Free Software and Tools to Streamline Your Business

Steve Cartwright, Owner of FX Digital has been kind enough to contribute an article on ‘Free Software and Tools to Streamline Your Business’ – it may give you the edge in 2015!

Who says nothing in life is free, when it comes to some pretty amazing software and tools that you can use for your business right now, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact there is free software and tools available that can help run almost your entire business. In fact as somebody that develops websites so that they buzz and sizzle I should start with WordPress, as this has fast become one of my favourites, it is a free open source content management system that anyone can use to design a website at no cost whatsoever. Let’s look at a few others commonly used free software and tools.

Open Office (Free Software)

This is a fully-fledged open source office suite with all the functionality and bells and whistles you’re used to having with MS Office. It has word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, 3D illustrator, database, and a mathematical equation editor. It’s everything you need in an office productivity suite.

Find it here.

Canva

This is a really awesome graphic software that can be used free if you want. You can upload your own images and use the free backgrounds and layouts to make really awesome blog graphics, social media graphics and more. You can also choose to buy some of their great graphics for really low prices.

Find it here.

Microsoft Security Essentials

If you still use a Microsoft operating system then you want to start using their own Microsoft Security Essentials virus software. It works very well keeping the computer safe and working well without viruses, malware or worms. If you’re currently paying for another system, you’re wasting your money.

Find it here.

HootSuite

While many of the functions of this social media automation software are not free, you can still get quite a bank for the free account. Currently you can have up to five social media profiles, unlimited posts and participate in scheduling, use attachments and even get some analytics and reports, all for the low price of free and I personally use Hootsuite although I do have an upgraded account and it helps me run all of my social media accounts.

Find it here.

Operating Systems

You can use a free operating system to get your computer up and going too. One of the best is Ubuntu Linux. It’s easy to install and use. You can find tons of free software and tools to install on it that works better on it too. It’s very similar to Apple’s operating system. If you don’t want to spend big bucks to upgrade to Windows 8, and you don’t want to buy a Mac, consider having a computer built with Linux.

Find Ubunto Linux here.

Freedcamp

If you have a need for a project management system, you should try Freedcamp which is… free. It offers the ability to communicate, collaborate and stay organized all in one place. You can purchase apps in the market place to add more functionality, but the basic version is usable and free.

Find Freedcamp here.

Wave Accounting

At the moment, Wave Accounting is still free and it’s fully functional and ready to use for a small business or for personal finances. It has everything you need and can even connect you to accountants who use the system. You can add on invoicing, payments, payroll and other functionality for low prices.

Find it here.

Bitrix24

This system is free for up to 12 users and supports unlimited projects. It can be cloud based on their server or yours, has checklists, task reports, report builders and even free Gantt charts. Manage your time better and get started for free.

Find it here.

Finding good software and tools to run your business can be challenging, and sometimes you get what you pay for. However, when it comes to free software and tools that are currently available to help you streamline your business, there are some real winners in this list.

About Steve Cartwright

I help businesses turn their website into something that:

  • generates thousands of website visitors per week;
  • generates hundreds of thousands of page views per month;
  • converts visitors into leads;
  • converts leads into customers; and
  • converts customers into repeat customers.

To find out more about how I can help you, send me a connection request on LinkedIn, or send me a message if we are already connected.

✉ CONTACT Steve Cartwright

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