As a home-based business owner, you’re already living the dream. Your morning commute is from the coffee machine to the computer, and you’ll never have to worry about traffic jams. That’s no reason not to be hungry for the next advantage, though. Embracing the age of technology can help you work efficiently, maintain privacy, and convert more prospects into happy customers.
The sheer number of different technology solutions can be overwhelming. Time is money, so to save more of yours, here are six ready-to-go tech tools for home-based business owners.
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A virtual office
Imagine if angry customers could turn up at your doorstep to leave reviews up close and personal. Listing your home address on your website or inside your email service provider robs you of your privacy and threatens your work-life balance. You can use a virtual office to take back your privacy without sacrificing your business.
Customers, leads, and government agencies won’t know your home address when using a virtual office. Your mail is securely delivered to the virtual office location, picked up, scanned, and forwarded for you. A virtual office can also manage phone calls and faxes, which might be an upgrade from your home system. With a virtual office, you look more professional to clients and safeguard your personal property from security threats in the process.
An email service provider
All online businesses need a quality email service provider (ESP) to engage new leads via follow-up email newsletters.
Choose from one of the leading ESPs such as Drip, Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign, or Constant Contact. Use your chosen tool and some catchy subject lines to attract leads, build trust, and close more sales.
A social media scheduling tool
Social media can help you engage with your target market, turning them into leads and then customers. Unfortunately, posting on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok isn’t as easy as it looks. If you feel like you’re drowning in content and captions, try using a social media scheduler.
Tools like Buffer, MeetEdgar, Hootsuite, or Sprout Social let you draft your posts and set up a week’s or month’s posting schedule so you can spend less time on socials and more time elsewhere.
Screen-sharing platforms
Working virtually doesn’t mean eliminating all human contact. You need screen-sharing platforms like Zoom or GoToMeeting to show clients and prospects your presentations on live calls.
Platforms like Screen-Cast-o-Matic or Camtasia make it simple to screen share when creating your marketing videos. Never underestimate the value of a strong visual presentation.
Contract programs
Contract platforms like HelloSign make invaluable tech tools for home-based business owners. If you struggle with needing clients to sign contracts or send sensitive documents, then look no further.
You might also choose PandaDoc or DocuSign. Each of these tools lets you obtain virtual signatures on your legal documents. You kill two birds with one stone by going paperless and ensuring the safety of your private information.
Website-building software
Use tools such as WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace to build your website. Blog posts drive engagement and boost search engine rankings. Not to mention, they help your target market feel closer to you as a brand.
Choosing the website builder that feels most intuitive to you can help you keep up with a healthy posting schedule and draw in loyal followers.
Wrap up
Running a business from home is one of the most rewarding ways to make a living. Your business is your sweat and tears, so it’s frustrating when platforms or software waste your time and cost you money.
You didn’t get to this point by being afraid of new things. Incorporate some new tech tools into your home business to keep your money machine well-oiled.
