Apps I Use as a Mom Entrepreneur and Small Business Owner
Choosing the right software and programs to implement in your business can be nothing short of overwhelming. When I was first starting my business, there were so many options when it came to apps to use for different aspects throughout my company.
I’ve broken down the top three apps I use in my small business that have been a crucial element to being more efficient and organized.
Before checking out what I use, let’s start with things you should consider before downloading apps to use throughout your business. This is something I did to avoid purchasing any software, apps or programs that I wouldn’t end up using.
WRITE DOWN A LIST OF YOUR DAY-TO-DAY TASKS
How will you be reaching out to clients? Will you be emailing them or contacting via phone? Are you going to be bookkeeping yourself? What are some of the simple things you’ll be doing every day.
THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU TYPICALLY USE FOR COMMUNICATION
Let’s be honest, the idea of changing how you communicate with people when starting your business just isn’t realistic. Don’t change your normal habits UNLESS it’s something that just simply isn’t appropriate or doesn’t work with your business.
If you’re someone who loves to email, keep that in mind when choosing software to incorporate in your small business. In other words, don’t choose an application that is solely based on your phone. Use something versatile.
MAKE SURE YOUR CHOOSING APPS THAT ARE MULTI-PURPOSE
This may be a personal preference, but I don’t want to have a ton of different apps that I have to switch through in order to multiple tasks. I’m a mom. I don’t have time or patience to constantly think about which app I need to use and where it’s at. I love multi-purpose apps that offer a variety of ways I can check off multiple tasks on my to-do list.
APPS/SOFTWARE I USE
1
2
3
QUICKBOOKS
Bookkeeping solution for someone who plans on doing it themselves for a little while.
This may seem like an obvious one, but when I tell you it’s an essential part of my business… I mean it. Get a bookkeeping software the minute you start a business. This saves you time (and money) in the long run. Get your finances organized. Ask your accountant about software trust and recommend. Quickbooks is a pretty widely used application and it’s not extremely complicated to use.
Things I love about it…
user-friendly
phone app
client invoicing
integrates with your bank account
send re-occurring invoices
syncs with a variety of other applications (check out the next app recommendation)
Do your research and find a bookkeeping software that works within your lifestyle and business. Especially if you’re planning on doing your books yourself when first starting out.
DUBSADO
I can’t say enough great things about this application.
So.. what is it?
Dubsado is a CRM (Client Relationship Management) Software used in a variety of industries. I’ve seen this software used with so many mom entrepreneurs including designers, photographers, virtual assistants and more.
Things I love about it…
Customizable templates (proposals, contracts, emails, forms, etc.)
Client portals
Invoicing with easy online payment options
Lower invoice online payment fees
All-in-one software
Send emails, invoice, sign contracts, send proposals and more
Customizable automated CRM
Invoicing integrates with Quickbooks
If you’re in a service industry, this is the app you want to invest in. All your projects, client info, invoice, contracts, proposals and templates are in one dedicated location.
I use this software every single day. It has totally streamlined my processed. It’s one of the best investments I’ve made in my business.
CANVA
If you’re doing any type of design work for your business (or creating your own content), Canva is where it’s at. This platform is created as a user-friendly designing application that allows you to utilize all kinds of gorgeous templates or create your own.
Here’s how I use Canva…
Social content
Custom images
Customized documents
Ideas on content for clients
Banners, cover photos, backgrounds
The applications are endless. Most likely you’ve already heard of Canva or used it, but if you don’t know about it yet… it’s time to get on board! This is something I use daily in my business and has elevated my services tremendously.
Bottom line, figure out an idea on how your day-to-day operations will work, what you’ll use to communicate with your clients, what your daily habits are and then find applications that work within your business and lifestyle.
Let me know if you give some of these a try. I’d love to hear what you think! Any other apps you recommend? Send me your recommendations!
