept payments via credit card, and even set up a merchant account for your online store. For example, if you run an e-commerce site, integrating PayPal can make the checkout process seamless for your customers.
There is also a PayPal feature called buyer protection, which can increase customer trust and lead to more sales. According to PayPal, businesses that use their service see a 27% increase in sales on average. Having a reliable payment processor is crucial for ensuring you get paid on time and can manage your cash flow effectively.
5. Email marketing tool is Mailchimp
Mailchimp is a powerful email marketing tool that helps you create, send, and analyze email campaigns. It’s user-friendly and comes with a variety of templates, making it easy to design professional-looking emails even if you don’t have a background in graphic design. For example, you can use Mailchimp to send out newsletters, promotional offers, or product updates.
According to Mailchimp, businesses that use email marketing see an average return on investment (ROI) of $42 for every $1 spent. Mailchimp also offers analytics, so you can track open rates, click-through rates, and other important metrics to see how your campaigns are performing.
6. Social media management tool is Hootsuite
Hootsuite is a tool that helps you manage your social media presence. With Hootsuite, you can schedule posts, track social media activity, and analyze performance across multiple platforms, all from one dashboard.
For example, you can schedule a week’s worth of posts for Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram in just one sitting. Hootsuite also provides insights into the best times to post and which types of content are performing well.
According to a survey by Social Media Examiner, 88% of marketers believe that social media efforts have increased exposure for their business, and tools like Hootsuite make managing these efforts much easier. By streamlining your social media management, you can save time and ensure you’re consistently engaging with your audience.
7. Task management tool is Todoist
Todoist is a simple yet powerful task management tool that helps you stay organized and productive. With Todoist, you can create to-do lists, set deadlines, and prioritize tasks.
For example, you can create a list for your daily tasks, another for weekly goals, and yet another for long-term projects. Todoist also offers features like recurring due dates and project templates, which can save you time on repetitive tasks.
According to a survey by Atlassian, employees spend up to 40% of their workweek on tasks that do not contribute to company goals. Using a tool like Todoist can help you stay focused on what matters most and ensure you’re making the best use of your time.
8. Time tracking tool is Toggl
Toggl is a time tracking tool that helps you understand how you’re spending your time. With Toggl, you can track time spent on different tasks and projects, which can be invaluable for improving productivity and billing clients accurately.
For example, if you’re a freelance designer, you can use Toggl to track how much time you spend on each client’s project and then generate detailed reports for invoicing.
According to a study by Harvard Business Review, individuals who track their time are more productive and better at managing their work-life balance. Toggl’s intuitive interface makes it easy to start tracking your time, and its reports can provide valuable insights into how you can work more efficiently.
9. CRM tool is HubSpot
HubSpot is a comprehensive CRM tool that helps you manage your interactions with customers and leads. With HubSpot, you can track customer interactions, manage sales pipelines, and automate marketing tasks. For example, you can use HubSpot to send automated follow-up emails to leads who have shown interest in your products or services.
According to HubSpot, companies using their customer relationship management see an average increase of 29% in sales revenue. HubSpot’s CRM is free to start, with additional features available in paid plans, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. By keeping all your customer data in one place, you can ensure you’re providing a personalized experience and building strong relationships with your customers.
10. Sales tool is Salesforce
Salesforce is another powerful CRM tool that helps you manage your sales processes and customer relationships. With Salesforce, you can track leads, manage contacts, and create detailed sales reports.
For example, if you’re running a sales team, you can use Salesforce to monitor each sales team member’s performance and identify areas for improvement.
According to a study by Salesforce, businesses using their CRM see an average increase of 25% in sales productivity. Salesforce also offers a wide range of integrations with other tools, allowing you to create a seamless workflow.
Having a robust CRM like Salesforce can help you streamline your sales processes and ensure you’re making the most of every opportunity.
11. Cloud storage service is Google Drive
Google Drive is an essential tool for storing and sharing files online. With Google Drive, you can store documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and other files in the cloud, making them accessible from any device. For example, you can create a shared folder for your team where everyone can upload and access project files.
According to Google, businesses using Google Drive see an average of 30% increase in productivity. Google Drive also integrates with other Google Workspace tools like Docs, Sheets, and Slides, allowing you to collaborate in real-time. By using Google Drive, you can ensure that your files are always accessible and that your team can collaborate effectively.
12. File sharing service is Dropbox
Dropbox is another popular tool for file sharing service. With Dropbox, you can store your files in the cloud and share them with others easily. For example, if you’re working on a project with a remote team, you can use Dropbox to share files and keep everyone up to date. Dropbox also offers features like file versioning, which allows you to access previous versions of a file if you need to.
According to Dropbox, teams using their service are 20% more productive. By using Dropbox, you can ensure that your files are safe, accessible, and easy to share with others.
13. Graphic design tool is Canva
Canva is a user-friendly design tool that allows you to create professional-quality graphics. With Canva, you can design everything from social media posts to business cards to presentations. For example, if you need to create an eye-catching Instagram post, you can use one of Canva’s many templates and customize it to fit your brand.
