8 Free Apps To Keep You Connected To Your Business While On The Go

By Stefanie Neyland, Small Business Content Developer at BizLaunch.com

 

Keeping up to date with all aspects of a business can be trying at the best of times— especially when you’re out of the office. But luckily, the universality of smartphones and the rise of easy Internet access has changed this, making it easier than ever to stay connected to your business while on the go. Here are eight handy apps that could make a big difference to your small business when you’re on the move.

 

1. Dropbox

 

This convenient app allows you to store, share and access all of your files—from photos to videos, and even documents—on any device, at anytime. With the software, you’ll be able to access all your saved files from any computer or mobile device, and what’s more is that your colleagues and employees can easily access them, too.

 

Star Rating: ****

 

2. Evernote

 

Named the New York Times ‘Top 10 Must-Have App’, Evernote is a valuable tool for any small business owner. Easy-to-use, and best of all, completely free— it helps you remember everything you need to across all the devices you use, helping you stay organized, save your ingenious ideas, and improve your productivity. Take notes, capture photos, record voice reminders and create to-do lists, then make all this information searchable—whether you’re at home, at the office, or chilling at the beach.

 

Star Rating: *****

 

3. Basecamp

In essence: Basecamp is a comprehensive project management app that allows you to keep all your files in one place, keep all your client discussions centralized, stay on top of important dates, track workflow and set tasks for others. Great for managing freelance personnel and even in-house employees, you can view your team members’ progress as they check off individual to-dos and upload completed files.

 

Star Rating: ***

 

4. Google Drive

One of the undisputed leaders of the pack in the app world (Google’s Gmail is currently the trailblazer for small business webmail), Google offers a multitude of user-friendly apps that, put simply: just make life easier. Take Google Drive. Google Drive, building upon Google Docs, allows users to seamlessly access, share and edit files from your PC, tablet or smartphone. Essentially a virtual office suite, the handy software also acts as a cloud drive with an ample free storage space of 5GB. What more could you ask for?

 

Star Rating: *****

 

5. Freshbooks

Make billing clients painless with this user-friendly accounting software by Freshbooks. It’s the fastest way to organize expenses, track time and invoice your clients—all from the palm of your hand. The app offers myriad features displayed in a straightforward and intuitive design; and the best thing about it is that it’s created for entrepreneurs, not accountants. You can also fully integrate it with over 70 of Freshbooks’ cloud partners, including Basecamp, Google Apps, and email marketing software Constant Contact.

 

Star Rating: *****

 

6. Skype

Video call and conference your clients and colleagues for free with this revolutionary software application. You can also instant message, share files and, when you purchase Skype credits, reach international landlines to make low-cost calls to the world at large.

 

Star Rating: *****

7. Square Register

Need to process a customer payment while out and about? No problem! Square allows you to accept credit cards and run your business anywhere, anytime with the Register app for iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch—all you need is a free card reader that plugs directly into your device. The app itself is free and the per-transaction pricing is extremely competitive—just 2.75% per swipe for all major credit cards. Even better is that there’s no merchant accounts, long-term commitments or hidden fees. Ten years ago, who’d have thought business owners could process payments from their counter or their pocket?

 

Star Rating: *****

 

8. Bump

Bump is a pioneering networking app that allows business owners to do away with the customary business card and replace it with a virtual one. Users can swap contact information, files and photos by just tapping their two smartphones together.

Why kill trees with mountains of unused business cards when you can exchange useful info with a simple ‘bump’?

 

Star Rating: ****