Starting a new business can be a challenging task, and getting it right in the first attempt can be equally taxing. To ensure that your business expands to different horizons, you need the right marketing tools to aid in this endeavor. Email marketing services are one of the most important marketing tools whose effectiveness is often downplayed.
Choosing the right email marketing service for your business can prove immensely beneficial, as it helps you establish a direct contact with your customers, and you wouldn’t be spending oodles of money doing so.
So, below are the top 3 email marketing service providers, ideal for small businesses, which ensure that you communicate effectively with your client:

Constant Contact
This email service provider is one of the most reliable email marketing services that has been garnering popularity owing to its usefulness and simple interface; even a novice can easily use this email marketing tool without any hassle. Constant Contact allows you to manage your email lists, contacts, and email templates with great ease. It even provides its user with easy tracking and reporting, an image library, built-in social media sharing tools, and 1GB of storage for their files. In fact, Constant Contact even offers online training and live seminars in several neighborhoods, thereby, making it the perfect marketing tool for small businesses.

ConvertKit
Here’s a robust email marketing platform that has proven quite useful for marketers, professional bloggers, authors, and small businesses. ConvertKit is quite powerful and easy to use. It even allows the users to offer various content upgrades and incentives to their clients with the email signup forms. Moreover, even the auto-responders are easy to manage, and you can successfully send drip emails. Additionally, ConvertKit even offers email-based support to its users and has an extensive knowledge base along with great learning material.

Drip
Drip has been hailed as one of the most robust email marketing platforms that have been successfully catering to eCommerce websites, marketers, and bloggers. It is quite popular with various audiences, as it offers a wide range of tools along with their smart email marketing platform. People often choose this email marketing service provider because it is quite beginner-friendly and offers several add-ons available for popular website builders like WooCommerce and WordPress. Drip outranks most of its competitors, as it offers several intelligent marketing automation tools, list groups, smarter email segmenting, and a plethora of amazing features that can allow you to contact specific audiences in your email list.

An enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is a compilation of tools and applications that collect, store, interpret, and manage data for a business. An ERP management software is made of multiple modules to oversee a complete business administration. The accounting, corporate governance, corporate law, economics, finance, marketing, and allied aspects of a business enterprise can be easily managed using an ERP management software.
Below are the top benefits of using ERP management software:

Efficiency
An ERP management software automatically eliminates processes that are repetitive in order to save time and efforts that are taken to manage information manually. The system streamlines business processes, irrespective of the size of the venture or enterprise, thus, optimizing information management to promote operational efficiency.

Database management
Access to information is crucial when it comes to database management, which is where an ERP software plays a pivotal role. The software unifies data from all the departments on a centralized server for easy access and utility. Consolidation of information also increases the quality and reliability of the information.

Report generation
Unified access to information from a central database enables you to generate accurate reports. An ERP management software offers many analytical tools that aid in corporate planning to improve operational efficiency. The tools provide users with insights and data metrics that assist in efficient enterprise resource management.

Forecast
The implementation of an ERP software in an organization also helps the upper management forecast strategies that can make the enterprise more profitable; thus, the software helps the organization in achieving its vision. Easy access to accurate information makes forecasting reliable, which benefits the organization in the long run.

Collaboration
One of the main benefits of using ERP management software is collaboration. On-demand access to information enables employees on all levels of the organization to collaborate effectively on one central server.

User permission settings
An ERP management software offers a setting called user permissions, this setting allows people with the right authorization to access, utilize, and share information on the company server. Authorized access also keeps track of the information that can be traced back to the individual who shared it to the database.

Cost-effective software
An ERP management software automates multiple processes to reduce the time and efforts taken to manage information, which in turn saves a lot of money. Implementing an ERP system also significantly reduces the need and dependence on the IT administration and application support.

Communication is one of the most effective tools in an organization and plays a vital role when it comes to performance management. Also, communication with a proper feedback mechanism in place is one of the most useful functions of premium performance management tools and software.

Large companies and organizations develop certain processes to enhance the performance of employees and ensure that their output aligns with the company’s mission and vision. These enhancements ensure a steady growth in the organization and simultaneously boosts the employee’s morale by way of appraisals.

