No matter what industry you’re in, your startup needs software in order to do business. Whether you’re looking for something to keep track of your inventory or schedule your employees, the software you choose needs to be functional and efficient.
Web-based software is accessible on the internet and mobile devices whenever and wherever you need it – which is great for startups and businesses run out of the home or on the road. As a small business, you can’t afford to waste money on the wrong software, so use the following tips to help you choose a web-based software provider that will help your company be more efficient and productive.
Ensure Mobility
Software that is based on the cloud comes with a number of benefits. You and your employees can access it from anywhere, keeping you on track while you’re on the go. Most cloud-based software providers charge a monthly usage fee, rather than a large up-front purchase, which can be easier to integrate into your business’s budget.
- Cloud software can be accessed through an app downloaded to your mobile device or through any internet browser. It can perform any number of functions, from managing employee schedules to processing credit cards on the go.
- Be sure that the software you choose utilizes secure login features and data encryption to keep your company’s information safe from hackers, especially with software for payroll and your human resources department.
Check Online Reviews
Before paying a web-based software provider, you need to make sure that the provider is reputable and that the software is compatible for the way you do business.
- Checking online reviews from other business owners can give you an idea of how the software runs, how easy it is to use, what its benefits and problems are, and how well it fulfills its advertised functions.
- When using software that’s hosted on the cloud, the quality of the provider’s customer service is paramount. You don’t want to pay for a program that is always falling offline. Reviews can tell you how well the provider deals with bugs, software issues, downtime, and customer grievances.
Try Them for Free
Many web-based programs offer a free trial period to test out the software before you buy it. This is a great opportunity for your small business to fully vet the pros and cons of the software without committing to a purchase or contract. You can try out several different programs and compare them to find the one that best suits your business’s needs.
- A free trial period – usually lasting 30 days – gives you the chance to test a variety of the software’s features. It needs to have an easy-to-use interface that is compatible with the devices your business uses, and features that your business needs in order to stay ahead.
- Some providers automatically charge you for the software once your trial period is up, so if you decide a program isn’t right for you, be sure to manually cancel your subscription and avoid incurring accidental costs.
Your business needs software in order to run efficiently and go about the business of doing business. Many types of software are available in the cloud, accessible anywhere there’s an internet or mobile connection. The accessibility and functionality of this type of software cannot be understated.
However, just with any software purchase, you need to make sure that the one you buy is right for you. Check online reviews and enroll in free trials to make sure you’re getting the best software for your business.
