5 Apps Every Small Business Needs

 

At Riverside Payments, we understand the wearing-a-million-hats reality of small businesses. You juggle countless tasks, deadlines loom, and efficiency is your best friend. Thankfully, technology offers a helping hand. 

 

Here are 5 essential apps to streamline your operations and empower your small business to thrive:

 

Project Management Powerhouse: Breathe Easier, Sleep Sounder

Whether you're a solopreneur or have a growing team, a project management app can be your stress-reduction superpower. Tools like Trello, Asana, or Monday.com allow you to create tasks, set deadlines, assign responsibilities, and track progress in one centralized location. No more missed details or frantic all-nighters to meet deadlines!  Imagine – a clear picture of everything that needs to be done, with everyone on the same page.  Peace of mind achieved.

 

Financial Finesse: Not Just for Accountants (Really!)

Staying on top of your finances isn't just for number-crunchers – it's the lifeblood of your business. Accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero streamlines invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting. But it's not just about keeping track of the money coming in and going out.  These tools can give you valuable insights into your cash flow, helping you identify areas to save and make informed decisions about where to invest your resources.  (Bonus tip: Riverside Payments integrates seamlessly with these apps for even smoother payment processing!)

 

Communication Collaboration: Location-Independent Teamwork

Foster clear and efficient communication within your team, even if you're a remote-first operation. Platforms like Slack or Glip by RingCentral facilitate real-time chat, file sharing, and video conferencing. But communication goes beyond these traditional tools. Consider using Nextdoor to connect with local customers (or other business owners) and build a community around your business.

 

Customer Connection: Building Loyalty in the Digital Age

Building strong customer relationships is the key to turning one-time buyers into loyal fans. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software like Salesforce or HubSpot help you manage customer interactions, track leads, and analyze customer data. This allows you to personalize marketing efforts, provide exceptional customer service, and foster loyalty that keeps customers coming back for more.  (Remember, Facebook and Instagram also offers tools to track leads and manage customer interactions, so explore what works best for you and your business’s needs.)

 

The Power of "Pro": Projecting a Professional Image

Don't underestimate the value of a professional email address and document storage solutions! Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 provide both, along with additional features like calendars and file sharing. A professional email address (think @yourbusinessname.com instead of @gmail.com, etc.) builds trust with clients, while secure cloud storage keeps your important documents organized and accessible. Taking these actions can show your clients you're a serious business here for the long haul!

 

Bonus Tip: Your Success is Our Business

As a payment processor dedicated to the success of small and medium sized local businesses, Riverside Payments offers a suite of solutions beyond processing transactions. Explore our website to learn more about tools for managing payment solutions, streamlining the onboarding process, and even identifying new revenue streams and potential savings for your business! (We even offer some equipment FREE, like Clover Go to help you get started!)

 

By implementing these apps and exploring the additional tools offered by Riverside Payments, you can free up your valuable time, empower your team, and unlock the full potential of your small business. Remember, at Riverside Payments, we're here to be your partner!