Mobile apps can help your business thrive in this online era. With so many options to choose from, it is important to understand the benefits of these platforms and what your needs are. Each one offers an array of functions that help you run your business – Can you really afford not to use them?
With over 20% of the population in South Africa having a mobile phone, mobile apps are an effective tool for small business owners who want to use technology but without paying a hefty price.
In this article, we highlight some mobile apps that can help boost your business and help you unlock a new business opportunity.
1. Accounting and Invoicing
Sage accounting: A cloud-based accounting solution for small businesses to manage finances, invoicing and cash flow. (Cost is from R500 up to R2000 per month)
QuickBooks: An accounting software for small businesses to track income, expenses and inventory. (Cost is from R400 up to R1500 per month)
Zoho Invoice: A user-friendly invoicing tool for creating, sending and tracking invoices and payments. (Cost is from free up to R500 per month)
2. Payment and Transactions
SnapScan: A mobile payment app for businesses to accept payments and manage transactions. (Cost is 2,9% + R1.,0 per transaction)
Zapper: A digital payment platform for businesses to accept mobile payments and manage customer loyalty. (Cost is 2,9% + R1,50 per transaction)
PayFast: A secure online payment gateway for businesses to accept payments from customers. (Cost is 2,9% + R1,50 per transaction)
3. Marketing and Social Media
Hootsuite: A social media management platform for scheduling posts, tracking engagement and analysing performance. (Cost is from R500 up to R2000 per month)
Buffer: A social media scheduling tool for automating posts and optimising engagement. (Cost is free up to R500 per month)
Meta Business Suite: A platform for managing Facebook and Instagram business accounts, including posts, ads and insights. (Free to use)
4. Productivity and Organisation
Trello: A visual project management tool for organising tasks, teams and workflows. (Cost is free up to R500 per month)
Asana: A work management platform for assigning tasks, tracking progress and setting goals. (Cost is free up to R500 per month)
5. Customer Management on Mobile Apps
HubSpot CRM: A customer relationship management tool for tracking leads, sales and customer interactions. (Cost is R500-R2000 per month)
Zoho CRM: A cloud-based platform for managing sales, marketing and customer support. (Cost is from free to R500 per month)
Freshsales: A CRM solution for managing sales, marketing and customer engagement. (Cost is from R500 to R2000 per month)
6. Time Tracking and Scheduling
Toggl: A time-tracking tool for monitoring work hours, productivity and project time. (Cost is from free to R500 per month)
Clockify: A free time-tracking app for tracking work hours, tasks and projects. (Free to use)
7. Security and Backup
Norton Small Business: A security solution for protecting businesses from malware and online threats. (Cost is from R500 to R2000 per month)
Kaspersky Small Office Security: A comprehensive security solution for protecting small businesses from cyber threats. (Cost is from R500 to R2000 per month)
Google Backup and Sync: A cloud-based backup solution for securing files, data and devices. (Cost is from free up to R500 per month)
Why are Mobile Apps for Businesses Important?
Increased Reach and Access
Mobile apps offer small businesses an opportunity to reach a wider audience and increase their online presence. You can connect with customers, suppliers and partners anywhere, anytime.
Improved Efficiency and Productivity
Mobile apps can make business tasks like counting money, sending bills, and getting paid easier, so you can run your business better.
Enhanced customer experience
Mobile apps provide you with a platform to engage with customers, offer customised services and build strong relationships.
Competitive Edge
In today’s digital age, having a mobile app can be a competitive advantage for you. Using mobile apps can help make your business stand out, build a solid online image, and draw in more customers compared to your competitors.
Cost-effectiveness of Mobile Apps
Mobile apps are affordable tools for running your business, promoting your products, and connecting with customers. They also help cut down on the expenses of physical infrastructure because you don’t have to pay for setup and maintenance.
By embracing mobile technology, your business can remain agile, competitive and responsive to changing market conditions. So why wait? Explore the world of mobile apps for business and discover the power of technology for your small enterprise.
