Photo by Jakob Owens via Unsplash

There are many challenging aspects of operating a small business. For instance, you need to coordinate your team, pay wages and track your expenses. One of the most important aspects is automating and tracking your inventory. Using the appropriate apps to automate your tasks can give you extra time and help the business function seamlessly.

In this article, presented by WONGCW, we have highlighted some of the best business apps plus advice that will allow you more free time to focus on what matters.

Hootsuite

Hootsuite is another resource to help you with social media marketing. It allows you to schedule posts ahead of time for when your target audience and followers are most active. It also flows your mentions and comments into one place so you aren’t having to switch between apps to respond to everyone. Finally, the app offers analytics so you know which posts have performed the best so that you can do more of the same in the future.

Square

Square is a platform that offers affordable software solutions to entrepreneurs, and small-business owners free of charge. It comes with the Square point-of-sale (POS) system, a program to handle invoicing, an app that facilitates payment, and chip readers.

Square can get integrated with add-on services, making it possible to add more features as you expand. On Square, all card types get charged equal rates, whether credit, debit, rewards, or corporate cards. This also applies to all card brands such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.

Besides the regular free processing plan, Square offers additional services at a cost. For instance, Square has a one or two-day waiting period for money transfers into your bank account. You have an option for instant deposits or same-day deposits at an extra 1.5%. Other capabilities of Square include: 

• Processing payments from debit and credit cards, cash, paper checks, mobile wallets, and gift cards.
• You can print receipts, email, or text them.
• You can keep track of your stock real time.
• You can generate reports and see sales data.
• You can build a website using Square Online Store for free.
• You can add buy buttons to your existing website or blog.
• You can add QR codes to signs, and displays to enable customers to scan and make payments from their phones.

Square functions on both Apple and Android platforms, so you won’t need a new phone or tablet.

Shopify

Shopify is an eCommerce platform that helps you to build and manage your own online store without the need for any tech skills. The design is scalable, allowing you to sell products on your website, on several marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, as well as social media platforms. Shopify has more than 1,200 apps, with features to help you track inventory and manage shipping tools.

Invest in Cybersecurity

Regardless of which apps you use to save time as you run your business, you’ll need to keep cybersecurity in mind. One of the simplest things you can do to protect yourself from cyber attacks is to keep your apps updated. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, so staying on top of your app versions is critical for your digital security.

Time to Upgrade That Old Phone

If you want to make the most of these helpful apps, then you may need to upgrade your phone—especially if it’s been a few years since your last upgrade. You don’t need to splurge on the latest top-of-the-line model, but a more updated version will help these apps work as needed. And if you plan to take your phone out in the field, consider purchasing a protective case or a screen that can help protect it from dents and scratches.

Of course, these apps are just a drop in the bucket of what’s available. Take a moment to analyze your business, determine which apps would work best for you, and then take it from there. Before you know it, you may discover you have a little more time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Invoice Maker

Invoice Maker by Saldo Apps is an innovative business tool that you can use to send invoice online quickly and easily. Additional functions of the application include the ability to monitor the status of the invoice – paid/due/overdue; branding and customization of the invoice – choose from a variety of fonts and add the company logo in a matter of seconds; keep the list of the customers and their purchases; choose the online payment option that suits you best – from Stripe to credit card; get statics of your finances and so much more!