The days of running your small business by committing employees to each and every task are long gone. Now, a whole host of software exists that can help you automate your business tasks. Called SaaS (Software as a Service), many of these software programs help you automate your small business tasks in exchange for a monthly fee.
Automating your tasks can help you save time and money. For example, having recurring emails, invoices, and email saves you from thinking about each individual one. Automation also helps you streamline your business’s staff, leaving more room in the budget for innovation and adaptation.
Whether you’re new to automation, or looking for additional services to put on autopilot, here are the easiest small business tasks to automate.
1) Your social media
Social media provides plenty of free or cheap brand awareness and advertising to your audience. But, logging on at the right times and coming up with fresh posts can be time consuming. Enter HootSuite, a connected suite of social media tools.
HootSuite allows you to write your social media posts in advance, schedule them for your optimum time, and post without ever logging onto Facebook and Twitter. Aside from allowing you to plan your social media strategy in advance, HootSuite helps you avoid wasting time on social media. The posts go out without your intervention — making it less likely to get sucked into scrolling on your feed.
2) Your email
Writing and sending out emails to your list can be a hassle. If you’re using your traditional Google or Outlook account, you could even be hurting your delivery rates, as the platform might mark you a spammer if you’re sending out too many emails. Programs like MailChimp, Email on Acid, and AWeber allow you to compose emails, and then schedule them to go out at the best time.
What’s more, you can set up automated emails, like welcome emails, an onboarding sequence, and in some cases, an “abandoned cart” notification. Automating your emails allows you to keep in touch with your customer, without taking more time out of your busy day.
3) Your invoicing
If you have recurring clients, automated invoices can save you time and headaches. Software from FreshBooks to PayPal offer recurring invoicing features. Simply schedule your recurring invoices biweekly or monthly, set up a reminder in case they aren’t paid, and you’re ready to be paid without lifting another finger.
4) Your research
Staying on top of the latest trends in your industry doesn’t have to be a chore. But without a plan, it’s easy to lose several hours digging through Google or browsing the news. Keep abreast of the latest developments with Google Alerts.
Google Alerts can be sent to your email daily or weekly, and include the latest information about your selected keywords. So, to keep up with your industry, enter your business’s specialty into the field. You can have as many keywords as you want, too. It’s a great way to have Google work for you.
Integrate your software
When you use more than one software program, you run the risk of spending too much money, not exploring all of the pertinent features, and not harnessing your programs’s full potential. Consult with a Vodigy Software Specialist to unlock the full potential of all the software you’re using — or to create custom software that meets your business’s needs exactly.
Vodigy Software is a trusted custom software provider to the St. Paul and Minneapolis area. We specialize in providing expert guidance and assistance to businesses. If you would like help with integrating your VoIP and other software, contact us today!
