SOFTWARE RECOMMENDATIONS

This list of software has been developed through extensive research using my abilities in analysing and problem solving. I have used and use all of these programs. They have helped me to be more productive and streamline my work, I hope they help you too!
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My recommendations are for:

Sole traders, and businesses with minimal employees/contractors.

Who require:
  • ​Low cost, or the most value for money.
  • Programs that either provide the most features, or integrate easily with others -  avoiding the need for many programs for different tasks.
  • Cloud services - for the freedom to work from wherever you want  with other remote workers.

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Prices as of: August 2016

 All-in-one business management programs

Cost:
​$9.95 USD  per month

Avaza

  • Time-tracking.
  • ​Basic contacts database.
  • Easy-to-use and view project and task management.
  • Invoicing and online payments.
  • Share work with multiple users.
  • Mobile version on browser works as good as an app.
  • Good value for one user compared to other programs (usually $30 USD+).
Cost:
Free - up to 12 business users (employees)
​Pro plans

Bitrix24

  •  Company Intranet - multiple users.
  • Advanced CRM.
  • Project and task management, incl Gantt Charts.
  • Can track time but no billing option for tracked time.
  • Invoicing of products.
  • Mobile app.
  • Really good value - free for up to 12 users.
AgileCRM

Accounting

Cost:
Free

Wave

  • Track transactions directly from your bank accounts.
  • Categorise expenses and income.
  • Yes this is currently free, they also have a pro version which you won't need.
  • One con is that it doesn't integrate with other programs so it won't streamline your systems as well as Xero or Quickbooks for example.

Social media management

Cost:
Free
​Pro plan

Hootsuite

  • Use this when you have more than one social media profile and you need to manage them from the one program. 
  • Displays multiple feeds on one screen - e.g. comments and posts.​
  • Best value for a social media suite as it's free for the main features - however if you need advanced analytic reports it could be more costly than others.
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Note organising

Cost:
Free
OneNote
A lot of people will recommend Evernote for this, I have also recommended it in my blogs in the past.

However, one of the things I wanted in an online notebook is being able to keep the notes within the same area as my other files. As well as having a 'notebook' layout, this is much easier for those who want something simple to setup and use.

I have a Mac and I still prefer the Microsoft Office products, this adds another element to keep all of my files together, using tried-and-true programs.

  • Syncs across all devices.
  • Use a Chrome extension to clip web pages and links from websites and copy into your notebooks.
  • Use it to plan your website content with a page in the notebook for each page on your site.
  • Use a program on your desktop or in your web browser in OneDrive.

Appointment and class scheduling

Cost
$14+ USD per month
Acuity Scheduling
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  • Intake forms for consultations and classes.
  • Calendar 2-way syncs with Google Calendar.
  • Clients can pay via PayPal or Stripe.
  • Embed into your website, and social media.
  • Database for your clients.
  • Integrates with many other programs like email marketing.
Timely appointment scheduling system
Please note that these programs may not suit you or your business. There are so many variables in each business and styles of working, that a program which meets the needs of one business may not meet anothers.

I recommend requesting a free consultation with me to find the right program for you.

Disclaimer: This page contains some affiliate links - I have tested these programs myself and have only provided software that I am happy to use.
















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