10 Tools You Need to Make Your Startup a Succes
Anyone who has ever launched a startup has quickly realized that they are required to wear several different hats, handling business functions that are likely well beyond their current capabilities. This phenomenon has birthed an entirely new offshoot industry aimed at developing tools to help entrepreneurs succeed, particularly with the many challenges involved in running a business online. The 10 tools we will discuss here are designed to be so user-friendly that even the most computer illiterate will be able to use them effectively to make their startup a success.
Asana
Asana is a fantastic project management tool that is designed to be both comprehensive and exceedingly user friendly. It allows managers to break down large projects into more manageable tasks which can be assigned and tracked from its straightforward user interface.
Using Asana, you can assign and track the progress of individual tasks. Employees will receive a convenient email whenever a new task is assigned to them, and they will be given friendly reminders of due dates along with the ability to upload their work directly to the platform.
The built-in calendar makes it easy and convenient for all parties to keep track of their assignments and ensure they get done on time.
Bitly
Bitly is a link shortener which allows you to take long, ugly looking URL’s and shorten them into something more friendly and digestible for your target audience. It is also fantastic for tracking purposes.
Bitly offers the ability to track a number of data and statistics that will give you an idea of how many people are clicking on your links, where they are being shared, and with how much frequency.
This is a great way to track your impact on social media and most other platforms you’d like to target.
Buffer
If you run a startup that does most of your outreach and advertising via social media, then Buffer is your new best friend. Buffer allows you to schedule posts to all of your social media accounts in advance, freeing up time to focus on other facets of your business and make your life easier.
It also offers the capability to track how well your posts are performing across the various platforms so you can adjust your approach accordingly.
Dropbox
Dropbox is relatively new but has been widely adopted as a means of sharing files. It allows you to share, store, and back up all of your precious files in one secure location. Online security is important, and with Dropbox you are in good hands.
Lever
Lever is a tool you can use to help build out your new team. Lever recruiting software will aid you in recruiting great candidates, streamline your interview process, and give you some data to aid you in your staffing decisions.
TransUnion
Want to make sure your new hires are who they say they are, and can do what they say they can? Run a background check. Use Transunion criminal background checks to gain insight into job candidates’ pasts, and get yourself ready to make your final cuts and get your team in action.
Gusto
Gusto is the latest and greatest in human resources help. It gives even the greenest founder the ability to manage payroll and benefits easily and conveniently. Gusto will even take the information you provide and offer suggestions to help you out further.
GitHub
GitHub is the top-rated and most heavily used online development platform around. It offers an awesome space for your web engineers to manage their projects, host, and review code all in collaboration with other developers. It is a great resource for sharing, storing, and developing new ideas.
Clearbit Connect
Clearbit Connect is an outreach tool that you can use to assist with your new marketing campaign. It is easy to use and so much cheaper than hiring your own PR expert. This is important, since most startups don’t have the cash to pay a PR team’s salary. With Clearbit Connect, you will be able to find all the important email addresses you’re looking for and get your outreach program up and running.
Due
Due helps you keep track of receivables and invoices all in one convenient space. Chasing down your money from everyone who owes can be a hassle, and Due helps you track who owes what while offering a host of other features as well. Due lets you set up recurring invoices and offers a convenient way to accept credit card payments, among other things.
Online Invoices
Online Invoices is a slightly beefier invoicing tool that offers a ton of additional features which make it perfect for business that deal with physical inventory. With Online Invoices you can manage inventory, handle accounting, and manage clients all on one system.
Conclusion
Managing your startup is likely more than a full-time job for you at this point, and these tools simply make it easier to get through your day. There are numerous other tools available to help with the various functions not covered by those listed here, but take comfort in knowing that by tracking them down you will be on your way to a better night’s sleep and continued growth.
