This might seem like an inescapable fact, but it’s completely possible to flip the numbers in your favor. You just need the right workflow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To help point you in the right direction, we’ve handpicked the best small business apps for streamlining your everyday tasks \u2014 from project management to social media marketing<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let’s get started, shall we?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Well-made business software can definitely enhance your work and automate certain tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But there’s no point in adopting new apps unless they solve an existing problem in your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, before you go shopping, take a moment to consider what your business truly needs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you’ve pinpointed the problems you’re trying to solve, you can start hunting down the perfect solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While every business has unique challenges, some problems are almost universal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ever had a headache from doing the accounting, or found yourself struggling to keep up with client communications? Yup, we thought so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To help you solve these thorny issues, we curated the list below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Simply scroll until you see a topic that resonates, and check out our recommended apps!<\/p>\n\n\n\n (In a rush? Skip straight to the end for our toolbox selector!)<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Like most small business owners, you probably keep your own accounts. And you probably absolutely hate it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The following apps should make the process less painful, while also providing an overview of financial health:<\/p>\n\n\n\n QuickBooks may be a 40-year veteran, but it\u2019s not collecting dust \u2014 it\u2019s evolving to stay sharp in a modern market. Today, it\u2019s available exclusively as QuickBooks Online (QBO), which runs in the cloud on both desktop and mobile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With multiple plans and the option to add payroll, QBO can flex to fit just about any small business. The starter plan covers your invoices, expenses, and payments, while higher tiers include inventory, reporting, and automation tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s versatile, reliable, and has everything you need to keep your business finances in order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n QuickBooks pricing starts at $35 per month. Each plan includes a free 30-day trial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n FreshBooks is aimed at freelancers<\/a>, consultants, solopreneurs, and small businesses in the early stages of growth. It\u2019s designed with simplicity in mind, and it comes with additional features that are perfect for service-based businesses (like creatives, consultants, agencies, and coaches).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aside from basic accounting, FreshBooks can help you invoice faster, manage client projects, and stay on budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pricing starts at $21 per month, or you can try it for free for 30 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Project management \u2014 knowing what needs to get done, who’s responsible, and when it’s due \u2014 gets especially tricky when you have a handful of projects with looming deadlines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keeping everything on course can feel like juggling 10 balls at once while you\u2019re swinging on the high trapeze. Someone send in the clowns\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some affordable options to minimize the stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Asana is a popular project management app designed to help you plan, track, and follow through on that big to-do list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s useful whether you\u2019re managing a team, juggling multiple projects, or just trying to keep your own to-do list in order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can break out projects into multiple tasks, assign them to others, and keep everyone on the same page with easy and open comms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Basic plan is free<\/a>; paid plans begin at $13.49 per month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re more of a visual thinker, Trello may be the way to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This app uses a simple, card-based system organized with boards (incl. Kanban) to help you map out your work at a glance. It’s super intuitive; you can just drag, drop, and rearrange tasks as your priorities shift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trello has a free plan suitable for individuals, or you can upgrade to the Standard plan for small teams for $6\/user per month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Want to track the time your team is spending on various tasks? Toggl can help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This dedicated time tracking app is really easy to use, and it syncs with over 100 other apps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s ideal for freelancers and small consultancies who need to track their billable time and invoice clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can start with Toggl for free, with paid plans from $10 per month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you’re selling services or products, accepting payments<\/a> shouldn’t feel like solving the mysteries of the universe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A good payment processing app can make things smooth sailing for both you and your customers. Here are our favorites:<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhich Apps Are Right for Your Small Business?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Apps That Solve Common Small Business Problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Best Apps for Reducing Accounting Headaches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. QuickBooks<\/a>: Best Overall Accounting App for Small Businesses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Features:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Screenshot](\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/01_quickbooks_expense_tracking.webp\"){kind=tracking}
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nQuickBooks pricing:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
2. FreshBooks<\/a>: Lightweight Alternative With Time-Tracking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Features:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Screenshot](\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/02_freshbooks_time_tracking.webp\"){kind=tracking}
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFreshBooks pricing:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The Best Apps for Managing Multiple Projects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
3. Asana<\/a>: Best Multi-Purpose Project Manager<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Features:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Screenshot](\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/03_asana_list_view.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAsana pricing:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
4. Trello<\/a>: Flexible, Visual Project Management<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Features:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Trello](\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/04_trello_kanban_board.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTrello pricing:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
5. Toggl<\/a>: Time Tracking for Small Teams<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Features:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Toggl](\"https:\/\/www.dreamhost.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/05_toggl_reports_summary.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nToggle pricing:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The Best Apps for Managing Customer Payments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n