Start-up Essentials: Tools to Get Your Business Going
May 30, 2024
Written by Charlotte Steel
Starting a business is an exciting journey, filled with both opportunities and challenges - we know because we’ve been there at Evergreen Coaching.
Whether you're launching a start-up or managing a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME), having the right tools in place can make a significant difference. Having the right tools will make your business’s foundation stronger. In this article, I’ll share some essential tools that can help streamline your operations, enhance productivity, and set your business on the positive path to success.
The Importance of the Right Tools
Starting a business without the proper tools is like trying to build a house without a hammer. The right tools not only make tasks easier but also improve efficiency, save time, and reduce costs. They enable you to focus on strategic decisions rather than getting bogged down in administrative details - the areas that most of us find boring. Finding the right tools is fundamental from Day 1 of business.
Recommended Low-Cost Tools for Start-ups:
Monday.com is a user-friendly project management tool that uses boards and lists to help you organise tasks and collaborate with your team. It's great for keeping track of what needs to be done, who is doing it, and when it's due. The mobile apps are great too, giving you access on-the-go.
Xero offers cloud-based accounting software tailored for small businesses. It includes invoicing, expense tracking, and receipt scanning, making it easier to manage your finances. It’s also approved MTD (Making Tax Digital) software to file your VAT returns.
Mailchimp provides free email marketing services for small businesses. It allows you to create professional email campaigns, automate your marketing efforts, and track performance, helping you reach and engage with your audience effectively.
Wix is a versatile website builder that offers a range of customisable templates. With its drag-and-drop interface, you can create a professional-looking website without any coding knowledge, essential for establishing your online presence.
Buffer helps manage your social media accounts in one place. You can schedule posts, track engagement, and analyse performance across various platforms, saving you time and enhancing your social media strategy.
Zoho CRM is a low cost cloud-based tool that helps you manage your interactions with customers and prospects. It offers features like contact management, email tracking, and sales pipeline management which is crucial for nurturing customer relationships.
Google Drive provides cloud storage where you can store, share, and collaborate on documents. It integrates seamlessly with other Google Workspace apps like Docs, Sheets, and Slides, making teamwork more efficient. You’ll need a Gmail or Google Workspace account to get started.
Canva is a graphic design tool that enables you to create stunning visuals for your marketing materials. With its drag-and-drop interface and extensive library of templates, you can design everything from social media posts to presentations.
LinkedIn is a powerful tool for personal branding and networking. By creating and maintaining an up-to-date LinkedIn profile, you can showcase your expertise, connect with industry peers, and attract potential clients. Regularly sharing insightful content and engaging with your network can boost your visibility and credibility.
ChatGPT is an AI-powered tool that assists with content creation. Whether you need blog posts, social media updates, or marketing copy, ChatGPT can help generate ideas and draft content quickly and efficiently. This tool can save you time and help maintain a consistent content output, essential for keeping your audience engaged. My advice is to use ChatGPT as a base for your content. You will need to add the ‘icing on the cake’ yourself to bring your content in line with your brand.
Extra Resources:
We have a range of free templates available for you to download, including Start-up Checklist, Budget & Forecasting, Grant Writing Canvas and 3 Day Power Planner.
Quick Links:
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Our mission is to empower you with the knowledge essential for steering your business towards sustained success. It's perfectly normal to seek assistance in this area, and we're here to ensure you're equipped to make informed financial decisions for the prosperity of your business.