Need for a performance management system

• One of the main functions of employing these systems is to enhance employee performance across the various levels of the organization.
• Performance management tools also help promote two-way communication that strengthens the employer-employee relationship.
• Information management is optimized using this system that ultimately ensures an effective communication channel.
• Performance management tools and software also help create a work environment that promotes a continuous learning process to enhance skills and ensure personal growth for the employees in an organization.

Benefits of performance management tools and software

• Performance management tools and allied functions address issues related to job satisfaction, which is one of the most important parameters when it comes to employees.
• The systems ensure proper evaluation and assessment on the individual, department, and even company level to keep various output parameters in check that would not be possible otherwise.
• Employment of these systems also enables businesses and enterprises to take a broad spectrum approach while analyzing employee and business perspectives.
• The approach is effective in increasing the efficiency and output of both employees and the employer, thus helping the organization achieve its goals.

Applications of performance management tools and software

Forecast
The software and systems in place will help upper management forecast what needs to be done to achieve organizational goals and enhance operational efficiency.

Time-saving
Performance management tools and software feature functions that save time during data collection, analysis of performance, and generation of reports that assist in operational analysis.

Improving performance gaps
Optimizing performance is one of the primary functions of these systems employed by businesses and enterprises. The systems identify any gaps in the processes in place to facilitate various business needs and carry out allied tasks.

Email marketing is a cost-effective way of publicizing your business and keeping your clientele updated about the different offers or new services you have to offer. Even small businesses can opt for email marketing software because they are quite cheap and fulfill the purposes of managing and establishing contact with the clients.
As there are a plethora of email marketing service providers, choosing the right one can be a task. So, here are some effective tips to ensure that you make the right choice.

Integration with the contact database
You need to choose an email marketing software that can be seamlessly integrated into your contact database or customer relationship management (CRM) system. Doing so proves extremely convenient in generating targeted mailing lists or selections based on factors like interest, place, position, or customer category. In the absence of such an email marketing software, handling and updating the mailing lists manually can prove quite time-consuming and expensive. So, choose an email marketing tool that can easily integrate with your contact database.

Reading and viewing options
Another important factor you need to consider while choosing the right email marketing platform for your business is the whether it offers multiple reading and viewing options. With the advent of smartphones and tablets, people do not log in to the traditional desktop setting only to read their emails. This means that you will need an email marketing software that offers functionality in the form of mobile-optimized templates. Your clients should be able to access their emails on their mobiles devices, and it should be properly displayed as well.

Mailing statistics
If you are conducting a mailing campaign, you’ll definitely have to track the result to gauge the success rate. So, you need to choose an email marketing tool that allows you to track results and view the statistics that display the number of emails opened, sent, link tracking, start/end date, time, lists, and more. Moreover, it will be more convenient if it’s presented visually, as it makes reporting to the organization hassle-free.

Response handling
Irrespective of the size of your business—small, medium, or colossal—you need to pay attention to the email response handling. Smaller businesses that cater to around 1,500 people per month would require moderate response handling system, and some part of the task will have to be done manually. However, if your business caters to a wide audience, you’ll be handling mass amount of emails; therefore, you will have to choose an email marketing tool that allows you to send automated responses or collect customer responses into tickets.

Performance management tools and software help boost productivity and improve the overall performance of an organization. The management software has some features and functions that help the organization optimize resources, and help its labor force achieve their vision and goal.

Technological advances further enable organizations to follow a strategic and goal-oriented approach. Apart from business management techniques, popular performance management tools and software provide a feedback mechanism to ensure employee efficiency.

However, with many vendors and software options available in the market, you must consider the following points to avoid any confusion. Ensure you get the best deal while purchasing or subscribing to a premium performance management service.

Business needs
Consider your business needs to assess the type of performance management tool or software that will prove beneficial for steady growth. You must ask why your business needs the tool or service, and how the tools and software will benefit you for the premium price paid.

