Due to recent events, the e-commerce industry is booming this year and so is the need for software tools. Social distancing, quarantine measures, and the rise in popularity of remote work have made online channels more popular than ever, with startup companies like Vestiaire Collective selling sustainable luxury fashion through their social commerce platform. While starting your own business this year can be daunting, equipping yourself with the right software tools can help you grow your customer base and expand your research. With that in mind, here are some useful software tools that every entrepreneur and startup should consider incorporating into their system:
1. SentiOne
When you’re entering an industry for the first time, doing market research and connecting with your target audience can be a challenge. Understanding all the ins and outs of your specific industry, whether it’s finance, tech, or healthcare can be a time-consuming task, but that’s where SentiOne comes in. For startups, it functions as a social listening platform that centralizes key information from an extensive list of social media platforms and news websites. By giving you an overview of forums and blogs, you’ll be able to keep updated with the latest trends and marketing insights.
2. Box
These days, remote collaboration is one of the most important aspects to consider when it comes to project management. Box enables users to create a centralized workspace, with multiple file type compatibility and secure file sharing options. A great feature is the task automation tool, which allows you to assign individual tasks, set due dates, and monitor your team’s progress. On top of this is Box Relay, which enables the creation and automation of customized workflows. By transitioning to cloud content management, you’ll be able to lower business costs and have flexibility in terms of storage.
3. WalkMe
Taking your business online often means that you need an attractive and easy to navigate website. Often, having an overly complex layout and confusing buttons will prevent customers from buying your products or availing of your service. WalkMe tests this for you by ensuring that first-time users of your website can successfully use it in an effortless manner. By eliminating unnecessary elements from your website, customer support costs will be lowered and you’ll see an increase in terms of sales conversion. More than ever, a seamless user interface and user experience should be one of your top priorities.
4. LucidChart
For startups and entrepreneurs who require product development workflows and technical diagrams, The Balance recommends Lucidchart as it is a web-based platform that is one of the best in the market. It currently offers users a selection of over 750 templates in their shape library, which are used to create detailed charts, mind maps, wireframes, prototypes, and more. Depending on the plan you select, users can collaborate in real-time and complement their solutions with additional software integrations. It also offers compatibility on various browsers and mobile apps.
5. Webex
For video conferencing, Zoom is one of the most popular options on the market. However, recent security issues have made sensitive data more vulnerable to leaks and hackers. A great alternative is Cisco’s Webex, which offers excellent sound and video quality along with extensive security. For remote meetings, events, and training sessions, the screen share feature allows users to lead and present important information, and customizable video layouts offer greater flexibility. As a bonus, it is compatible with Google Assistant and Google Home Hub via hands-free voice commands.
Along with video conferencing, product development, market research, and project management apps, ensuring that your team is equipped with the latest apps and software tools will guide you on your way to further success in 2020.