Okay, let's kick things off with a look at QuickBooks Online. It's pretty much a household name when it comes to accounting software for small businesses, and for good reason. We've been using it for a while now, and it's become a staple in our financial processes. It's one of the most ubiquitous options out there, alongside Xero and FreshBooks.
One of the things we appreciate most is its scalability. Whether you're just starting out or you're already seeing some growth, QuickBooks Online can adapt to your needs. It's got all the core accounting features you'd expect, plus some extras like robust reporting and transaction tracking.
Here's a quick rundown of what we like:
We've found that the transaction tracking tools are especially helpful. Being able to group transactions by department or location gives us a clearer picture of where our money is going and how different parts of the business are performing. It's made a big difference in how we measure performance.
If you're looking for a solid, reliable accounting solution with plenty of features, QuickBooks Online is definitely worth checking out.
Okay, let's talk about FreshBooks. We've been keeping an eye on this one, and it's definitely a strong contender for small businesses, especially if you're in the service industry. It's got a clean interface, which is a huge plus when you're dealing with invoices and expenses all day.
One of the things we appreciate most is how intuitive it is. You don't need to be an accounting whiz to figure it out, which is great for those of us who are more focused on running our business than crunching numbers. It handles the basics really well invoicing, expense tracking, accepting payments all that good stuff. Plus, it has some nice features like time tracking, which is super handy if you bill by the hour.
FreshBooks isn't just about looking pretty; it's a full-fledged, double-entry accounting system. It's simple enough for beginners but has the features a growing business needs, even payroll.
Of course, it's not perfect. If you need really advanced inventory management or super detailed reporting, you might find it a bit lacking. But for most small businesses, it hits the sweet spot of being powerful enough without being overwhelming. And, it's worth noting that FreshBooks is often recognized as best for freelancers, which says a lot about its focus on simplicity and ease of use.
FreshBooks offers different pricing tiers, starting around $21/month, but keep an eye out for deals they often have discounts. For accountants looking for bookkeeping software, FreshBooks is a solid option to consider, especially if your clients are smaller businesses or freelancers.
Okay, so Microsoft 365. We've all heard of it, right? It's pretty much the industry standard when it comes to office software, and for good reason. It's got everything most businesses need to get stuff done.
One of the biggest perks is that it's cloud-based. This means you can access your files from anywhere, which is super handy if you're working remotely or switching between devices. No more emailing yourself documents! Plus, everything's automatically backed up, so you don't have to worry about losing your work if your computer crashes. It's a lifesaver, trust us.
Microsoft 365 is a solid choice for any business that relies on office software. It's familiar, reliable, and packed with features that can boost productivity. While it might not be the cheapest option out there, the value you get for the price is hard to beat.
Here's a quick rundown of what you can expect:
And that's just scratching the surface. There are different plans available depending on your business size and needs, so you can choose the one that's right for you. It's a pretty comprehensive suite of tools.
Of course, it's not perfect. Some people find the interface a bit dated, and it can be a bit pricey compared to some of the alternatives. But overall, it's a solid choice that's worth considering. Plus, most of your suppliers and contractors are probably already using it, which makes file sharing a breeze.
Xero is another big name in the accounting software game, and for good reason. It's got a solid set of features, and a lot of small businesses swear by it. We've been keeping an eye on it, and here's what we think.
One of the things we like about Xero is its focus on collaboration. It's designed to let multiple users access the same data, which can be a lifesaver if you're working with a team or an accountant. Plus, it integrates with a ton of other apps, so you can connect it to your bank accounts, payment processors, and other tools you're already using. It's pretty handy.
Xero's interface is generally clean and easy to use, but it can feel a little overwhelming at first. There are a lot of options and features, so it might take some time to get your bearings. But once you do, it's a pretty powerful tool.
Here's a quick rundown of some of the things Xero does well:
Of course, no software is perfect. Some users have complained about Xero's customer support, saying it can be slow to respond or not very helpful. And while Xero's pricing is competitive, it can get expensive if you need to add a lot of users or features. But overall, Xero is a solid choice for small businesses that need a robust accounting solution.
If you're looking for a user-friendly interface and competitive pricing, Xero is an excellent option for growing businesses. Plus, Xero is recognized as a reliable and efficient accounting tool for small businesses.
