Whether your business operates remotely or in person, there are virtual services that can help you streamline your business and let you focus on the things that matter most. What once required hours dedicated to learning new skills and finding employees to hire can now be done with a few clicks. From a virtual receptionist to a small business answering service, there are many tools you can employ to free up your time and make your workday flow more smoothly. Here are a few new ways you can simplify your business today.
Digital file storage
There are many cloud-based services like Dropbox and Google Drive where you can store your business and financial records online, making them easy to access and share from anywhere. Now that most smartphones have the capability to scan without the help of a traditional scanner uploading any files you need to keep is fast and easy. Many services offer the benefit of real-time collaboration, allowing you to work with colleagues remotely and update files together.
Virtual receptionists
Hiring a virtual receptionist is often much easier and cheaper than a traditional receptionist and offers you the flexibility of employing them as little or as much as you need to. With a broader pool of experienced receptionists, you can be sure you are getting quality work for your money. Many virtual receptionists are also bilingual, allowing you to connect with a wider customer base.
Project management platforms
There are many free or affordable services available to organize your to-do lists and projects, so you can collaborate virtually and access them from any device. From virtual card systems like Trello to detailed note platforms like Evernote, a quick search online can lead you to the right project management platform for you.
Answering services
If you operate a business that needs 24/7 answering support, there are companies you can hire online to handle this for you. With dedicated business phone numbers and an experienced answering team at the ready, you can rest easy knowing your customers will be taken care of. By hiring an answering service, you can free up your time and only be alerted to the most urgent emergency calls.
All-in-one workspaces
As an alternative or a supplement to digital file storage, you can use an online workspace like Google Workspace that keeps your email, calendar, notes, documents, and more in one location. Your whole team can operate from the same platform, keeping workflow consistent and learning curves low. Some online workspaces offer assistance with migrating your current files to the platform so that you can move forward with everything in one place.
Email marketing websites
Mailchimp has been the leading email marketing service since its inception in the early 2000s. Since then, many other great email marketing companies like Constant Contact have followed their lead in creating easy-to-use, affordable websites where you can keep your customers informed on sales, updates, and loyalty programs. Some platforms focus on simple, modern design, while others offer more customization for intermediate or advanced users.
Graphic design tools
Websites like Canva and Crello offer free or inexpensive ways to design posters, logos, stationery, social media posts, and everything else you may need to promote your business. With stock photos and various graphic design elements, you rarely need to leave the site to find what you’re looking for. These sites are designed to be used by those who are not graphic design professionals, saving you money and time.
Social media scheduling tools
Social media schedulers like Later and Falcon allow you to organize your social media posts whenever you want, posting for an entire week, month, or more in advance. You can write captions, include hashtags, and even set up story posts ahead of time. Scheduling tools also allow you to preview your Instagram feed, so you can make sure it looks cohesive before posting.
These are a few of many digital tools available to small businesses today. These affordable options can perform a number of functions for you, saving you time and money and allowing you to focus on growing your business. Consider taking the time to set up your digital workspace today to save yourself countless hours of work in the future.