Cloud computing is one of the best tools small businesses can use. The cloud-based services out there are able to save a lot of money and time – creating a more coherent and productive business. Using cloud services is simply one of the most beneficial decisions a small business can make.
The world of cloud computing has a lot to offer for small businesses, no matter what field the business operates in. There are numerous service providers, offering a range of functionalities that would specifically help small business. But which ones are worth using? Here’s a look at the best cloud services for small business and tips on how to find the right product for your business.
Accounting Software
The financial field is one of the major areas that benefit from cloud computing. For a small business, the ability to handle finances in the cloud is crucial. The cloud-based service provides so much more access, security and transparency that the advantages are obvious. The cloud-based software will also often use things like artificial intelligence, which means that accounting can be automated and streamlined. Different functionalities in cloud services in the financial field range from basic accounting to payroll, offering small businesses a lot of variety. Since small businesses are often lacking resources, the right cloud service can help boost the use of those resources as well as help the company to grow further.
HR Software
Small business HR software is definitely the new kid on the block and a cloud service that small businesses must start using now. The right type of HR software will help with everything from recruitment to onboarding and managing time-off. A good small business HR software integrates with many financial software solutions, helping to keep up with these two important aspects of the business. The big benefit in HR software is also the added transparency. Many small business HR tools allow the system to be used by the employees as well – helping to create a more transparent system, whether in terms of things like payroll or employment benefits.
Document Sharing and Storing
Of course, one of the earliest uses of cloud computing happened in the form of storage solutions. These were used for documents and images alike in business and at home. This kind of service still remains important for small business, as having data stored in the cloud can help with access as well as security. Because there are now so many different types of solutions out there right now, companies do have to pay attention to what they want and need from document sharing and storage services. For example, virtual data rooms could be a great option for small businesses instead of the more basic data storing systems.
Social Media and Marketing Management Software
Almost any business operating in the modern world will need a good social media system. Social media, in the modern world, is the key to making sales, marketing the company and sharing information. But instead of doing these in single platforms and so on, small businesses should opt for cloud solutions that allow the combining of the efforts of using social media and creating marketing campaigns together. You can, for example, use tools that make it easy to create social media campaigns that work seamlessly in different platforms. These marketing options can even be used to launch e-mail campaigns and so on. Of course, you’ll also be able to use the social media managers to learn more about your customers – this can further your ability to sell and market your small business.
Finding the Right Cloud Services for Your Business
The above are the key areas in which you should use a cloud-based service to gain the maximum benefits of cloud computing. But there is still a range of different software solutions to pick in each category. So how to find the right cloud service provider and tool for your business?
It all starts with mapping your needs. You want to understand what your company needs from the service outside of the main purpose of the service, of course. This means things like scaling, IT support, backups, compatibility and so on. Once you are aware of these, you can start to look for the right products.
But you don’t want to just end up buying the first service you see. It’s important to contact the service provider and have a discussion regarding your needs and what that cloud-based tool offers. You should also get a correct understanding of the cost – you don’t want to opt for a service only to find out it costs more than you thought. Compare a few different products together to find the most suitable both in terms of the functionality and the cost.
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