Okay, let's talk about Wave Accounting. We've been playing around with it, and here's the lowdown. For those of us running really small businesses, especially if you're just starting out, Wave could be a solid option. It's got a free version that lets you handle basic bookkeeping and invoicing, which is pretty sweet. It's a good way to automate tedious financial tasks without spending any money.
One thing we noticed is that Wave's free plan doesnt include time or mileage tracking, or even a billable expense feature. But hey, it does let you have unlimited users and set up recurring invoices. So, swings and roundabouts, right?
If you're not keen on manually entering every single transaction, Wave can connect to your bank accounts. This means your accounting software automatically enters a balancing debit or credit for each transaction, so you dont have to do it manually.
Wave is a simple solution for very small businesses that need a place to consolidate bookkeeping records and invoices, but dont have to log more than a handful of transactions each day. The free version of the accounting software lets you track income and expenses, send unlimited invoices and automatically send reminders for late online payments. It also gives you access to more than a dozen pre-built financial reports, including a profit and loss statement and balance sheet.
Here's a quick rundown:
Zoho Books is another solid option we've been checking out. It's part of the whole Zoho ecosystem, which is pretty cool if you're already using their other apps. Think CRM and email all working together. It handles the usual bookkeeping stuff like inventory, sales, and projects, and honestly, it stacks up well against the competition. They even have a free version, which is always a plus.
Zoho Books is a great choice if you're already invested in the Zoho ecosystem. It's also good for bigger small businesses that need a lot of customization.
Here's a quick rundown of what we like:
We think Zoho Books is best for businesses already using other Zoho products accept online payments. If you're looking for something that plays nice with your existing Zoho setup, this could be it. Plus, it's got enough features to handle the needs of a growing business. For those seeking user-friendly bookkeeping software Xero is also worth considering.
Gusto is a popular choice for small businesses needing help with payroll and HR. We've found it's pretty user-friendly, which is a big plus when you're already juggling a million things. It handles everything from calculating taxes to managing benefits, making it a solid all-in-one solution.
One thing we appreciate is how easy it is for employees to use. They can access their pay stubs, update their information, and manage their benefits all in one place. Plus, Gusto's customer support is generally pretty responsive, which is always a relief when you run into an issue. It's worth noting that while most users are happy, some find that linking time entries to specific projects can be a bit of a hassle. Overall, it's a strong contender for businesses looking to streamline their HR processes. Many users are happy with the Gusto integration for payroll.
We think Gusto is a great option if you're looking for an easy-to-use payroll and HR platform. It's not perfect, but it gets the job done and has a lot of features that small businesses will find helpful.
Here's a quick rundown of what we like:
Okay, so Square Payroll. We've all seen Square's card readers, right? Well, they do payroll too! It's pretty integrated if you're already using Square for your point-of-sale stuff. Makes sense, right? Keep everything in one place.
Honestly, the best part is how it handles all the tax stuff. We used to spend hours on that, and now it's just...done. It's a huge time-saver, especially when you're running a small business and wearing a million different hats.
The big selling point is definitely the integration with Square's other services. If you're not already in the Square ecosystem, it might not be the best fit, but if you are, it's worth checking out. It's convenient, and that counts for a lot when you're busy.
Square Payroll handles payroll, customer/vendor portals, tracks inventory, and offers training.
Okay, let's talk about HubSpot CRM. We've been using it for a while now, and honestly, it's become a pretty integral part of our sales and marketing efforts. It's not perfect, but it's got a lot going for it.
One of the things we appreciate most is that it brings all our communication channels together email, live chat, forms, even Facebook Messenger. It's nice to have everything in one place. Plus, it enriches client data, which helps us personalize our interactions. HubSpot is designed to help you build a frictionless customer experience.
Here's a quick rundown of what we like:
We've found that HubSpot is pretty good at helping us track our goals and targets. The analytics software is useful for keeping an eye on our progress. It's also nice that there's a free tier, so you can try it out before committing to a paid plan. It's a solid CRM system overall.
It also integrates with other tools, like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, which is a plus. While HubSpot might not be the absolute best at any single feature, the comprehensive set of features it offers makes it a market leader.
