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Running any business, large or small, requires a lot of time and effort, and unfortunately, there are many business owners out there who sadly find themselves overwhelmed, and they literally cannot keep on top of everything that needs doing. Even with additional employees, there are some tasks that are very complex and very time-consuming, which is why automation is so useful.
This may sound like the plot to a Sci-Fi Blockbuster, but don’t worry, it’s nowhere near as frightening as it may sound. If you’re a small business owner or a self-employed freelancer perhaps, you will only have so many pairs of hands and so many hours in the day to get everything done that needs doing. Automation tools become a valuable solution in such scenarios.
6 best tools for automating tasks effectively
There are many different types of automation tools and software out there for you to utilize, and you may even be utilizing some right now, without even realizing. If time is against you and you’re struggling to keep your head above water, here are 6 of the best automation tools for small businesses.
HubSpot
If you’re a small business owner and you aren’t yet using HubSpot, boy are you missing out! HubSpot is ideal in terms of sales and marketing, though it also provides users with numerous educational benefits as well. You see, the software makes use of marketing data provided in real time, to help you expand your reach and get a better idea of whom your target demographic may be.
This, in turn, helps to follow up on leads and to generate sales, so of course, from a business perspective, it’s perfect. HubSpot also allows users to track their growth via pre-determined goals and objectives. If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution, HubSpot is perfect.
You see, the software makes use of marketing data provided in real time, to help you expand your reach and get a better idea of whom your target demographic may be. This, in turn, helps to follow up on leads and to generate sales, so of course, from a business perspective, it’s perfect.
HubSpot also allows users to track their growth via pre-determined goals and objectives. If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution, HubSpot is perfect.
Forwardly
Forwardly is the perfect tool for small businesses looking to effortlessly automate their accounts receivable and accounts payable processes. It enables you to receive instant payments in just 60 seconds for only 1% (minimum $1, maximum $10 per transaction), and sending payments is absolutely free. With two-way sync compatibility with accounting software like QuickBooks Online and Xero, Forwardly streamlines financial processes. The automatic reconciliation feature also saves your team up to 5 hours a week on manual tasks, providing valuable time savings.
Whether you choose to automate or schedule payments, Forwardly offers flexibility, and its user-friendly payment approval workflow simplifies the process further. What’s even better is that getting started with Forwardly is free, with no subscription fees, making it a cost-effective and efficient choice for payment automation. Save time and money with Forwardly’s advanced features tailored for small business needs.
Hootsuite
Hootsuite is another very popular automation tool that is perfect for small business owners looking to expand their social media reach and get a firm grasp on all things social. Hootsuite is a piece of software which is dedicated to automating a business’ engagement on various social media platforms in more than 35 countries across the world.
In particular, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn all can be utilized very effectively when you use Hootsuite to your advantage. The software helps to identify some of the key influencers in your chosen market, it provides useful tips and strategies designed to increase engagement across multiple platforms, and best of all, if your budget is tight, there is a completely free plan for business owners to take advantage of, with the possibility of upgrading their plan if they feel so inclined to do so.
Zapier
Zapier simplifies automation for businesses, saving time and enhancing productivity by seamlessly connecting various apps. Consider this: wouldn’t it be convenient if customer inquiries from your website could flow effortlessly into your CRM, ensuring swift follow-ups? And what if critical emails triggered instant notifications on Slack, ensuring your team stays in the loop? By connecting your favorite apps and automating repetitive tasks, Zapier simplifies business processes, allowing you to focus on what matters most – growing your business.
Calendly
Calendly is your go-to solution for effortless scheduling and improved time management in business. With this user-friendly tool, you can wave goodbye to the hassle of coordinating meetings. Simply set your availability preferences, and let clients or colleagues easily book meetings during your specified open slots. This not only saves you time but also ensures everyone is on the same page.
Moreover, Calendly is your ally in global collaboration, automatically adjusting meeting times based on participants’ time zones. Whether you’re a solopreneur or part of a team, you’ll appreciate Calendly’s intuitive interface and its compatibility with various calendar platforms. It’s a versatile asset designed to optimize your schedule and make your business operations more efficient.
MailChimp
And finally, before we bring this article to a close, we’ll finish off by looking at MailChimp. MailChimp is the only email marketing solution you will ever need, and it also happens to be extremely affordable.
MailChimp allows users to target potential customers based solely on their preferences, their online behavior, and of course, on past sales. MailChimp also integrates with many other useful automation tools and pieces of software, so if you’re thinking of getting either, you would be best off using them both so as to benefit from the best of both worlds.
Get smarter at work
For busy business owners, automation tools are the solution. From HubSpot’s marketing insights to Forwardly’s streamlined accounts for small businesses- technology isn’t just a time-saver; it’s a strategic partner. These tools make work easier, helping businesses grow smoothly. They show a change from doing things manually to doing them smartly, making all kinds of businesses do well with automation.
Ready to simplify your financial operations? If you’re keen to experience the ease of Forwardly, getting started is a breeze. Click here to embark on a more efficient and streamlined business journey!
