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Starting an online business is both an exciting and overwhelming time for people. Like starting any new business, starting an online business requires people to consider a variety of different things in order for it to be successful. From figuring out finances and customer service to perfecting the service and hiring the right employees, new online business owners have a lot to think about.
As the Digital Age thrives, more and more people are gravitating towards starting an online business or moving their business to be solely online. People are finding that their businesses are more successful when they are online since people prefer to communicate and purchase goods/services on the internet rather than in person. Online businesses make people’s lives easier and more convenient and also allow employees of the business to work remotely.
From online retail stores to SEO and web development services, online business is a lucrative field to be in. With that being said, in order to have a flourishing business, one must make sure that he or she knows how to operate the business behind a computer screen and that the right kind of software is installed. The right kind of software is necessary for making a business successful; however, many people don’t know where to start when it comes to installing the proper kind of software because there are so many different kinds and functions.
Are you thinking about starting your own online business and are stumped when it comes to what kind of software to install? You’re not alone. This post will detail the most important software to use when it comes to your online business.
» What You Need to Know About the Kind of Software You Need for Your New Business
There are thousands of different kinds of software to choose from when it comes to software for an online business. For people who aren't familiar with the software, choosing what kind to use can be a stressful and confusing process. Some people may not even know the first thing when it comes to software and what it does. If this sounds familiar, here are some pointers to help you choose the software that is right for your new online business.
› Website Building Software
This is the first kind of software that new online business owners need to think about and consider. If your business exists solely online, your website must run the way it should and be easy to use for both you and potential customers. To ensure that your website is working the way it should, you will need to use quality website-building software such as:
• WordPress
• Squarespace
• Wix
When you use a website building software, the website will essentially be built for you, and what you will need to do is adjust settings, and aesthetics, and install various plugins based on your website’s needs.
Most website builders allow you to choose from thousands of themes and provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to customize each one of your pages. The website design software that will be best for you will be based on the kind of online business that you have. It will be worth your while to look into which software people in your industry use and recommend.
› Security Software
This is perhaps one of the most important kinds of software that you will need to install to have an online business that runs smoothly and is protected from malware and internet hackers. An expert from a company that is a digital forensics investigator pointed out that security software has the potential to save online business owners from potentially losing their business, losing money, or even getting their customers or their own personal information exploited.
There are various kinds of security software, such as:
• Anti-virus software
• Encryption software
• Spyware removal software
• Firewall software
You can install all of these different kinds as they all protect you and your business from different things. Some of the most popular security software that online business owners are using include:
• Norton
• BullGuard
• Avira
• McAfee
• Kaspersky
› Accounting and Bookkeeping Software
You will want to manage your online business’s finances in an organized and beneficial way. It's important that you take advantage of accounting and bookkeeping software so that you and your employees can get paid on time so that you can keep track of your spending and where the money is coming from, and make sure you are financially staying on track. Some accounting and bookkeeping software that many online businesses use include:
• QuickBooks
• FreshBooks
• Wave Apps
• Xero
Accounting and bookkeeping software such as those mentioned above will offer accounting, invoicing, and payroll services and will store information in a cloud so that it’s safe and secure.
› Communication Software
Because your business exists online, you may likely never see your employees or customers, so you will need to install communication software to make staying in contact easier. Some communication software that will make communication easier includes:
• Skype
• Slack
• Zoom
• Grasshopper
› Project Management
Another way to make sure that your online business runs smoothly is by using project management software. Project management software will ensure that your employees are aware and able to do what they need to do and it will make delegating tasks more straightforward for you. As an online business owner, you will be able to stay on top of tasks and be sure that you and your team meet deadlines.
Managing projects as an online business can be a challenge, but with project management software such as the ones below, you can rest easy.
• Trello
• Basecamp
• Teamwork.com
› Productivity Software
Operating an online business gives your employees the opportunity to work remotely, so it’s important that you make sure that the team is productive as a whole since you will likely never, or very rarely, be together. Productivity software will also help you as the online business owner be more organized and productive by letting you know where improvements can be made and what projects need to be delegated or taken care of. Some productivity software that online business owners are using include:
• RescueTime
• Any.do
• Utilization management software
› Marketing Software
As a new online business, you will want to invest as much money and time into marketing as possible to grow your client base. However, like security software, there are thousands of different kinds of software options for the different kinds of marketing available. The different kinds of marketing that will benefit an online business are:
• Email marketing
• Social media marketing
• Paid advertising
• Content marketing/ SEO
From these various types of marketing come various marketing software options. Depending on your business, one form of marketing may be more beneficial than another. Here is a shortlist of software unique to each form of marketing.
› Email Marketing
• MailChimp
• Campaign Monitor
• Emma
• Constant Contact
› Social Media Marketing
• Buffer
• TweetDeck
• Hootsuite
› Paid Advertising
• Google AdWords
• Bing Ads
› Content Marketing/ SEO
» Take Advantage of What New Software Has to Offer
As you plan and grow in your new online business, keep these software pointers in mind. Also, be sure to constantly look into and research the software you are considering before purchasing and installing. Read reviews and find out whether or not it will benefit your business. It’s also important to point out that you need to stay up to date on new updates for software in order to protect your business from being hacked into as many hackers look for holes in the software’s code as a means of entrance.
Buying software for your online business can be complex, so make sure you're getting the most for your money and that you are installing only the best software possible.