Choose a vendor
Most vendors offer an all-round solution for businesses and enterprises. However, vendor support and solutions are among the many factors that you must consider before buying performance management tools and software. Your business needs must align with the products and services available with the vendor, primarily to ensure efficient implementation, support, and workflow management.

Feedback
One of the most vital functions of a performance management tool and software is a real-time feedback mechanism. Feedback will provide much-needed insight to improve business decisions and address enterprise issues in a timely and efficient manner.

Performance analysis
The upper management will be able to gain insights and assess overall performance with the help of reports and analytics that form part of the premium software. It is imperative to collect and analyze the data on vital parameters that drive the workforce on an individual, team, and company level to optimize business efficiency.

Ease of use
Performance management tools and software must be easy to use and implement in the existing business structure. Seamless integration is essential to ensure proper workflow management as not every user will be tech savvy.

Price
A premium price does not necessarily guarantee premium services which is why it is imperative to compare product functions to assess whether it is worth buying.

Every organization or business essentially requires equipment that aids in the smooth functioning of the workplace. These pieces of equipment do not come cheap, and a great way to bring down costs is through leasing instead of purchasing. Most people may not be familiar with the concept of equipment leasing, and this makes them choose the older method, i.e., purchasing equipment to set up the office requisites. However, any sensible business would prefer to drop the costlier option and opt for the more feasible method of equipment leasing.

Equipment leasing enables one to rent just about anything. From heavy machinery to high-end computers, one can lease everything. Leasing equipment is essentially a better option if the business will have several employees, and requires more than a few tools to function. This method also ensures that the working capital can be more productive by diverting it to other aspects of the business. Importantly, equipment leasing enables the organization to stay in sync with the latest equipment, by upgrading their tools frequently. For those who are shopping for office equipment, here are some factors to note when picking the right equipment leasing company.

The reputation of the company: The equipment leasing company must have a notable reputation. Experience and a good reputation will ensure that the provider has ample knowledge about the kinds of equipment that an organization will need. It would also serve well to choose an equipment leasing company that is an expert in the field of equipment for a given type of organization, ensuring the best fit for one’s business.

Customer service: One of the most pivotal factors to consider when choosing an equipment leasing company is the customer service. It is imperative that the company treats the clients well and has a professional approach during the initial inquiry. The provider must be supportive of the user’s choice and provide information on the most beneficial options to suit the business.

Payment mode: The equipment leasing company must be able to accommodate the needs of a business when it comes to payment options. If a business functions through seasonal income, it is best to pick a provider that offers flexible payment options. Also, the ability to opt for a deferred payment lease to rent equipment will help in case of limited cash flow.

Establishing a new business can be an exciting venture, but one may face significant obstacles during the process. One of the most significant hurdles is the management of allocated funds. It is imperative to distribute the finances among different facets of the organization, and business equipment can take up most of the budget. Every organization needs the right equipment to complete their daily tasks smoothly. Depending on the type and brand, business equipment can prove to be very costly.

However, equipment leasing turns around the well-known adage, ‘One has to spend money to make money.’ Instead of spending large amounts of money on purchasing new equipment, one can opt for leasing the same.

Equipment leasing serves as an incredible way to save money while establishing a business. Moreover, it provides several advantages that make the arrangement great for most business types while easing the process of establishing a business venture.

Here are some of the most notable advantages of equipment leasing:

• Save on capital: Purchasing new business equipment can put a lot of strain on the capital of a business. A business owner burns through the cash reserves that they could have used in other productive ways such as stocking on inventory, hiring new employees, expanding the facilities, and business expansion. Equipment leasing can be instrumental in saving on capital, while the monthly payment options aid in the better management of the company’s monthly budget. The organization can effectively set up plans for cash flow.
• Flexibility: These days, technology and design evolve rapidly. However, purchasing expensive equipment for one’s business will mean committing to a specific version of the same. The use of aged technology in a business can not only affect the efficiency but also put the company’s growth at stake. Thus, equipment leasing allows one to adapt as the industry evolves.
• Reduction in tax liability: In case of a correctly structured lease on equipment, one may be able to reduce their tax liability. Interest is also deductible on a conventional loan. It is a good idea to contact a tax consultant if one still has any reservations or if they need a further understanding of specific details. A tax consultant will aid business owners in determining the best benefits for their business type.

