Software developments have revolutionized the small business landscape, making it easier than ever to plan and execute your business model. These applications can help to streamline your operation, turning your business into an adaptive, agile firm.

Xero

Xero is a very affordable piece of accounting software. It offers subscriptions for anywhere from 12 to 65 dollars per month and offers a month-long free trial to evaluate all supplied features and decide which subscription package is right for you.

Xero’s greatest asset is the ability to host multiple users even on its most basic of packages. This is significant because most accounting applications require the purchase of their more expensive packages to have multiple login identities active.

Xero also makes things easier on your customers, offering online quotes that you can alter and update your clients with at a moment’s notice. Quotes can also be turned into invoices that update customers as they make payments in real-time, and you can set up payment reminders, so your customer is always aware of the status of his or her account.

Xero’s greatest drawback is its lack of phone support. This may be an issue for business owners who would rather discuss service with a live person rather than dig through Xero’s online FAQ page or send an online-service ticket. Basic plans on Xero also limit owners to 20 invoices and 5 scheduled bill payments at a time. Entrepreneurs who work with Xero might want to consider buying one of the premium subscriptions unless they deal with a small, specific base of customers.

Square

Square is an unparalleled point of service (POS) system that allows business owners a transportable, flexible way of receiving payment. Square has a proven history and is praised for its mobility, often used in pop-up retail spaces such as food trucks and traveling sales kiosks.

Entrepreneurs can use the basic Square plan for free or pay up to 72 dollars per month for the premium plan which allows for a variety of useful features, including a lower payment processing fee and other benefits depending on your small business’s goals. Users say that Square’s greatest benefit is its ease of use and consistent service rates, regardless of a customer’s method of payment.

Meanwhile, Square’s flexibility might also be its greatest weakness. While Square can be used in a variety of small-business sectors, there are almost always more specialized POS options for a given industry.

Gusto

Gusto is a popular HR platform for small businesses that don’t have the space or resources to house and/or employ in-house HR and payroll departments. Its core package only costs owners 39 dollars per month. This includes automatic tax filings, benefits package management, and the ability for employees to view their financial records within the business such as pay stubs and W-2 forms.

Entrepreneurs praise the application’s transparent price model, automatic tax processing, and other payroll deductions. Gusto also offers instance cancellation for any of its subscription tiers as well as options for company contractors that don’t include a monthly fee.

Gusto is generally not recommended for business owners who require same-day deposits or exceptionally low monthly fees. The application also does not offer expanded health benefits throughout all 50 states. Managers who need to supply comprehensive health insurance to attract high-value employees might have difficulty managing HR and payroll through Gusto.

These applications are all but a small sample of the myriad of software that small business owners can use to get their financial ambitions up and running. All are serviceable options that cover every aspect of small business ownership, but there might be applications that are more specific to your industry. Regardless, one would be well served with these pieces of software while they look for a more fitting alternative. Global Resources Reviews can help you with everything from selecting software, to staffing, and even financing your business ambitions.