Trello is like the whiteboard of the digital age. We've all used it at some point, and it's hard to deny its simplicity. It's a visual tool that helps teams organize projects into boards. Each board contains lists, and each list contains cards. You can move cards between lists to show progress. It's pretty straightforward, and that's why so many people like it.
One of the best things about Trello is how easy it is to learn. You can get started in minutes, and the drag-and-drop interface is super intuitive. Plus, it's free for basic use, which is great for small teams or individuals. However, as your team grows or your projects become more complex, you might need to upgrade to a paid plan for more features.
Trello is great for visual learners and teams that need a simple way to track progress. It might not have all the bells and whistles of some other project management tools, but its simplicity is its strength. It's a solid choice if you're looking for something easy to use and quick to set up. It's a great way to improve team project management.
While Trello excels at visual organization, it might fall short for teams needing advanced reporting or resource management features. For those requirements, other tools might be a better fit. But for many small businesses, Trello offers a perfect balance of simplicity and functionality. It's a great starting point for getting your team organized and on the same page. Cards are the basic unit of organization.
Okay, so Asana. We've been playing around with it for a while now, and honestly, it's pretty solid. It's one of those tools that seems simple at first, but the more you use it, the more you realize how much it can do. It got a 4.0 rating, which is pretty good, and it's easy to see why. It's flexible enough to fit different business types, which is a big plus.
One of the things we like most is how easy it is to keep track of projects. You can create tasks, assign them to people, set deadlines the whole nine yards. Plus, it integrates with a bunch of other tools we already use, like Slack and Google Drive, which is always a win. It's a great collaborative work management tool.
Asana helps us stay organized and on top of things. It's not perfect, but it's definitely one of the better project management tools we've tried. It's become a key part of our workflow, and we're not sure what we'd do without it now.
The best part is probably the ability to see the big picture while still being able to drill down into the details. It's helped us a lot with planning and making sure everyone knows what they're supposed to be doing. If you're looking for something to help you manage projects and keep your team on track, Asana is definitely worth checking out. You can even use it to improve your bookkeeping!
Okay, so Slack. We've all heard of it, right? It's basically the digital water cooler for, like, a ton of businesses. We've been using it for ages, and honestly, it's a mixed bag, but mostly good.
Slack is great for quick communication and keeping everyone on the same page.
It's not perfect, but it's definitely helped us cut down on email clutter. Plus, all those GIFs and custom emojis? Total game-changer for team morale. It's pretty straightforward to manage, integrate, and implement, making it accessible for anyone without the need for extensive training. Slack is user-friendly.
We've found that setting up dedicated channels for different projects or teams is key. Otherwise, it can get overwhelming real fast. Also, don't be afraid to mute channels when you need to focus. Trust us, your sanity will thank you.
Here's a quick rundown of what we like and don't like:
We've also found these features helpful:
Okay, let's talk Shopify. If you're thinking about selling stuff online, you've probably heard of it. It's pretty much the platform for setting up an online store, especially if you're not super tech-savvy. We've seen so many small businesses take off using Shopify, and honestly, it's not hard to see why.
Shopify makes it easy to get your products in front of customers. It's got a ton of themes you can use to make your store look good, and it handles all the payment stuff so you don't have to stress about that. Plus, there are apps for just about everything you can think of, from marketing to shipping. It's a solid choice for anyone wanting to start selling online without needing to code everything from scratch. If you don't have coding skills, Shopify is an ideal platform.
We've found that Shopify's biggest strength is its ease of use. You can get a store up and running in a day, even if you've never built a website before. The app store is also a huge plus, letting you add features as you need them without having to hire a developer.
Here's a quick rundown of what we like about Shopify:
Mailchimp is a big name in the email marketing world, and for good reason. We've used it for years, and it's got a lot going for it. It's not just about sending emails anymore; it's a full-blown marketing platform. Let's get into what makes it tick.
One of the things we appreciate most is how easy it is to get started. The interface is pretty intuitive, even if you're not a tech whiz. Plus, they've got tons of templates to help you create professional-looking emails without needing to be a designer.
