One thing about running an online business nowadays is the overabundance of software, which means finding the right ones for your business can get overwhelming.
Maybe your favorite podcaster swears by one program, but the YouTube channel you follow touts another. Maybe your business mentor suggests one, but your research contradicts it.
How do you know what to use?
As a business owner, you need to know how to evaluate the software for yourself, because what works for one business may not work for yours.
Thankfully, that’s easier than it sounds.
The software you need
There is a variety of software that can help you run your business effectively, and each one should integrate or support your existing software. That way, it makes life a bit easier all around.
Since you know your business inside and out, you know what it needs to succeed. This evaluation process can work on all types of tools and will help you find the ones you need more efficiently.
Here’s what to look for.
Reliability
The first thing to look for is the reliability of the company behind it.
Look at who created the software and ask yourself these questions:
- How long have they been in business?
- Are they still rolling out updates and maintenance?
- Are they financially stable? Any news of them going bankrupt? Have they done any large price increases recently?
- Do you trust them?
New software is created every day, and some may gain more traction than others. However, they also lose traction just as quickly.
Generally speaking, a more established company will have more reliable software. It’s also less likely that you’ll have to change again after a year or two, so finding a company you trust will save you time and money in the future.
User Experience
As the CEO, you are well aware of your technical capabilities. If the software isn’t user-friendly or has a steep learning curve, it might not be the one for you.
On the other hand, if you’re more technologically savvy, you might enjoy the extra control and freedom a complicated software can provide.
No matter the complexity of the interface, pick the one you’re most comfortable using.
As a bonus, see if they have a training or resources section. That way, you can learn about the features as needed- and maybe pick up a few cool tricks along the way.
Affordability
Before committing to any new tool, check the prices and see if you’re ok with the cost and any future increases the company may make.
Generally, a 5% increase per year is normal for subscriptions. However, I have seen tried-and-true companies increase their subscription prices between 20% to 50%, and that is NOT ok.
Look at the cost, the projected increases, and how the software will enhance your business. Then, you can decide if you need it.
Fortunately, plenty of software offers free plans and can fulfill most (if not all) of your needs. Then, you can save money until your budget becomes more flexible.
Testimonials
Before signing up, research the software and see what others think about it. The easiest way is to search the website and check the user testimonials. How do they feel about it? Do they like how it works? Have they had any issues with integration, support, or general use?
You can also check dedicated rating sites (like Software Reviews or Software Advice) to see where the software stands with professionals, how it compares to other software in its field, and more.
These insights will help you gauge if the software is right for your business, but you don’t want to get too bogged in the technical details. Everyone will have a different experience with the same thing, so remember to take their testimonies and suggestions with a grain of salt.
And, as always, trust your instincts.
Features
There’s a good chance that one software won’t have all the features you need, but make sure it has most of them in place before you sign up.
Remember, you don’t need a million programs to run a good business. The main software to focus on is your website, CRM system, and project management tool.
These three programs form the backbone of your business, and you can easily fill in the gaps as you go along.
Also, make sure they can grow with your business. If not, you’ll find yourself searching and switching again in a few years- and that’s a pain!
Final Thoughts
There’s a lot of noise about business software, which can get confusing when trying to find the right one.
By evaluating your options with these tips, you can focus your efforts and find the software that’s easy to use, affordable, and fits your business well.
You can also apply these tips to your current software and streamline your business for maximum efficiency.
