Running a business requires a tremendous amount of work and dedication. Yes, it can be highly profitable and even highly rewarding, but there’s no denying that managing all the logistics while trying to grow can be incredibly difficult at times. Luckily, there are countless software tools available that can help make the whole process easier yet better.

From project management tools to human resource (HR) management solutions all the way to accounting software solutions, there are various types of software that can help you run day-to-day operations more smoothly and efficiently.

Below, you’ll find some of the best types of software tools for small business owners, but bear in mind that “best” is subjective here: while one firm may only need good payroll software, another may need comprehensive HR software, communication and collaboration tools, and more.

So, before diving in, it’s best to first identify your business priorities so you know which software solutions to focus on.

1. Project Management Software

If you’re looking for a tool that can help you become more productive by better organizing complex projects, check out project management software solutions such as Trello, Asana, or Monday.

These types of tools allow you to break down your bigger projects into smaller, specific segments while still allowing a big-picture view. After creating specific tasks, you can assign them to your chosen team members and then set deadlines and track progress in real-time.

Many project management software tools are free or at least affordable, and they also come with collaboration features so your team can communicate and coordinate better. If you have a small team, this software might be all you need; if you have a bigger team or multiple teams to manage, you might want to consider investing in extra communication and collaboration tools (more on them later).

2. Accounting and Financial Software

Managing finances is crucial for any business, big or small, so if you’re looking for accounting software for your company, take time to really shop around for the right one. There are many bookkeeping and financial tools on the market, each one a little bit different than the other, each one catering to a different need.

Taking some time to understand what’s available will help you choose the right one for your needs: some companies may need very simple solutions, while others may require way more comprehensive and, therefore, more expensive financial tools.

But generally speaking, if you’re looking for tried and tested, popular choices, you might want to check out QuickBooks, Xero, and FreshBooks. These tools can help you keep track of income, expenses, and invoices, offering features such as automatic transaction categorization, invoice creation, and financial reporting.

3. Payroll Calculator for Your State

When it comes to payroll processing, in particular, we recommend getting a solution that is tailored to your state’s regulations. For instance, if you’re in California, you have to think about four state payroll taxes, including Unemployment Insurance, Employment Training Tax, State Disability Tax, and Personal Income Tax; it just makes more sense to get payroll software specifically designed for California’s requirements and regulations. If you want something quick and easy to use, OnPay has a free payroll calculator that greatly simplifies the process.

An easy-to-use payroll software solution will make sure your employees are always paid correctly and on time, which, in turn, can help boost employee satisfaction and overall productivity. It’s something that most, if not all, businesses, regardless of size, would benefit from using.

4. Communication and Collaboration Tools

For businesses with bigger or multiple different teams, communication and collaboration tools can make a big difference by allowing all employees to communicate and collaborate with each other faster and easier. They’re especially useful for businesses that employ workers from different parts of the world.

Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, or Slack are all great platforms for instant messaging, video conferencing, file sharing, and project collaboration, allowing teams to work together more efficiently. The result is often better organization and productivity.

5. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software

Any business looking to grow in the near future needs to understand the importance of building and maintaining strong relationships with its customers. CRM solutions such as Salesforce, HubSpot, or Zoho CRM are ideal as they analyze how you interact with your audience, providing valuable insights into customer experience and how you can improve it.

These solutions centralize customer data, track sales leads, and analyze all this data to help you make better marketing decisions. With CRM software, you can personalize customer communication, automate follow-ups, and nurture leads throughout the sales cycle, boosting customer satisfaction and loyalty.