Mailchimp has evolved quite a bit over the years. It started as a simple email tool, but now it offers a range of features to help businesses grow. From customer relationship management to marketing automation, it's trying to be an all-in-one solution.
We've found that Mailchimp's analytics are pretty solid too. You can track open rates, click-through rates, and all sorts of other metrics to see how your campaigns are performing. This helps us tweak our strategy and improve our results over time. For example, we can see which subject lines get the most opens or which links get the most clicks. This data is invaluable for content marketing tools.
Of course, it's not perfect. The pricing can get a little steep as your list grows, and some of the advanced features can be a bit overwhelming at first. But overall, it's a solid choice for small businesses looking to up their email marketing game. Mailchimp is designed to help you build a frictionless customer experience.
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Email Marketing | Create and send targeted email campaigns. |
Automation | Automate your marketing tasks with workflows and triggers. |
Landing Pages | Build custom landing pages to capture leads. |
Social Media Ads | Run social media ad campaigns directly from Mailchimp. |
Analytics | Track your campaign performance with detailed reports and insights. |
Canva is a really popular choice for small businesses, and honestly, it's easy to see why. It's super user-friendly, and you don't need to be a design expert to create professional-looking graphics. We've found it incredibly useful for everything from social media posts to presentations. The drag-and-drop interface makes designing surprisingly simple.
Canva's got a ton of templates to get you started, which is great when you're short on time or just need some inspiration. Plus, they offer a free plan with plenty of features, and their paid plans are pretty affordable if you need more advanced tools. It's a solid option for anyone looking to up their design game without breaking the bank. It's a great way to find design solutions for your business.
We've been using Canva for a while now, and it's really streamlined our content creation process. It's so much easier than trying to learn complicated software, and the results are always impressive. It's become an indispensable tool for our team.
Here's a quick rundown of why we like it:
Okay, let's talk about Hootsuite. We've all heard of it, right? It's been around for ages, and a lot of people swear by it for managing their social media. I mean, it's practically a household name in the social media management world.
Hootsuite is pretty good at what it does. It lets you schedule posts, monitor what people are saying about your brand, and generally keep tabs on all your social media accounts from one place. It's got a ton of features, and there are integrations available, which is always a plus.
But, like anything, it's not perfect. The free plan is kinda limited, which can be a bummer if you're just starting out. And honestly, sometimes the interface can feel a little clunky. But overall, it's a solid choice if you're looking for a tool to help you stay on top of your social media game. Many people find Hootsuite highly recommended for its effectiveness.
Hootsuite is a solid option for businesses looking to streamline their social media efforts. It offers a range of features to help you manage your online presence, but it's important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
Here's a quick rundown of what we like and don't like about Hootsuite:
And here's what we don't like:
If you're on the fence, I'd recommend checking out a review of Hootsuite to get a better idea of whether it's the right fit for you.
Weve been giving Google Workspace a spin lately, and honestly, its been a solid choice for our team. We love how it bundles email, calendar, docs, and video chat into one neat package that really keeps us in sync. It even offers a range of features that boost collaboration across our projects.
For us, one of the best parts is that it packs a punch when it comes to staying organized, especially compared to clunkier setups like some accounting software systems. Plus, the available Google tools are a huge help in keeping our workflow smooth.
Here are a few things we enjoy about it:
And if youre curious about the different plans, take a look at this table:
Plan | Users | Storage | Price (Monthly) |
---|---|---|---|
Business Starter | Up to 300 | 30 GB | $6 |
Business Standard | Unlimited | 2 TB | $12 |
Business Plus | Unlimited | 5 TB | $18 |
We found that using Google Workspace really streamlined our daily grind.
Our team values a simple and flexible setup. With tools like these, communicating and getting work done feels a lot easier and less stressful.
Overall, Google Workspace has quickly become a go-to for us, and its clear why many small businesses are jumping on board.
Notion is one of those apps that seems to do everything. It's a note-taking app, a project manager, a database, and a wiki all rolled into one. It can be a bit overwhelming at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's incredibly powerful. We've been using it for a while now, and it's become central to how we organize our work and personal lives.
One of the best things about Notion is its flexibility. You can create custom templates for just about anything, from meeting notes to project plans. The drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to move things around and rearrange your workspace. Plus, it's available on just about every platform, so you can access your notes and projects from anywhere.
