Small businesses often can’t afford to implement complex systems into their operations because it takes a lot of time and money. However, they still need solutions to manage inventory, accounting, and human resources, among other processes, as doing it manually is inefficient and difficult to scale. Today, we are sharing a list of useful applications to help you streamline your workflow, from testing to analytics, and optimize your used device business.
File Storage
Data protection must be a top priority for any business, and the file storage services you choose should meet strict requirements regarding information safety. Moreover, the solution should create backup copies of your files to minimize the risk of data loss.
- Google Drive: a widely adopted app with generous free storage space.
- Dropbox: designed for business use, this software offers useful features like unlimited signature requests and compliance tracking.
- OneDrive: integrated with Windows, this service is particularly convenient for working with Microsoft Office files.
Accounting
To track finances responsibly, you need to choose a solution that is convenient for you and your type of business. Additionally, consider whether it will meet your needs as your business grows: moving from one accounting service to another is a hassle that is best avoided.
- FreshBooks: an intuitive solution for invoicing and accounting, that provides useful features at affordable prices.
- QuickBooks: a comprehensive service offering plans for businesses of different sizes and structures.
- Sage: designed for accountants, this app provides professional accounting features for small business owners.
Device Testing
Testing phones is a big part of the used device business workflow. The solution you use for testing must perform complete hardware diagnostics and quickly provide accurate and consistent results.
Our solution, NSYS Diagnostics, conducts 60+ tests to detect over 100 defects on iOS and Android phones and tablets. Moreover, the software tests Apple Watches, checking key components like screen, sensors and indicators.
For each device, you receive a testing certificate that verifies the product's quality. These certificates are essential for selling electronics on marketplaces, and NSYS Diagnostics is a solution trusted by Amazon, Back Market, and Refurbed.
Marketing
At first, you might stick to manual posting and advertising on social media, managing SEO for your website, and sending newsletters. As the business grows, you will have to automate these processes to save time and optimize your resources. However, some services might be affordable and easy to implement straight away.
- Google Analytics: an irreplaceable tool for tracking customer activity on your website and improving your performance with data-driven insights.
- Mailchimp: an app that automates email and SMS campaigns and provides advanced analytics.
- Buffer: a solution for content creation that allows you to easily generate ideas and publish posts across different platforms.
Customer Relationship Management
Sometimes, small businesses manage their interactions with clients in spreadsheets or on paper. However, the earlier you implement a CRM system into your workflow, the better. A quality CRM service will help you keep track of customer journeys and sales, provide valuable analytics, and enable your business to grow seamlessly.
- Bitrix: a reputable service with a free, time-unlimited plan, perfect for trying out.
- HubSpot: this platform provides an ecosystem of solutions for customer service, sales, and marketing.
- Zoho: a comprehensive solution with integrated AI assistance to help your business grow faster.
Project Management
These solutions will make managing tasks and projects easier, provide greater control over deadlines, and boost the team's productivity. When choosing the perfect option, consider how many users you plan to add to your board, the size of attachments you will share, and how many dashboards you will need, as these parameters will influence the price.
- Trello: an easy-to-use solution with a free plan that provides all the basic functions you need.
- Asana: a well-known tool with advanced integration options, allowing you to connect with over 300 other services.
- ClickUp: a customizable app that lets you set up the process your way—whether it's a to-do list or a Kanban board.
Design
Businesses need lots of visual content—from branding to social media images—and creating it is now possible even if you are not a professional designer. These apps will help you quickly create designs for your business with intuitive tools and pre-made templates.
- InShot: a video editor that provides all the basic functions, making the process easy and hassle-free.
- Canva: a globally recognized platform with templates for various types of content, including logos, packaging, and business cards.
- Unsplash: a photo stock with millions of free images that you can use on your website or blog.
Mobile App vs. Website: What Is Better for Business Use
Although apps are convenient in some situations, and it's great when a solution can be easily accessed from a smartphone, the website version remains the primary platform for most services. All the services mentioned above offer web versions, which can be used in different scenarios and provide numerous advantages:
- Functionality. Mobile apps are usually limited in features compared to their web counterparts. Therefore, complex tasks are better handled on a PC.
- Accessibility. Web versions can be accessed from various devices, including mobile phones, whereas apps may vary between platforms and sometimes have limitations depending on the operating system.
- Scalability. Integrating with other solutions, collaborating with team members, and managing large amounts of data might be difficult or unavailable in apps. Web versions offer more flexibility and better support for scaling business operations.
NSYS Diagnostics is a perfect solution for the used device business: it allows you to test devices, track information about them, and get certificates with diagnostic results. Explore the benefits of NSYS Diagnostics today!
