Negosentro | It might be 2019, but there are still a lot of business owners out there who haven’t digitized their business yet. Some have started the process, but often get overwhelmed with what it takes to move to a completely automated system, set up social media posts, or even use Facebook ads. If you are a business owner who has struggled to bring your business to the next stage of development because you can’t figure out or are struggling with what it is you need to do, this list can help you. Sometimes, it’s not that you can’t use the software, it’s that you don’t know what software or programs you actually need. We’re here to help.
Bookkeeping
If you are still doing your bookkeeping by hand, it’s time for an upgrade. You might not think there is anything wrong with paper tracking, and you’d be right! But, if you want to make things easier on yourself, your accounting, and your bottom line, switch to an accounting software that you are comfortable with. The truth is that they are pretty much the same and can do a lot of the same things, so test drive a couple out and see which one works for you. Your accountant may also be able to make a recommendation based on what they are experienced in using. Don’t let this one slow you down just because it can take a little while to set up. Once it’s done, you’ll be ready to rock and roll!
Social Media Automation
While social media automation seemed to balloon quickly and then fade into the background, businesses are still using it to a certain degree. The trick with social media automation is that it takes the pressure off of having to constantly be on social media platforms. Using social media platforms correctly, however, also requires that you put in some manual effort and actually engage with your audience. So even though you need a social media automation software, you also need to make time to talk to the people who use your services or buy your products. Don’t be shy about asking your business friends about what they use. People don’t always like to admit they do automation because it seems fake, but it’s a part of business that needs to be considered.
Email Marketing
If you still aren’t growing your email list, you need to start doing that as soon as possible. More and more, people are turning to the internet for the information they need, and you need to be taking advantage of that. Collecting emails and engaging with your customers is a lot easier when you have email marketing software set up. Again, a lot of these programs do the same kinds of things, so you just need to find the one that makes you feel comfortable. Obviously, looking for free trials or freemium services that you don’t have to pay for up front are a great option to get started, but as your list grows, you’ll need more robust software to help you handle your needs and list.
Customer Management Software
Even if you are a freelancer with four clients, you still need some kind of customer management software. There are many levels of use and function under the category of customer management software; for instance, if you don’t have a lot of clients, but need to manage projects, you might use a project management tool that can double as a customer management software package. Basically, you need a place to see who, what, when, where, and how you are interacting with your customers, when you last followed up, what their response was, what you worked on, how much you got paid, and so on. Customer management software is no more difficult to use than email marketing, and if you keep your eyes peeled, you might find one that does email marketing and customer management, and project management.
Authentication for Security Purposes
The final type of software you need is actually a digital service. Whenever you are using software online you need to make sure you are protecting your information and digital assets. This can include your credit card information, social security numbers, phone numbers, contacts lists, income, expenses, purchases, and more. If you are storing information on the internet, people can get at it. That’s why you need to consider using an authentication service. Multi-factor authentication benefits include confirming, on multiple levels, that you are who you say you are, and anyone trying to access your information confirms the same. You can’t be too careful when it comes to using and sharing information online. Protect yourself, and all of the great new software programs you’ll be using in your business with an authentication service. It’s seconds of your life to validate your identity that could protect the rest of your life.