Notion's user-friendly interface and effective search function make it easy to navigate and utilize.
We've found that Notion is especially useful for teams. You can easily share pages and databases with others, and collaborate in real-time. The commenting feature makes it easy to give feedback and track changes. It's also great for creating a central repository of information for your team.
Here's a quick rundown of some of the things we use Notion for:
And here's a table summarizing our experience:
Feature | Rating |
---|---|
User Interface | 4.5 |
Functionality | 5.0 |
Collaboration | 4.0 |
Overall Value | 4.5 |
We also use Notion AI to help us write content faster. It's like having a personal assistant that can help you brainstorm ideas, write outlines, and even generate entire articles. It's not perfect, but it's a great way to get started when you're feeling stuck. The integrated assistant is designed to enhance productivity and creativity within the Notion workspace.
Okay, let's talk about ClickUp. We've been using it for a while now, and it's... a lot. It's like they tried to cram every possible feature into one platform. Sometimes that's great, sometimes it's overwhelming. But overall, it's a solid choice if you need something super customizable.
One of the things we appreciate is the flexibility. You can really tailor it to fit your specific workflow, which is awesome. But that also means there's a bit of a learning curve. It took us a bit to figure out the best way to set things up for our team. Once you get past that initial hurdle, though, it can be a real game-changer.
Here's a quick rundown of what we've found:
ClickUp is one of those tools that you either love or hate. There doesn't seem to be much middle ground. If you're willing to put in the time to learn it, it can be incredibly powerful. If you're looking for something simple and straightforward, you might want to look elsewhere.
We also found that ClickUp has some unusual yet helpful features, like retainers. It also has projects and time tracking, and great mobile apps. On the other hand, extra costs for team members can add up, and the inventory tracking is weak. For example, it's possible to purchase cloud access so your team can better collaborate and access the software and its data from anywhere, but costs add up quickly with an additional monthly charge per user. Also, you must link time entries to projects, and transaction templates are difficult to modify.
Ultimately, ClickUp is a powerful tool, but it's not for everyone. If you need something that can handle complex projects and workflows, it's definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared to invest some time in learning how to use it effectively. Consider how it stacks up against other accounting software for consultants before making a final decision.
Okay, let's talk about Monday.com. We've all heard the buzz, right? It's supposed to be this super visual, easy-to-use platform that helps teams get organized. And honestly, it lives up to a lot of the hype. It's not perfect, but it's definitely a contender if you're looking to get your team on the same page.
One of the things we like most is how customizable it is. You can really tailor it to fit your specific workflow, which is a huge plus. Plus, the interface is pretty intuitive, so you don't need a degree in project management to figure it out. It's got a visually appealing interface for tracking project progress.
Here's a quick rundown of what we've found:
Overall, we think Monday.com is a solid choice for small businesses that need a project management tool. It's not the cheapest option out there, but the features and ease of use make it worth considering. Just be sure to take advantage of the free trial to see if it's the right fit for your team. You can use it to automate workflows and track project profitability.
And if you're in the market for bookkeeping software, be sure to check out our other reviews!
Okay, so Evernote. We've all probably used it at some point, right? It's been around forever, and it's still a solid choice for note-taking and organization. It's not the flashiest tool out there, but it's reliable, and sometimes that's exactly what you need.
I remember back in college, Evernote was my go-to for everything lecture notes, research papers, even planning parties. It's funny how some tools just stick with you.
Here's what we think:
But, it's not perfect. The free version is pretty limited, and the paid plans can get a bit pricey if you're not using all the features. Plus, some of the newer note-taking apps have a more modern feel. Still, Evernote remains a strong contender if you're looking for a dependable way to keep your thoughts and information organized. For small businesses, keeping track of affordable solutions is key, and Evernote can help with that.
Okay, let's talk about Basecamp. We've all been there, juggling multiple projects and trying to keep everyone on the same page. Basecamp aims to be the solution, promising a centralized hub for all things project-related. But does it live up to the hype?
One of the first things we noticed is its straightforward approach. It's not trying to be everything to everyone. Instead, it focuses on core project management features: to-do lists, message boards, schedules, and file sharing. This simplicity can be a real lifesaver if you're tired of bloated software with features you never use.
