If you run a small business, and especially if you're in a competitive niche that is already dominated by a few large competitors, digital tools that allow you to get ahead of the game can be invaluable. Here are 10 of the best digital tools that any small business owner should consider utilizing to help them get an edge on their competitors.

A CRM

CRM stands for  Customer Relationship Management, and it is a tool that can help you manage your customers and their information, from contact details to purchases. A good CRM will also allow you to segment customers and send out targeted marketing campaigns to different segments of your customr base.

Whether you need a CRM to help manage a real estate business or you are a B2B software company,  having a good CRM system in place can help you better understand your customers and make sure that the services and products you are providing are meeting their needs.

Social Media Management Tools

Your social media is a vital part of your small business, both as a lead generator and a branding tool. You need  to be able to monitor, respond to and manage your social media accounts efficiently. Social media management tools allow you to do all of this from one central platform, giving you a clear overview of how each account is doing and allowing you automate tasks such as scheduling posts in advance.

Having  the right tools to manage your social media can help you save time and make sure that you are maximizing the potential of your accounts.

SEO Optimization Tools

Search engine optimization (SEO) is essential for any small business, as it helps ensure that your website appears prominently in search engine results when customers search for products or services like yours. To get ahead of your competition, you need to know what keywords they're targeting and how their on-page and off-page SEO efforts are performing.

There are a range of different SEO optimization tools available which can help with this process. These tools allow you to track keyword rankings, discover new opportunities for improving rank, analyze competitors’ performance and more.

These tools--things like SEMrush, MOZ and Ahrefs--are not cheap, but  they are incredibly useful and will help you stay ahead of your competition. 

Email Marketing Software

Email marketing is one of the most powerful and cost-effective ways for small businesses to reach customers and prospects. It’s also a great way to upsell products and services, as well as share content with your audience that will help build relationships over time.

To ensure you get the best results from email, you need to have the right software in place. There are many different types of email marketing software available on the market, with features including automated campaigns, drip emails, segmentation, A/B testing and more.

Choosing the right tool depends on your needs--do some research or speak to an expert to find out which solution is right for you.

Video Conferencing Software

Video conferencing software like Zoom or Google Hangouts allows you to hold remote meetings with colleagues and clients no matter where they are located. This can help speed up decision making processes, saving time and money that would otherwise have been spent on travel costs. It also makes it easier for teams to collaborate remotely, making it an invaluable tool for any small business owner.

Website Analytics Tools

Having a website is essential for any small business, but you need to make sure it’s performing well and creating value for your business. Website analytics tools allow you to track the performance of your website in terms of visits, page views, bounce rates and more. This information helps you understand how visitors are interacting with your site so that you can make improvements as needed. Popular website analytics tools include Google Analytics and Kissmetrics.

Accounting Software

Managing your finances is essential for any small business. Having the right accounting software in place can save you time and help ensure accuracy when it comes to billing, invoicing, payroll, taxes and other financial processes. Popular accounting software includes QuickBooks and Xero.

You would be surprised just how much staying on top of your finances bleeds into other facets of a business. For example,  when you are more organized, you can identify trends and make decisions faster. Having the right accounting software makes this possible.

Project Management Software

Project management software helps small businesses keep their projects on track. This type of software allows teams to manage tasks, assign resources, track progress and collaborate effectively regardless of location. Work management platforms include Workast.

If you have a large team or complex projects it’s worth investing in a project management solution as it will help ensure everything gets done on time and on budget.  They can help you  stay organized and on top of everything, which is essential for small businesses.

Business formation services

If you are just starting a small business, then challenges like choosing which type of entity to form, and getting the paperwork to the right bodies, can cause you sleepless nights. That’s where a service like Incfile comes into play, offering assistance every step of the way, from formation through to effortless annual report filing and beyond. Using the digital tools they offer is a great move for any fledgling company.

Contract work platforms

Hiring a full time employee is a major decision for most businesses, let alone small businesses. There are feat and famine times with most small business, and operations ebb and flow, so  you don't want to be stuck with a full time employee that isn't adding the value needed. Working with contractors and freelancers can help you find the right skills when you need them, without having to make a long-term commitment.

Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr have made it much easier for small businesses to source the expertise they need on an as-needed basis. With these platforms, you can access skilled workers from around the world at competitive rates, helping your business stay agile and take advantage of opportunities quickly.

A /B Testing Tools

A/B testing is the process of comparing two versions of a web page to see which performs better. This could mean testing out different design elements, content or layouts. A/B testing tools allow you to conduct these experiments quickly and easily, giving you valuable insights into what works best for your target audience. Popular A/B testing tools include Optimizely and Visual Website Optimizer.

Conclusion

There are many digital tools available to small businesses that can help make life easier and more efficient. From website analytics, accounting software and project management tools, to contract work platforms and A/B testing solutions, these 10 digital tools can help your small business grow and succeed.

Investing in the right tools can save you time and money while helping you stay organized, improve performance,and be more competitive in the market. So take a look at the list above and see which ones will work best for your small business.