It’s a tough world out there for an entrepreneur. It seems like securing a steady paycheck with benefits is a thing of the past, so being self-employed or freelancing is the way to go. However, juggling running a business and the myriad of tasks that come with it can be difficult. In fact, entrepreneurs often fail not because they have a bad idea or product, but because they have poor time management skills. There are many apps that can help you improve productivity and time management. Here’s an infographic with some great apps for entrepreneurs:
Keep in mind that some of these apps serve different functions compared to others. But what they all do is provide a wide variety of software features that can benefit your business. And it doesn’t matter the type of business owner that you are or your entrepreneurial journey.
Here are the 8 best apps for entrepreneurs.
1. Dropbox
Have you ever been somewhere and needed to access a file, only to realize it’s on your computer at home? Accessing files anywhere and everywhere you go becomes much easier with Dropbox. The mobile app lets you create, view, edit and send all sorts of documents.
The app also has a document scanner, you can comment on different files and have offline access. You can even share files with people who don’t have a Dropbox account.
2. Buffer
Buffer can make managing your social media marketing a whole lot easier and a lot less overwhelming. The app lets you share your posts across several different social networks. You can also schedule content using Buffer to make sure it gets posted at the optimal time for your followers to see it.
3. Pocket
You can save essential information in the app to view later, and you can even do it offline. Pocket also allows you to save articles, images and videos to be able to access whenever your want. And you can do it from your phone, tablet or computer. Plus, you can save content from over 1,500 mobile apps, like Google Docs or Google Drive.
4. Square
Processing credit and debit card payments in person with Square is incredibly easy. All you need is your mobile device and a small reader that Square will send you when you sign up. You can accept both regular and chip cards which makes your sales process easier.
Square also offers the ability to upgrade to Square Stand if you make sales at a countertop or in a store.
5. Trello
Project management becomes fun and easy when you use Trello. The app lets you visualize what needs to get done and you can collaborate with other team members. You’re able to organize projects into cards, lists or boards depending on what works best for your team.
It has several tools that allow you to see the projects that are in progress, who is working on each project and what the status of each one is. Plus, you can assign tasks to employees, set deadlines and categorize the tasks based on their priority. It’s a simple yet effective way to manage your projects in one intuitive, easy-to-use mobile platform.
6. LinkedIn
Networking and building relationships become easier with LinkedIn. The app allows you to search for people based on their qualifications, industry, job and location, among other things. You’re able to connect and stay in touch with connections, which means you have better opportunities at business deals.
The app also provides the platform to share ideas, build a personal brand and showcase the work you have done in the past. Plus, you can stay updated with related industry trends and other important news.
7. FreshBooks
As an entrepreneur, you want accounting software that lets you manage your books from anywhere in the easiest way. FreshBooks is a cloud-based platform that’s built and designed for small business owners, not accountants. It syncs to all your mobile and desktop apps so you can view your current financials and have access to files at any time.
You can send invoices, check the status of payments and respond to client feedback right in the mobile app. Plus, it lets you track your time and take photos of receipts to add them to your expenses. Tracking your cash flow has never been easier.
8. Wunderlist
Wunderlist is an excellent app choice if you want to upgrade your list-making. The handy little apple syncs across all your devices and you can share your lists to work collaboratively on projects. You can set reminders for upcoming deadlines and even add images and other content to your lists.
It’s a great productivity app that centralizes all your conversations and lets you stay focused on your to-do list.
Here are a few other apps for entrepreneurs:
- 1Password: this app keeps all your sensitive information secure with one master password. You can avoid scrambling to remember what password works for what account.
- Skype: make business calls all over the world for free over WiFi or a cellular data plan.
- Headspace: since entrepreneurs can lead hectic lives, it’s important to recharge to tackle your projects with fresh enthusiasm. Headspace is a modern meditation app that helps you feel refreshed and focused.
- TapeACall Pro: this call recording app is simple and easy to use and it’s available for both iOS and Android.
And some other apps that are best for entrepreneurs who only use Android:
- Gusto: manage your payroll from anywhere with the Gusto app. It’s built for small businesses and you can handle benefits and human resources from within the app.
- Slack: centralize your team conversations with this slick messaging app. You can create channels for different projects or teams, send direct messages and add content such as videos or photos. Slack also integrates with tons of other apps like Salesforce and Dropbox.
- Camscanner: this is a free app that makes it simple to scan documents using your mobile device’s camera and then save them to your phone. You can then convert them to PDF format and email them if you need to.
- RescueTime: improve your productivity with this app that tracks your time spent online. It will send you reports day by day about where you’re spending your time so you can learn to manage it more efficiently.
Sales and marketing apps for entrepreneurs
Razorpay – a unicorn startup with 1Bn dollars valuation that is on a mission to revolutionize money management for online businesses by providing clean, developer-friendly APIs and hassle-free integration. More than 800,000 businesses managed to successfully solve their digital payment issues using Razorpay – so no wonder it ends up this high on our list.
Attentive – With SMS marketing expected to rise by 52% by 2023, it’s better if you catch up on the trend on text marketing ASAP. According to entrepreneurs, Attentive is just the right app for that. Whether for announcing promotions or launches, or staying in touch with your customers, this is the app you need. It’s interface and features are intuitive and easy to use. Moreover, their customer service is impeccable – answering questions and resolving issues on a whim.