However, that simplicity also means it might not be the best fit for everyone. If you need advanced features like resource management or detailed reporting, you might find Basecamp lacking. It really depends on the complexity of your projects and the size of your team.
Basecamp is a solid choice for teams that need a simple, all-in-one project management tool. It's especially good for remote teams that need to stay connected and organized. However, if you need more advanced features, you might want to look elsewhere.
We've found that Basecamp is particularly useful for smaller teams or projects where clear communication and basic organization are key. It's not going to replace a full-fledged project management suite, but it can be a great way to keep everyone on the same page without getting bogged down in unnecessary complexity. Plus, with a user rating of 4.3, it's clear that many others find it effective too. Project tracking is a breeze with its intuitive interface.
We've been giving Airtable a go and we like that it mixes the power of a database with the simplicity of a spreadsheet. It lets us handle daily tasks, projects, and team data in one spot, making our small business work feel a lot less chaotic.
Here are a few things we really like about Airtable:
Plan | Price per Month | Main Benefit |
---|---|---|
Free | $0 | Basic features |
Plus | $10 | More records and storage |
Pro | $20 | Advanced tools and views |
We truly love how Airtable lets us tailor our workflow to our needs. We've also noticed that exploring top software options gives us a great perspective on what tools work best for different needs.
We've seen firsthand that a platform like Airtable can lower the hassle of keeping track of everything, letting us focus more on getting work done than on managing data.
Okay, let's talk about Adobe Acrobat. We've all used it, right? It's like the granddaddy of PDF software. It's been around forever, and for good reason. It's powerful, feature-rich, and pretty much the industry standard. But is it the right choice for your small business in 2025? Let's break it down.
Adobe Acrobat is more than just a PDF viewer; it's a full-fledged PDF editor and management tool. You can create, edit, convert, sign, and protect PDF documents. It's got OCR (Optical Character Recognition) for turning scanned documents into editable text, which is super handy. Plus, it integrates with other Adobe products like Adobe Creative Cloud, which can be a big plus if you're already in the Adobe ecosystem.
One of the biggest advantages is its widespread use. Everyone knows how to use Acrobat, so there's a minimal learning curve. It also ensures compatibility; if you create a PDF in Acrobat, you can be pretty sure anyone can open it.
However, there are downsides. The biggest one is the price. Adobe Acrobat uses a subscription model, and it can get expensive, especially if you only need basic PDF functionality. There are definitely cheaper alternatives out there, like affordable bookkeeping software, that might suit your needs just fine. Also, all those features can be overwhelming if you just need to sign a document or fill out a form. It's like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut sometimes.
For small businesses, it really comes down to weighing the cost against the features you actually need. If you're dealing with PDFs constantly and need advanced editing capabilities, Acrobat might be worth the investment. But if you only need basic PDF functions, there are plenty of other options to consider.
Here's a quick rundown:
Okay, so we've covered a lot of ground, but the world of small business software is HUGE. There are tons of other options out there, and honestly, what works best really depends on your specific needs. Don't feel like you have to stick to just these tools.
Think about industry-specific software. A bakery might need something totally different than a construction company. Or maybe you're looking for a super niche tool that solves one very specific problem. The possibilities are endless!
It's worth spending some time researching and trying out different free trials to see what clicks. Don't be afraid to experiment and find the perfect combination of tools that helps your business thrive. After all, the right software can make a world of difference.
Here's a quick rundown of some other software categories you might want to explore:
And remember, many of the tools we've already mentioned have integrations with other software, so you can often create a customized ecosystem that fits your business like a glove. For example, if you are looking for a CRM software option, you can find many that integrate with the tools we have already mentioned.
If you want to discover even more exciting options, dont miss out! Visit our website today to explore everything we have to offer. Theres something for everyone, and we cant wait for you to check it out!
Some of the top choices include QuickBooks Online, FreshBooks, and Xero. Each has unique features that can help manage finances effectively.
Look for software that fits your specific needs, is easy to use, and is within your budget. Consider trying free trials to see which one you like best.
Yes, many of these tools offer mobile apps, allowing you to manage your business finances and tasks on the go.