When setting up a new company, one thing you’ll have to think about is the types of business software you’re going to need to help your startup run smoothly. Some entrepreneurs may think that if they’re just starting out, they may not need to look into business software right away. However, you shouldn’t make this mistake.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the types and examples of business software that every startup needs to consider. This guide will show you how business management software solutions can help your startup run more efficiently and streamline its operations.
What is Business Software?
Business software is a broad category that includes any type of computer program to run a company and its operations smoothly. You may have business software for accounting or payroll, inventory management, project management, CRM, and more. Some of the best business software options are cloud-based SaaS platforms that you and your employees can access from any device at any time.
Types of Business Software for Startups
Below is a list of the most essential types and examples of startup business software to consider.
1. Accounting Software
Image source: quickbooks.intuit.com
This is probably one of the most important types of business software your startup will need, because it will help you keep track of transactions, finances, and other important information. Accounting software typically includes features to help you keep track of accounts payable, accounts receivable, inventory, taxes, and payroll. In this regard, you can find different forms of accounting management software, such as:
- Bookkeeping software keeps up with all of the financial aspects of your business.
- Payroll software manages all aspects of your employees’ pay, including salaries, raises and bonuses.
- Tax software helps to make tax time much easier on business owners since taxes become a lot more complicated when you become an entrepreneur.
Below are a few examples of accounting software for small businesses and startups:
- Xero
- QuickBooks Online
- FreshBooks
- Zoho Books
- Square Invoices
2. Business to Business/Business to Consumer Services
Business to business (B2B) and business to consumer (B2C) are the most important part of a business. B2C is the process of a business selling its products and/or services directly to its consumers, whether they be customers (buying products) or clients (buying a service). B2B refers to businesses selling services to other businesses.
B2B and B2C software help you to communicate more effectively with both your consumers and any businesses who may provide a service for your business. Brainspire is a B2B software solution that also specializes in automating the exchange of information between customers, as well as other businesses, vendors, and suppliers.
3. Customer Relationship Management
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Also known as CRM software, this type of business management software allows companies to gain insight into how their customers interact with their business, and vice versa. The more you understand your customers, the better you will be at meeting their needs and expectations, which, in turn, further grows your business. When your customers know that you understand their needs, you are more likely to keep your current customers, as well as attract new ones.
Some of the best CRM SaaS software for startups and small businesses include:
- Zoho CRM
- Pipedrive
- Insightly CRM
- Freshsales Suite
- Zendesk Sell
- Nutshell
- Agile CRM
- Apptivo
4. Information Technology Software
Image source: pcmag.com
If your business has any digital operations, whether it be internet service, email marketing, website management, or even any software on this list, you will definitely need IT (information technology) services.
IT services ensure that all digital aspects of your small business are running the way they should, but they also provide services in case you have any issues. Probably, the most important service provided by IT software is the protection of important business information as well as network administration, website development, software development and support, data recovery tools, and more. IT Support Kansas City is an example of a company that provided IT support services for small and medium-sized businesses.
Here are more options of IT software:
- Norton Antivirus
- MS SharePoint
- Bitdefender
- Paessler network monitoring
- McAfee Internet Security
- Ghostery privacy ad blocker
- FirstWave enterprise cloud content security
5. Project Management Software
All businesses have tasks that need to get done each day, and organizing and managing these tasks can become difficult. Project management software gives business owners the ability to break down each task into smaller tasks, making them easier to manage. When huge tasks are broken down, it’s easier to see the larger picture. Trello is a popular project management software that several small businesses use, plus it’s free! Services like this make it much easier to tackle more than one task at a time.
6. Time Tracking Software
Time is one of the most valuable things a person can have, and this is also true for businesses. Time tracking software allows you to see where you and your employees are putting your time. This type of software will reveal to you where you’re not putting enough time in and where you’re putting too much time in. MinuteDock is a software that a lot of companies use to track their time, but it’s important to choose the right time tracking software that is best for your business.
When you’re coming up with your business plan, money spent on software should be a part of your business budget. Many of this software is crucial to the success of your business.