You’re a business owner. Now what?
Nothing is more daunting than starting a business…except maybe figuring out where to go after that.
How do I manage a team? How do I keep track of my finances? Where can I create graphics for my brand?
If you’re feeling the weight of all these questions, take a deep breath and keep reading. The SSM Creative Collective has a few tools and applications for success, whether you’re starting out, moving to e-commerce, or looking to revamp.
ClickUp
When we say this is an all-in-one project management suite, we mean it.
Founded in 2017, this application was designed to maximize productivity by minimizing the number of platforms that businesses do work.
Here at the Collective, ClickUp is our go-to for managing projects as a team and one of our favorite applications for success. It’s also a great tool for managing cognitive load, which you can read more about here.
ClickUp allows you to:
- create and manage tasks
- schedule projects
- make custom automation for your tasks
- draft documents and emails
- manage client relations
- set reminders and recurring tasks
- track time
- manage financials
- build custom dashboards
- and much, much more!
ClickUp’s YouTube is also a great resource for learning to use this thorough and extensive project-management application.
Curious how your business can use ClickUp? Check out their extensive Use Cases, outfitted with premade templates so that you can get started today.
Dubsado
This application is an all-in-one business management suite. Dubsado offers tools for invoicing, financial and time tracking, project management, and more.
From the Dashboard, you can track finances, to-do’s, and view a monthly calendar. The calendar syncs with Apple or Google, so you never miss a client meeting or a deadline.
The Projects folder helps you organize leads, projects, and contracts, as well as any associated invoices, due dates, notes, or appointments.
Dubsado also allows you to create forms, such as questionnaires, proposals, or contracts, which you can send to clients for electronic signature.
Be sure to check out their YouTube for dozens of tutorials and walkthroughs so that you can make the most out of Dubsado.
Unsure how this application can help you with your business? Check out their site to see how Dubsado can work for you, whether you’re an artist or an accountant, a doula or a DJ.
Canva
Have you ever opened up that name-brand design application and thought to yourself, “This isn’t for me,” or “I don’t have the time to learn how to use this.” Well, Canva has your back.
Launched in 2013, Canva is your go-to for online design.
“With a mission to empower everyone in the world to design anything,” this is an excellent resource for those who can’t afford a more expensive design software. It’s also great for those who might not have the time or opportunity to learn how to use Adobe Suite.
This free and easy-to-use online design application is perfect whether you’re looking to create an event flyer, design an Instagram story, or draft up a branding proposal.
Check out Canva’s extensive Tutorials and Video Courses, which are excellent resources for getting started.
Sendible
Sendible is an application for social media management. It’s an excellent tool for planning your social posts ahead of time, tracking insights and analytics, and working collaboratively to maintain the socials of your brand.
Sendible lets you schedule posts for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google My Business, and more. You can prepare ahead of time the copy, hashtags, @’s, geotags, publication date, and more, so your business’s socials are always clean and consistent.
You can learn more about how to use Sendible here.
Tailwind
As a business owner, it’s important to get your content to the right audience. Knowing which platforms your content will reach that audience is key. Sometimes Pinterest is that platform!
Tailwind is a great resource for business owners looking to manage their socials for Pinterest (and Instagram!). Tailwind allows users to create Pins, schedule and post them ahead of time, and view analytics/insights on their Pins.
Speaking of Pinterest, have you checked out ours?
Shopify
If you’ve got a new business or looking to start one, and aren’t sure where to start with e-commerce, Shopify is an excellent tool to get you on track. They even offer a Point of Sale application for in-store purchases.
Shopify provides you with tools for creating and analyzing digital marketing campaigns, financial insights, starting a business, and more.
Don’t forget to visit Shopify’s Help Center for any help getting started with this application.