One of the most popular online topics today is business growth, simply because you can expect more money with good business growth. However, if you are just starting out or if you have a small business, how can you make it grow?
Many small business apps can help keep you organized and improve your efficiency. All of the apps mentioned below are free and great for small businesses. So, it depends on your needs and what kind of app would be best for you.
1. Scanner App
If you are looking for a portable scanner, this might be a good choice. Scanner App is a free app created for small businesses, and it allows you to send forms and documents on the go. In addition, it can easily photograph a document and convert it into JPEG or PDF.
You can even take a couple of photos and combine them all in one document with your signature. However, Scanner App only works for iOS, so in case you are an Android fan, you could try CamScanner instead.
Download: Scanner App (free, in-app purchases available)
2. Gusto
In case you are a small business owner with a team to run, Gusto will surely be of help. This mobile app will easily handle payroll, benefits, and taxes. This app is available in both the App Store and Google Play.
By sorting through the state, federal, and private resources, the app can help you find credits, loans, and grants for your small business. Just answer a couple of questions on their website, and you will get a link to download the Gusto app.
Download: Gusto ($39/month +$6/month per person)
3. To Do App
Many of you might be familiar with Wunderlist, which is a cloud-based task management app. However, this app no longer exists. Therefore, if you liked Wunderlist and the options the app gave you, To Do App is the next best thing.
This app is the natural successor to the Wunderlist app. You can sync it across iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and the web. To Do App allows you to create a simple to-do list and share it with your team.
Download: To Do App (free)
4. Square
This is one of the best payment apps for small businesses. Whether you own beauty salons, food trucks, or retail shops, you will be able to benefit from the Square app.
Square is a free-to-download app. It comes with a free reader that allows you to swipe credit cards. This is a small reader attached to your phone or other devices, and it allows you to easily process payments.
However, the app will deduct 2.75% from all the credit card transactions, so you will have to pay extra for a reader that accepts chip and contactless cards. Square is only available in the App Store.
Download: Square (free)
5. PicMonkey
PicMonkey is a photo editing app that allows you to have a social media presence. With the app, you can easily crop photos for social media platforms, such as Instagram, or you can edit pictures to put them on your website. PicMonkey is a good app for small business marketing.
The best thing about PicMonkey is the fact that you do not need any graphic design experience to edit photos like a pro. It is a user-friendly app with great features, available in both the Google Play and App Store.
Download: PicMonkey (free trial + premium features starting at $7.99/month)
6. LinkedIn
You have probably already heard about this powerful business networking platform. But did you know that LinkedIn also has an app?
The LinkedIn app allows you to send updates on the go, recruit new hires, add new connections, follow inspirational people and companies, or just keep an eye on your competitors. It is available in both the Google Play and App Store.
Download: LinkedIn (free, in-app purchases available)
7. Evernote
In case you are searching for more effective ways to take notes at meetings, plan your content, and organize your thoughts, Evernote is a great option.
This is a digital notebook that lets you organize business information, dictate blog posts, keep track of ideas, take notes about client calls, etc. Evernote is only available in the App Store, and it does not require an internet connection for you to use it.
The Evernote app comes with a business plan that allows you to collaborate with your whole team. For example, with Evernote Business, you can invite your co-workers and team members to join specific notebooks and leave their notes.
Download: Evernote (free) | Evernote Business ($12/month)
8. TripIt
For small business owners who travel a lot, an app that tracks all the details of your trip and alerts you about any changes is a life-saver. TripIt is an app that can help you find the best flights and seats for your travels.
You will handle the booking, and TripIt does the rest. This app will organize your plans no matter where you choose to book.
All you have to do is forward your confirmation emails. In a couple of seconds, the app will create a master itinerary for all your trips. TripIt is available in both the Google Play and App Store.
Download: TripIt (free) | TripIt Pro ($49/year)
9. Shopventory
If you have a small business with inventory, Shopventory can be a useful app. With the app, you can easily check profit markings, see sales trends, and compare locations.
The Shopventory app will help you see what is not selling well to discount it and skip a restock. It will also send you an alert if there is any suspicion of theft. The app is perfect for small business owners who want to stay up to date on their inventory.
While Shopventory does not have its own payment processing system, it works great with systems like Shopify, Square, PayPal Here, etc. You can download the app from Google Play and App Store.
Download: Shopventory (Free) | Shopventory Premium (starting at $99/month or $240/year)
Apps Can Help Your Business Grow
All the tools that you see above can help your small business grow. You can download an application for just about anything in this day and age. So, it all comes down to what you are personally searching for.