These days, the buzzword is “integration.” As in: how can small business tools work together to get more done? With so many apps and software programs out there, it’s essential that they play together nicely. Here are six tools that can harness the power of two platforms as one and improve business efficiency.
- Implement Chrome Extensions
If you’re one of the 1 billion Chrome users, you probably already use Chrome extensions, which are little plugins located next to your URL bar that help you do more without actually going to another website.
Hootsuite users can click the Hootsuite extension (called Hootlet) to post or schedule a share of a given web page. That saves you the trouble of copying and pasting that link and then opening Hootsuite.
- Get Smarter Email
Email platforms — especially Google Mail — do so much more than just deliver junk to your Inbox. If you integrate the right tools, your email provider can practically close sales for you.
For example, Insightly integrates with Gmail to provide more details on an email contact, set tasks, opportunities, or link to projects in your CRM.
- Leverage the Cloud
Storing files on your hard drive is so 2005. Now the cloud rules. Not only can you easily backup all your important data, but you also make it simple to access files from any device.
DropBox is integrated into most smartphones, so when you take a photo, you have the option to share it to your account. There’s also a desktop version that will automatically back up whatever data you want safe.
- Create Automated Workflows
There are a lot of processes within sales and marketing that can be automated. Flow XO pairs with many platforms you’re likely already using, like Meetup, Insightly, and FreshBooks to create triggers that automate tasks.
For example, when someone signs up for your email list, Flow XO can add a new contact into an email list and trigger an automated email campaign you set up in advance.
- Analyze Analytics
You know analytics are important for assessing your efforts to drive traffic to your site or blog. Up until recently, you had to log into Google Analytics separately to view your data, but now with Google Analytics by Yoast, you can see your page views and most popular posts from inside WordPress.
- Keep Contacts Updated Once
With multiple contact platforms, you often have to update contact details in each one, duplicating the effort. Podbox offers a great solution, automatic two-way sync to integrate your CRM, email marketing, and e-commerce platforms.
Contact details will automatically update from one platform to another for SaaS like MailChimp, HubSpot, Highrise, and more.
Being successful in business isn’t always about being the smartest person in the room. Sometimes you just need the smartest integrations to stay ahead of the pack and be the most productive.
