Running An Online Business, My Top 8 Essential Tools
Technology is a wonderful thing! Isn't it incredible that we can run businesses from anywhere with a solid internet connection? All these modern tech toys and apps make running an online business wonderful, but challenging.
All this tech can be a double-edged sword, however, because it's so easy to get overwhelmed. As business owners, we're constantly bombarded with ads and suggestions for which apps, tools, and programs to use to run our businesses. Finding the ones that work for us can take a lot of frustrating trial and error!
I've experimented with tons of different business tools over the years, and I've finally found the ones that work best for my business. If you're still on the search for the perfect systems, try these out to see if they are a good fit for you.
As business owners, we're constantly bombarded with ads and suggestions for which apps, tools, and programs to use to run our businesses. Finding the ones that work for us can take a lot of frustrating trial and error! Click To Tweet
Here are my 8 must-have tools that keep my business running smoothly:
1. Lastpass
What it is:
Lastpass is an online password management tool that will securely keep track of all your passwords so you don’t have to. It even allows you to share encrypted passwords with your team!
I love LastPass because it’s convenient and simple to use. It’s a pain to remember all of my passwords!
2. Teamwork
What it is:
Teamwork is a project management tool that you can use to track milestones, with team members, and lots more. I've tried Trello, Asana, and Basecamp to name a few. Teamwork is hands down the best thing for our team at The Entrepreneur's Toolbox.
I love Teamwork for project management because you can create tasks lists (set of tasks under one list), create due dates, assign people to the tasks, and set time frames. Nothing gets lost and I can see at a glance what's due, overdue, or coming up. This helps our team stay organized and on track!
3. MeetEdgar
What it is:
MeetEdgar is a social media scheduling tool. New posts, one-time promotions, and timeless evergreen content are shared and re-shared at the pace you choose.
I love Edgar because who doesn't love an octopus, right? No, seriously, when you run out of new updates in your scheduled categories, he automatically refills your queue with past published updates. This is something other scheduling platforms like Hootsuite don’t offer, and it's super handy when you get busy and don't have time to create new updates. That way, you don't lose momentum with your social media communities.
4. Zoom
What it is:
Zoom is a web conferencing tool that you can use for meetings or webinars.
They offer a variety of plans that range from free to enterprise options. I used to be a GoToWebinar/GoTo Meeting diehard girl. This is one of the best switches I made, technically & financially!
I love Zoom because it’s easy to use and navigate, they offer a free plan, and have necessary host features (like screen sharing and ability to chat with participants). I love using it for team and client meetings!
5. Canva
What it is:
Canva is a graphic design tool. There is a free and paid version. I love my graphic artist and she still does the heavy lifting with some of my brand graphics and documents, but my team and I can still do one offs and social media images that look better than ever.
I love Canva because it’s user friendly and cloud–based. The paid version called Canva for Work allows you to set up and save your brand kit and collaborate with your team.
6. Quickbooks
What it is:
Quickbooks is an all-in–one accounting solution that allows you to manage sales, expenses, payroll, etc. It is available in both an online and desktop version.
I love Quickbooks because it's simple to use and allows me to see my business finances all at once.
7. Microsoft OneDrive
What it is:
Microsoft OneDrive is Microsoft’s service for hosting files in the cloud. It’s free to anyone with a Microsoft account.
I love OneDrive because sharing files and collaborating with my team is effortless. It also automatically saves your work, so there's no need to click a “save” button. Microsoft makes it easy to view documents on the go with their OneDrive app.
8. Convertkit
What it is:
Convertkit is an email marketing platform with a lot more functionality than MailChimp, Aweber, etc. Many people say it's a light version of Infusionsoft.
I love Converkit because it's much simpler than other platforms I've tried, and it allows me to manage several different lists and opt-ins at once! Covertkit makes email marketing easy and effective.
What are your must–have tools for your business?
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