What Software do Startups and Small Businesses Need?
Starting a business is challenging. Besides a good idea and determination, entrepreneurs must handle administration, finance, and team coordination. Luckily, many software tools make these tasks easier, save time, and reduce mistakes. Below are the key types of software small businesses usually need.
Accounting
- Accounting is both a legal requirement and the main source of information about your company’s finances. Most small businesses use cloud accounting tools that are always up to date and accessible from anywhere. These tools typically connect to your bank or online store, match payments automatically, and let you import or send invoices.
- Tip: In Aptien you can link your accounting with other business areas — for example contract records or asset registers — so your financial data is connected and easy to find.
Payroll and HR
- When you hire employees, you need payroll and HR software. Payroll software calculates wages, taxes, and contributions, and helps prepare reports for authorities. HR tools simplify onboarding, track holidays and sick leave, and store employment documents.
- Tip: Aptien lets you keep payroll-related information together with other company records. Store employment contracts, access rights, benefits, and training records in one place without complex setups.
Communication and collaboration
- Email and calendar are basic, but teams also need file sharing, chat, and video calls. Cloud collaboration tools let your team work together from the office or remotely, often using mobile devices.
- Tip: In addition to suites like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, Aptien includes teamwork features — tasks, meeting notes, and shared project views — so everyone stays aligned.
CRM – sales and marketing
- A CRM helps you manage contacts, sales leads, and marketing activities when simple email isn’t enough. Many CRMs include email campaigns, deal tracking, and basic social media tools.
- Tip: Aptien provides a straightforward CRM for small and growing businesses to track contacts, customers, and sales opportunities. It integrates with projects and contracts so you don’t need separate systems.
Job and project management
- If you run multiple projects, use project management tools to track tasks, deadlines, and budgets. Tools like Trello, Asana, or Jira are common, but early-stage companies often prefer simpler solutions that tie into other business records.
- Tip: Aptien lets you manage projects and attach related documents, tasks, meeting notes, and expenses. That gives you the whole project lifecycle in one place without switching apps.
How to choose the right software for a startup?
- Define the problems you need the software to solve.
- Check whether it connects with the tools you already use.
- Try free trials before committing.
- Consider ease of use and setup, not just price.
The right software saves time and money and lets you focus on growing your business. Aptien is built for small and new companies that want a single place for assets, tasks, CRM, and internal processes.