Have you ever heard of an SQL server? Without it, your online database probably wouldn’t exist. That is just one example of software that runs behind the scenes that keep your business going.
There are a lot of highly technical pieces of backend software, and you should have professionals manage these. However, there are some essential software products that you or a team member can manage.
These will save you from paying someone else for their services, but such software also makes things more actionable. So what are the five most essential software products for a startup?
Website Software
If you have ever outsourced your website to a third-party service provider, you probably read this from your therapist’s office. There is no more frustrating entity to do business with than a website host and designer.
Please eliminate them and decrease your risk of a stress-related demise by taking control of your website and bringing it in-house. Software like WordPress can make the entire process run smoothly and let you make changes to your site instantly.
The Right Accounting Software
All that glitters is not gold. We all know this, but we often overlook that all that reconciles accounts do not always account for your business’s needs. There are many accounting software suites on the market, and choosing the right one is essential.
With most kinds of software, one can read reviews and say, ‘alright, this one is bad, that one is good,’ but accounting software caters to different industries. What is great for a logistics company will be terrible for a coffee shop. Please speak to your accounts person(s) and get their input on what will work the best for your company.
Project Management Software
That might be the most important software in your entire business. It is the new age of remote working, but it is crucial to office setup. Most projects are modular. Furthermore, most projects get simultaneously addressed by many people or departments.
The very best project management tools are available online, and the base functionality is usually free. Our personal favorite is Trello. You can lay a project out almost like sticky notes on a whiteboard.
Only you can assign specific people to individual sticky notes. You can add milestones so that the whole team knows where the project stands. You get an accurate overview of how the project is going. So, project management is enhanced.
Internal Communications Software
Far too many companies rely on commercial social apps for internal communication. Apps like WhatsApp are a major security and confidentiality risk. It would help if you used a closed-off and locked-down instant message software to control who contacts who, which departments get specific messages, etc.
There are also legal risks when using software that an employee arguably licenses, such as WhatsApp, when it’s on an employee’s device. Providing your staff with business phones can help, but a closed-off message system with its own T’s & C’s gives you control over its use.
Marketing Team Software
We will not dive too deep into the many programs your marketing team will likely need. However, there are a couple of stand-out essentials, like photoshop and other Adobe design tools, including InDesign and Illustrator. Some designers prefer Coral’s suite of alternatives.
Other marketing tools for Google analytics, such as Yoast, are important for effective online marketing. These also play an important role in effective digital marketing. It would help if you always discussed the marketing department’s needs with the head of the department.
