Top Apps & Software to Automate your Small Business

By Michelle Loredo

Automation can improve efficiency in your small business. Different platforms can help with accounting, payroll, project management, sales and other business aspects.

If you are implementing automation, hold training for your employees and give them time to adjust to the different platforms. Be open for feedback and work together with your employees to improve the overall process.  

We have compiled a list of automation software that aims to help your business productivity and efficiency. 

Accounting and Bookkeeping Software

With accounting business software, you can track your revenue, expenses, business financial health and other financial aspects. You will be able to automate invoices, expenses, monthly reports, etc. 

FreshBooks

FreshBooks is an accounting software aimed to help freelancers, small business owners and contractors. The program includes invoicing, time tracking, accounting and a mobile option. You can add 100 integrations to streamline your business connectivity including, Google Suite, MailChimp, Bech and many others.  

You can start with a free trial and, pricing starts at $4.50 for five billable clients to custom pricing. 

QuickBooks 

QuickBooks Accounting is a software that includes live bookkeeping, profitability insights, invoices, inventory management, payments and time tracking. They have plans for new businesses, field services, product sellers and non-profit organizations. 

Xero

Xero Software features a multitude of different features outside of accounting and bookkeeping. 

For financial services, the system can: pay bills, claim expenses, connect to your bank account, accept payments, track monetary projects, payroll, bank reconciliation, inventory and invoices. You can also connect to third-party apps, including Shopify, PayPal and 900 plus. 

Communication and Marketing Software 

Different software and apps can help boost your marketing and communication plans. You can automate social media posts to cut the hassle of posting manually and send reminders to customers about changing business hours. 

ActiveCampaign

ActiveCampaign helps with email marketing, CRM and sales automation, automate follow-ups and app integration. It connects with Shopify, Zapier, Salesforce, Facebook and 850+ applications. 

Buffer

Buffer offers publishing tools, analytics insights and engagement insights. You can schedule your social media post, respond to direct messages and comments and track your process. 

Hootsuite

Hootsuite allows you to manage your social media all in one place. You can create and schedule posts, manage social media channels, plan campaigns, manage messages, analytics and phone app. 

Customer Relations Management Software (CRM)

Customer Relations Management Software are online platforms to help with your customer relations and engaging leads. 

HubSpot

HubSpot is a CRM platform that has the tools and integrations for marketing, sales and operations. It includes Marketing Hub, Sales Hub, Service Hub, CMS Hub and Operations Hub. 

Salesforce

Salesforce can help strengthen your connections with current clients, find high-quality leads and track marketing performance. You can also create landing pages and forms without having to code. 

Zoho CRM

Zoho CRM includes different applications that will help offers no-code solutions and developer solutions. It includes sales, marketing, customers support, finance, human resources, contracts and much more.

Project Management Software 

Project management software is used by businesses of all sizes and helps with allocating resources, control of budget, quality management and streamlining projects. 

Microsoft SharePoint

Microsoft SharePoint is part of Office 365 and aims to facilitate collaborate in a business. You can create multiple project trackers and access the information across PCs, Macs and mobile devices. 

Monday.com

Monday.com is a project management software that includes different options, including CRM, marketing, IT, task management, and workflows. It includes templates showing you the features for each and how to start. 

Trello

Trello helps with team management, project management with no-code automation. You can integrate third-party apps including; Google Drive, Confluence, Slack and Dropbox.