3 Apps that Every Small Business Should Use

Contacts Journal CRM

I've used this app as a small business owner for several years. When I made the switch from the Apple iPhone to the Samsung Galaxy over a year ago, I was disappointed to learn Contacts Journal CRM did not support Android devices. In fact, after a few months of attempting to use other software (and even two phones!), it encouraged me to switch back to an iPhone to have easy access to the application.

This application is a customer relations management software that is available on Apple devices such as iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Core features include the ability to create contacts within the app where the user can attach logs, to-do's, files, and personal information. One can also call, text, or email without leaving the app itself. The to-do functionality is useful in order to schedule meetings or follow-up's in advance, set reminders, and even use the recurring event function. Once an entry is logged, it can be accessed through a chronological history or through an individual contact. Additionally, the map feature allows visible representation of client location.

Finally, Contacts Journal CRM has three key abilities that make it stand out for a basic CRM application. First, the ability to backup to DropBox for easy piece of mind. Second, the ability to export spreadsheets directly from the app to an email address. Third, the ability to create a team where updates are synchronous across multiple devices or users.

Plan Details

• Initial free plan with limited functionality

• Unlimited plan for one time purchase of $24.99

• Addtional upgraded team sharing $9.99 - $49.99 per month depending on users

I couldn't recommend Contacts Journal CRM more highly, and it deserves the first slot on this blog post. Try it free here.

Wave Financial Apps

When I stumbled across this website, it was a smaller unknown outfit based in Canada. Since then, it has been purchased by H&R Block. Thankfully, the suits at H&R Block have only improved upon the service. I've used several different methods of creating invoices and accepting online payments, but Wave Apps is the best integrated online software I've found considering pricing.

Wave focuses on six key abilities: invoicing, payments, accounting, banking, payroll, and advising. I will discuss the first three features as these are the only services I have utilized.

The invoicing service allows for easy transformation from an estimate and creates beautifully designed documents while incorporating a business logo. Invoices can be set to send automatically or manually and can recur depending on individual needs. Invoices are sent directly to the client's email with an optional customized message and attached PDF file. Within the email comes the ability for a customer to view the invoice and pay via credit card or bank payment. Once a customer has viewed or paid an invoice, the business is notified. The accounting functunality is able to link directly with a bank account for automatic expensing. Additional expenses can be entered separately as well as other accounting entries. The reporting ability of Wave is particularly appealing. Wave provides reporting on sales tax, profit/loss, balance sheet, cash flow, and other customized reports.

Plan Details

• FREE invoicing, accounting, and banking

• Payments require 2.9% plus $0.60 per typical credit transaction

• Payroll pricing ranges from $20 - $40 per month + $6 per employee

• Advising costs $149 per month for bookkeeping support or a one-time charge of $379 for accounting/payroll coaching

Wave Apps have made my life so much easier, and they can alleviate your headache too. Try it here for free!

Mailchimp

Have you ever wondered how companies send beautifully designed emails directly to your inbox when all Gmail offers is a boring background and limited functionality? The answer is that companies use services like Mailchimp. When I wanted to be able to market to my email list and send attractive company updates, Mailchimp was my first choice.

Mailchimp is a software by Intuit that allows someone with little technology skills to create email designs from pre-selected templates. Users have the ability to add headers, paragraphs, pictures, links, and buttons all in an effort to increase the email's readability and click-through rate. At the bottom of each email, a section with company information is available as well. Mailchimp has a variety of templates that work well for any business and the designs are professionally attractive. Finally, Mailchimp offers the ability to measure metrics of each campaign like measuring what percentage opened each email.

One final note about Mailchimp. The company offers advertising, website design, social media management, and much more. However, for my business purposes, I solely used the emailing feature.

Plan Details

• FREE plan offering minimal capabilities with a monthly 2,500 email limit

• Paid plans offering enhanced capabilities with higher email limits ranging from $13 - $350 per month

• FREE website and commerce plan with additional per transaction fees

• Paid website and commerce plans with enhanced capabilities ranging from $10 - $29 per month

Mailchimp is a great starter app for small businesses looking to upgrade their online marketing. Plus, the company's logo is a cute monkey...what could be better? Give it a try here.

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