ROCKS DIGITAL  BLOG

Laura Darkstar

Let’s Talk Tools: Small Business Tools for SMB Success

Tips for SMB Success
Image Credit – one photo/Shutterstock.com

I’m always on the lookout for ways to make business easier and more efficient for me and my clients. I frequently hear the question “What small business tools can help me the most as an SMB owner?” Every business will have a different set of needs but there are some core essentials that are especially good for those with a home office.

18 Small Business Tools To Improve Efficiency and Productivity

Keep ‘em Calling: Communication Tools

Sure, you can use a landline or your cellphone, but here’s a list of small business tools for communication that make sense, too:

  • Skype. You can get a Skype number to use as your office phone. This is nice if you want to set clear “office hours” for yourself, and have a voicemail that doesn’t put your cellphone number “out there” for everyone.
  • Google Voice. This is another good option that gives you a business phone number and keeps your cellphone private. You can set it up to forward to your cell to be available, even when you’re on the go.
  • Ring Central. This option is a little more robust than Skype or Google Voice, and can be really handy if you have an assistant answering your business phone live.

Back That Data Up: Cloud Storage Tools

If you collaborate or if you just want to be able to access your frequently-used files from any computer, or mobile device, this is a handy small business tool. The following are good options, which have both free and paid services available.

  • Dropbox. You can sign up for free and there are often ways to “earn” a little more storage space. There’s also a premium option, which is good if you have a large number of clients and collaborations.
  • Google Drive. If you use Google, this is available to you–and it’s free! You also have the option to upgrade if you need more space.
  • Box. This application is similar to Dropbox. There is a free personal plan that includes 10 GB of storage space and an upgrade is actually pretty inexpensive.

The Secret Word: Password Managers

Have you ever forgotten a password? Or are you guilty of using the same password to log in everywhere (shudder)? Either way, password managers are a small business tool to help you keep your passwords safe. These also allow you to generate strong passwords to make logging in to sites stress free; and we could all use a little less stress.

  • LastPass. The free version is pretty robust and their premium version is affordable at only $12 a year.
  • Dashlane. This application also offers both free and premium versions, which allow syncing across all of your devices.
  • Passpack. Again, another great tool that has free and pro versions. With this tool, you can share passwords with other users. It’s great for companies to share their passwords with an external team member, and quickly remove access when they no longer need it.

On the Dotted Line: Electronic Signature Tools

These time-saving small business tools allow you to get contracts and documents signed electronically. No more having to print, sign, mail (or fax) and wait for it to come back to you.

  • Cudasign. Quick and easy at $1 a month. You can also upgrade to a premium version, which allows for integration with a number of platforms.
  • Adobe Document Cloud eSign. This service was formerly known as EchoSign, but was recently acquired by Adobe. The Personal version is pretty affordable, but Premium is a bit more expensive.
  • Hellosign. If you only need three or fewer documents signed per month, the service is free. However, for more than that, a Pro plan is available.

Do What? When? Task and Project Management Systems

Finally, we have the small business tool everyone needs, something handy to keep you on track. There are several options ranging from “to-do” lists to full-blown project management systems.

To-Do lists:

  • Todoist. This application has both free and premium versions and is available on multiple operating systems. There are free applications and extensions making this accessible whether you’re on a desktop or mobile.
  • Workflowy. This tool also provides both free and premium versions and is described as an online notebook for lists.
  • Evernote. This list manager has really nice features moving it beyond just a “to-do” list application. This is also available in free and premium versions.

Task Managers:

  • Asana. This is fairly simple to learn with easy-to-find tutorials and it has a free version available.
  • Teamwork PM. The free version only allows you 2 projects, but if you’re in a cash-saving mode and only using it for yourself, that can work.
  • Basecamp. Many people love Basecamp; I’m personally not a fan. But, it is fairly easy to work with and not prohibitively expensive.

Create a Killer Kit for Productivity

This is, by no means, an all-inclusive list of small business tools available or needed by SMB owners, but these will get you started and on a great path. Find what you need to maximize your time in the “office.” Try and try again until you find the right combination of small business tools that work for you and your team.

The idea is to utilize these tools to get organized and, therefore, you can be more productive.  And when you’re more productive, you’re headed in the right direction for small business success!

What small business tools do you use to help you get things done? Have you seen any great improvements? Let’s talk about it in the comments.

Laura Darkstar

Laura Darkstar, owner of Adminderella, is an Administrative Strategist, Blogger, Entrepreneur & Aspiring Novelist. She loves social media and small biz owners.