According to Canva, users save an average of 4 hours per week on design tasks. Canva also offers a range of features like photo editing, custom fonts, and collaboration tools, making it a versatile tool for any design project. By using Canva, you can ensure that your marketing materials look professional and consistent with your brand.
14. Website builder is Wix
Wix is a website builder that allows you to create a professional-looking website without any coding knowledge. With Wix, you can choose from hundreds of website templates and customize them to fit your business. For example, if you’re opening a bakery, you can
choose a template designed for food businesses and add your own photos and text. According to a survey by Clutch, 46% of small businesses do not have a website, but having one can increase your credibility and visibility.
Wix also offers features like e-commerce, blogging, and SEO tools, making it a comprehensive solution for building and managing your website. By using Wix, you can ensure that your online presence is professional and effective.
15. E-signature tool is DocuSign
DocuSign is an e-signature tool that allows you to sign and send documents electronically. With DocuSign, you can get contracts, agreements, and other important documents signed quickly and securely. For example, if you need to get a client’s signature on a contract, you can send it via DocuSign and they can sign it from anywhere, on any device.
According to DocuSign, businesses using their service see an 80% reduction in turnaround time for document processing. DocuSign also offers features like document templates and audit trails, making it a valuable tool for managing your business’s paperwork. By using DocuSign, you can streamline your document processes and ensure that everything is handled efficiently and securely.
16. Customer support tool is Zendesk
Zendesk is a customer support tool that helps you manage customer inquiries and provide excellent service. With Zendesk, you can track and respond to customer tickets, create a knowledge base, and analyze support performance. For example, if you receive a high volume of customer inquiries, Zendesk can help you manage and prioritize them to ensure timely responses.
According to a survey by Zendesk, businesses using their service see a 25% increase in customer satisfaction. Zendesk also offers features like live chat and social media integration, making it a comprehensive solution for customer support.
By using Zendesk, you can ensure that your customers receive the help they need and that your support team is working efficiently.
17. Online store is Woocommerce
Business owners need an online store using WooCommerce because it’s versatile, user-friendly, and powerful. WooCommerce is built on WordPress, making it easy to integrate with a variety of plugins and themes. This gives businesses the flexibility to create an online store customized for presence on the internet to sell products or services.
It’s also cost-effective because the core plugin is free, and many additional features are available at reasonable prices. WooCommerce powers over 28% of all online stores, showing its reliability and popularity.
Additionally, it supports various payment gateways, shipping options, and marketing tools, making it a comprehensive solution for selling products online.
With its extensive documentation and active community support, business owners can easily find help and resources, ensuring their online store runs smoothly and efficiently.
18. SEO Keyword Research is Ahrefs
For serious entrepreneurs, they need SEO keyword research tools like Ahrefs because it directly impacts their website’s visibility on search engines, leading to more traffic and potential customers. Ahrefs helps identify high-traffic keywords that competitors are using, providing a competitive edge.
For instance, businesses using Ahrefs can see up to a 50% increase in organic traffic within months. The tool’s comprehensive data on keyword search volume, keyword difficulty, and backlink profiles allows for strategic content creation, targeting the right audience effectively. This translates to better search rankings and higher conversion rates, making Ahrefs an essential investment for business growth.
19. SMS Marketing App is Salesmsg
Promotions or advertising campaigns need SMS marketing app like Salesmsg because it boosts customer engagement and drives sales. Studies show that SMS messages have a 98% open rate, compared to just 20% for emails. This means your messages are almost guaranteed to be seen.
Salesmsg also allows for two-way texting, making it easy for businesses to have real conversations with their customers. This personal touch can increase customer loyalty and satisfaction. Additionally, SMS marketing is fast, efficient, and cost-effective, making it a smart choice for any business looking to grow and succeed in today’s market.
20. VPN is Hotspot Shield and CyberGhost
Using a VPN like Hotspot Shield or CyberGhost is essential for several reasons. First, these VPNs provide strong encryption, which protects sensitive data from hackers. For instance,
CyberGhost uses AES-256 encryption, a standard used by governments and security experts worldwide. Second, VPNs ensure secure remote internet access for employees, crucial in today’s remote work environment.
Hotspot Shield offers fast and reliable connections, making remote work seamless. Third, VPNs can bypass geo-restrictions, allowing access to global content and services, which is vital for international business operations. Both Hotspot Shield and CyberGhost have extensive server networks, ensuring consistent access to needed resources.
The use of a VPN can prevent bandwidth throttling by ISPs, ensuring faster internet speeds for critical business operations. With these features, VPNs like Hotspot Shield and CyberGhost are indispensable tools for any business owner aiming to protect their data, support remote work, and maintain smooth operations.
What’s the Most Important Tool for an Online Business?
The most important tool for small business owners selling online is a robust e-commerce platform. This platform serves as the foundation for your online store, handling everything from product listings and inventory management to payment processing and customer service.
A good e-commerce platform makes it easy to set up and manage your store, offers secure and reliable payment options, and provides tools to help you market your products and track sales. With a solid e-commerce platform, you can focus on growing your business without worrying about the technical details.