If you're a small business owner, technology can streamline and simplify your daily operations. Unfortunately, some entrepreneurs are hesitant to invest in cutting-edge tools because they're worried about costs. However, according to The Tech Edge, outdated technology costs businesses more money than it saves them. In the big picture, tech is an investment well worth making. You don't want to fall behind in business because you failed to keep up with cutting-edge innovations. This guide outlines some must-have tools you shouldn't skimp on.

An SEO-friendly website

A user-friendly and attractive website can attract consumers and help drive sales. However, you need people to be able to find your website. That's where search engine optimization, or SEO, comes into play. SEO involves structuring a website and its content so that it appears higher in Google and other search engine rankings. If you don't know SEO yourself, you can hire an SEO specialist.

A modern smartphone with essential apps

A mobile phone is critical for your business success. You use it to communicate with customers, employees, and more. Make sure you have an up-to-date smartphone so that you can easily download essential apps. There are critical apps for entrepreneurs, covering business areas like accounting, virtual meetings, project management, and more. Being able to access these tools on the go means you're never out of the loop. Your smartphone will essentially serve as a mobile office.

Collaboration and communication tools

Coordinating a multi-person team can be challenging. Maintaining constant communication is critical to ensuring clarity. Project management tools can help you track who is working on what, set milestones, and monitor progress. Some of these tools also offer chat functionality, allowing you to touch base with your team regarding the latest project updates. PCMag offers a list of the best collaboration software, from Asana to LiquidPlanner and Podio.

Video conferencing software

Sometimes you need a more substantial exchange beyond written words in a chat app or project management platform. In these cases, a video conferencing tool like Zoom can prove useful. Video conferencing software allows for spur-of-the-moment, "face-to-face" meetings without anyone having to commute, ensuring flexibility and convenience. Plus, since nobody has to drive, it's an eco-friendly means of meeting. There are free tools available, although you can also upgrade to paid plans to enjoy additional benefits.

Security software for your website, email, and tech devices

If you have a website for your business, it's critical to invest in web security software. Security Boulevard explains that cyber-attacks are on the rise, thanks to evolutions in technology. Black-hat attackers scan for non-secure websites, pinpointing vulnerabilities. Open-source platforms like WordPress are especially at risk. Get security software not only for your website but also for your email and work devices like computers and phones.

 

Bookkeeping or accounting software

Bookkeeping and accounting can be extremely time-consuming. However, these are must-do tasks for any business owner. You can save money on your financial management with accounting software. Space Technology reveals that the right tech can avoid time-wasting, improve tax reporting capabilities, and generally optimize business processes. For example, some accounting tools also allow you to incorporate expense tracking and payroll.

Digital appointment management tools

Running a business involves meetings with team members, clients, consultants, and more. Keeping track of all your appointments plus important project deadlines and tasks can get tedious. If you're managing a team, you also have their schedules to think about. Digital appointment management tools help you track it all. It’s recommended that companies use a shared calendar. This holds everyone accountable and keeps people in the loop. It also makes scheduling meetings easy since you'll have an overview of each person's availability.

Digital document storage, organization, and sending

Finally, consider investing in digital document storage and organization tools. Going paperless will save you the hassle. Plus, it's more environmentally friendly. Tools like Google Drive are free and easy to use. Need to send formal paperwork online? DocuSend is a cloud-based mailroom that allows you to cut mailing costs and eliminate paper, stamp, and envelope inventory. It further gets rid of security issues associated with email attachments.

As a small business owner, you probably track all of your expenses carefully. Coughing up the cash to invest in pricey new technologies may be intimidating at first. However, ultimately tools like those described above will save you time and money — and alleviate stress.