More Posts - Website

Download Our SEO Guide

Created in a joint partnership with Advice Local, this guide — What You Need to Know About SEO — provides an introduction to SEO concepts, strategies and best practices for optimizing a website. Complete the form below and get instant access.

    ROCKING DIGITAL SERVICES

    Web Design & Development

    Your website needs to be aesthetically pleasing and functional. We build websites for desktop and mobile that are both.

    LOCAL SEARCH & SEO

    Your website needs to attract search engines and consumers. We are experts in local search and SEO, and can make that happen.

    CONTENT CREATION & MARKETING

    Anybody can write words on a page, but can they write content that integrates SEO best practices and converts? We can.

    PPC & Paid Search

    PPC & Paid Search

    Need more customers? We create paid campaigns to reach your target audience and increase sales.

    Tracking & Optimization

    You need a solid foundation for success online, and our tracking & optimization services get it done.

    Graphic Design Services

    Graphic Design Services

    From logo design to your business card, brochures – and everything in-between for print & web – we can help!

    Here’s What Our Client's Have to Say

    Their Local Business Websites Rock

    ★★★★★
    Rocks Digital knows how to build local business websites that convert prospects to customers. Not only do I recommend them to work on my reputation management client’s websites, but they work on the Reputation Sensei brand, too.
    - Chris Snellgrove

    They Customize Their Solutions

    ★★★★★
    Rocks Digital customizes to meet their client’s needs. We needed our existing website optimized for search. We are now placing for more industry keywords and continue to improve. They consult with our in-house team on content optimization, manage our GMB listing & more.
    - Greta Valenti

    Highly Recommend

    ★★★★★
    Rocks Digital manages not only the Association of Directory Publishers website, but our Trusted Local Directory. From helping us get our event information on the website to producing guides, blogs and new content, they have what it takes.
    - Cindi Aldrich

    Rocks Digital Is the Best Choice

    ★★★★★
    As a long-term client, when it was time to change the primary focus of my real estate business, and my website, I knew Rocks Digital was the way to go. They took my existing website, gave it a complete new look, and still managed to keep my existing content.
    - David Dorum

    Brought My Ideas to Fruition

    ★★★★★
    Rocks Digital came highly recommended. Once I started working with them I knew why. They took my ideas for a beautiful website and brought them to the screen. From the design phase to content creation, each component was thoughtfully considered and addressed.
    - Clay Adams

    Conversions Are on the Rise

    ★★★★★
    Rocks Digital manages two of my websites. They produce our blogs, our service pages and manage our paid search campaigns. Conversions are up and new patients are coming in the door. I highly recommend their digital marketing services.
    - Dr. Thomas Chacko

    Agency Services Are Top Notch

    ★★★★★
    We shifted to Rocks Digital agency services earlier in the year. We are so glad we did. Our website sessions are up, page views are up, and bounce rate is down. Now we can easily see how many form fills we have had at any given time through their real-time reporting.
    - Kristin Schafer

    Their Local Business Websites Rock

    ★★★★★
    Rocks Digital knows how to build local business websites that convert prospects to customers. Not only do I recommend them to work on my reputation management client’s websites, but they work on the Reputation Sensei brand, too.
    - Chris Snellgrove

    They Customize Their Solutions

    ★★★★★
    Rocks Digital customizes to meet their client’s needs. We needed our existing website optimized for search. We are now placing for more industry keywords and continue to improve. They consult with our in-house team on content optimization, manage our GMB listing & more.
    - Greta Valenti

    Highly Recommend

    ★★★★★
    Rocks Digital manages not only the Association of Directory Publishers website, but our Trusted Local Directory. From helping us get our event information on the website to producing guides, blogs and new content, they have what it takes.
    - Cindi Aldrich
    Name
    Email
    Review Title
    Rating
    Review Content

    LATEST BLOG POSTS

    Local SEO company strategies.

    What Does a Local SEO Company Do?

    Local SEO is a digital marketing strategy focused on boosting a business’ local search visibility within a particular area. With the successful implementation of proven

    Hire a digital marketing agency.

    Why Hire a Digital Marketing Agency

    Staying ahead of search engine updates and marketing trends is a constant challenge, so it’s no surprise that businesses frequently turn to digital marketing agencies.

    LOCAL VISIBILITY REPORT

    Is your Google My Business listing helping or hurting you? Is bad data causing consumers and search engines to lose trust in your business? This is information you simply must know.

    To get these answers right now, just enter your business name below to run our FREE
    visibility report.


    Need a facelift
    for your website? More search traffic? Need to blog, but don’t have time?

    Our Digital Services Could Be For You
    Get a Free Local Visibility Report Now