Business apps have become an integral part of most companies’ day-to-day operations. Whether it’s for tracking time, invoicing on the go, typing up a quick email reply, or navigating to a destination, apps are the way to go for many of us.
When evaluating small business apps, here are some things to think about:
- First, keep an eye out for integrations. When your apps work well with the software you already have, you get the most.
- Check if a business app integrates with other tools before you buy it, and see if it will work with the tools you already use.
- Don’t put cutting costs ahead of getting things done. Managers who use free business apps to save money often do so at the expense of business productivity. This is because free software might not do what you want it to do, which could add to your work.
- Don’t pick a free app just to cut costs if you compromise features.
- Find out what you can. For example, read reviews of the product (apps) online, or ask your coworkers what they think of it before using it in your business.
With that out of the way, what are some of the best Business apps for making the most of your workday?
We’ve compiled a list of our top suggestions we feel are worth a look.
- Office 365: This monthly/annual subscription is mobile-friendly and gives you access to cloud-based business apps from Microsoft. Standouts include Outlook and the entire Microsoft suite.
- Teams: Microsoft Teams is a collaboration app made for hybrid work that helps you and your team remain current, organized, and connected. Features include video conferencing, voice calls, screen share integration, calendar connectivity, etc. This stand-out app is beneficial if you are a part of the Microsoft ecosystem.
- Slack: Slack provides workplace communication, tools, and files like Teams. It’s also a messaging system with add-on tools.
Slack’s channels (group chat) and direct messages (DM) keep you linked to your business. - Dropbox: This cloud-based storage service stores data, photos, presentations, etc. Depending on the version, monthly costs vary.
- OneDrive: Another fantastic cloud storage alternative, OneDrive syncs with your Office 365 account for seamless saving.
- Google Maps: The best-designed mapping service accessible (i.e., Apple, Waze). Google Maps includes directions, reviews, and points of interest, and connects with most calendars.
- Zoom: What more is there to say about the pandemic, darling? Its feature-rich video conferencing is a household name, and that is due to its cross-platform support and plethora of meeting tools.
- Hootsuite: Planning social media posts has never been easier. Hootsuite is a social media manager’s best friend. This app allows you to curate content, schedule posts, and map it seamlessly.
- OnePass: A password manager with many features, such as automatically filling out forms and making passwords. Also, it connects to most accounts for easy sign-in.
- Nimble: Nimble is the perfect customer relationship management (CRM) software for a small growing business looking for simple software with compatibility with most social media accounts.
- RingCentral: You’re in luck if you have VOIP through RingCentral. The app makes it easy to switch between team messages, video meetings, and phone calls on the web, your desktop, and your mobile device. This lets you stay in touch while you’re on the go.