Klaviyo – You don’t need to watch tutorials to set Klaviyo up and understand how to use it, which, compared to its competitors, is a major advantage. Excelling in email marketing, this app is nothing short on diverse features to help you deliver the whole package, all wrapped up nicely. It’s perfect for D2C eCommerce businesses, and it integrates seamlessly with Shopify, Magento, WooComerce and their likes.
CanIRank – You can say that we’re biased because CanIRank is an Enterprise League member, but remember that this list was made based on suggestions and reviews by entrepreneurs. Actually, we were happy to learn that one of our members is considered to be one of the best business apps among entrepreneurs.
What sets them apart from other SEO software companies? The fact that they’re first to leverage AI to give you specific, actionable recommendations. Others just give you rough data, and you have to figure out what to do with it. Moreover, you have an SEO consultant at your disposal at all times.
Enterprise League – We may have been too modest to put ourselves on the list last year, but when Business Insider gives you recognition for being one of the best business platforms to join, you got to be worth something.
Enterprise League is an AI-powered platform built for entrepreneurs who want to find partners (suppliers, contractors, vendors etc.) and clients within a couple of clicks. But unlike directories, this platform is interactive and makes it easier for the members to close deals (buy or sell) remotely, giving them the space to focus more on the execution of the deal and not just on searching for the right collaborator.
Productivity
Synder – This app removes the scary from bookkeeping. eCommerce business owners love it because it imports current and historical data about transactions from payment processors and eCommerce platforms in QuickBooks or Xero. But more importantly, it synchronises the data and minimises error in tax reports. Customer support is definitely their strength, as they’re super responsive and helpful.
SaneBox – If you’re one of those entrepreneurs struggling to deal with their overflowing inbox, then SaneBox is one of the best entrepreneur apps for you. The best thing about it is that whether you’re on Gmail, Outlook or some other email service, you can use it. With its AI technology and smart algorithm annoying senders won’t bother you anymore, and you can focus on the important messages. Of course, this is just a fraction of what this app does: sorting and decluttering, one-click unsubscribing, snoozing, notifications for follow ups…
Brosix – Another member of ours, Brosix completely deserved it’s place on this best apps for entrepreneurs list. It’s a super secure instant messaging app for business. In other words, if you want to stay in touch with your team without compromising security, this is the app you need. Their advanced encryption will keep you safe from intruders. Packed with features, it makes internal communication easier and more efficient. And that’s all you need in the era of remote working.
Mint – When it comes to tracking and managing finances, it’s easy to be sucked in the tornado. One late payment, and kiss goodbye your credit. But Mint makes sure you’re notified before the payments are due and, on top of that, it alerts you when funds are at critical low. There are other handy features as well, to keep you out of filing for bankruptcy, however, the most important aspect is that your data is safe and protected.
RescueTime – If all fun and games living in the Digital Era, having all these awesome apps to make your life easier. Until it’s not, and they start distracting you from the important work. You miss a deadline, then another, and the proposal you sent is full of mistakes… It’s time to work on improving your productivity, it’s time for RescueTime.
This app is better than many of its competitors mostly because of their FocusTime feature, which blocks distracting websites when you need to focus. You can also set daily limits on apps and sites, or schedule focused time directly in your calendar. The reports are truly eye-opening – making it clear where your time goes to waste.
Content creation
Videoshop – Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past couple of years, you know how video content rules social media, content marketing and advertising now. The surge of TikTok made this trend even more evident. But in order to stand out from the crowd, your video must be top notch and in tune with your brand. Instead of hiring freelancers because you know zero about editing, we suggest you try Videoshop. It’s intuitive to use and offers plenty of features: adding subtitles, music or sound effects, merging clips, trimming footage etc.
Frase – You can argue creativity is most important when it comes to content creation, but SEO experts would rightfully smirk. All your genius ideas about content will go down the drain if not backed up by SEO. This is when Frase jumps to rescue. This AI-driven app reduces research from hours to seconds without making you sell your kidney to pay like other SEO tools do. It will help you create content that your audience is actually interested in.
Loom – The best way you can explain how something works to your clients is through video. Step-by-step infographics can be helpful but also intimidating. But a video cuts the chase. Hence the reason Loom found its place on this best entrepreneur apps list. Simply download the app or add the Chrome extension and start recording your screen. The best thing about it is that the video automatically uploads on the cloud from where you can quickly share it.
Populr – With Populr, a user-friendly one-page website creator, you no longer have a valid excuse for not having a website in 2021. The business world has been shook by the notorious virus and anyone who failed to move online and create a website voluntarily signed their death penalty. Thanks to Populr and their drag and drop editor, everyone who knows how to move the mouse, including your Grandpa, can create beautiful landing pages. And that’s just the beginning of it, the app has a range of other features to provide a full package experience.
Unfold – To cut through the noise on social media you have to have catchy content that will amuse the viewer. For this purpose, Unfold developed a story maker and Instagram template editor that beats their competition with the user-friendly interface and huge collection of ready-to-use templates. It helps you create stories that resonate with your brand and intention in mind, while saving you on time and nerves.
Conclusion
What does an entrepreneur do day to day? Most entrepreneurs will say that they manage day to day operations, grow their business and work on projects to help their team. To accomplish these tasks, I’ve found a few must have apps that help me stay productive throughout the day. Most of them are free and easy to set up.