One of the most popular digital platforms for a business is text messaging. Small and medium businesses can use it to function efficiently in an enterprise-level operation. There are various business text messaging apps that enhance your business communications and improve its operations. Below are some of the best business text messaging apps that one can opt for.

• Screen Magic
  Screen Magic is a well-rounded business text messaging application for managing customer relationships. It merges with Salesforce, thus, creating a perfect communication pathway. This app allows you to send and receive messages in bulk, and also on an individual basis, to external and internal contacts with the help of a comprehensive business text message marketing automation. Business users can create text campaigns for 50 to 50,000 contacts. Also, the app provides customized templates that prevent any problems by scheduling messages. With advanced analytics, it becomes easy to analyze the data and monitor it.

• SendHub
  SendHub is an automated business text messaging app which is quite simple to use. This app delivers various powerful features through business text messaging. Also, it provides a powerful and flexible API, and it consists of SMS, MMS, group messages, shortcode, text-to-join, scheduled messages, and inbound and outbound messages. SendHub also provides a contact database feature which proves to be an excellent platform to upload, add, edit, and manage all your contacts.

• TextMagic
  TextMagic is a business text messaging app that provides bulk text service to its users. It is a business text messaging service that enables users to send alerts, confirmations, marketing campaigns, and reminders. It provides several necessary features that help you send accurate and short messages to your clients, partners, and employees. It is one of the most efficient and cost-effective business text messaging apps. Some of the main features of this app are converting emails to SMS, sending texts online, two-way SMS chat, SMS distribution lists, and receiving SMS online.

Mentioned above are some of the best business text messaging apps that help you get your work done easily and efficiently. Some of the other popular text messaging apps for businesses are MessageKite, Skipio, Textline, EZ Texting, etc.

The process of building a website can be overwhelming and extremely intensive. Thanks to the development in technology, there has been an introduction of website builders. These website builders allow one to set up a professional-looking website without the hassle of coding. Website builders pose to be exceptionally great programs for the novice, who wishes to get a website up and running without a manual code. The unique setup of website builders enables the user to choose from different themes, designs, and content management systems. Most importantly, the technical aspects of the website are well-managed with the ability to customize the layout. The slew of features let the user create a dream website within a short period of time. So, how do you choose the best website builder? The website builder must be designed to offer the 4 important features given below.

User-friendly interface
An easy-to-use website builder will make for the smoothest experience and fulfilling experience when setting up a website.  One must be able to comfortably navigate through the theme options and other modes. In simpler terms, a layman with no understanding of website building must be able to use the program.

Appealing themes and designs
Themes are more than just skins. The included themes should come with the option of being personalized as per the requirements of the website content. Moreover, they must be appealing to the viewer who will be visiting the website. The design must fit the requisites of the profile, plugins, and features. An impressive website layout will indubitably increase client base and traffic.

Building assistance
The website builder must include design assistance, as it will help a great deal. Assistance is imperative, as one may not be able to smoothly sail through the several options, especially, in the beginning. A building assistance will help understand how to begin with the creation of the website, the most appropriate methods to get the desired result, and the ideal fit for the type of website a user is planning to build.

Website responsiveness
Today, it is essential for a website to be responsive to every kind of device. The website builder must enable his/her website to be adaptable to a variety of screens including tablets, smartphone, desktops, and laptops. It must come with the required tools for flexibility, as this is an imperative factor.

Whether someone is using a smartphone or not, text messaging is one of the most used features of a cell phone. Business owners find various ways to market their products, increase the customer base through advertisements, and provide customer service to their clients. One of the effective ways to do this is to use text messaging for business development. Mentioned below are a few ways in which you can use text messaging to optimize your business development.

• Providing customer support and service
  People always value quick and convenient service. According to various research studies, customers tend to hang up immediately if they are put on hold for some time. Such a situation leads to the loss of an existing customer and also reduces the chances of getting new customers because of negative word-of-mouth reviews. People want customer service that is effortless for them to use. This is where business text messaging manages to meet the customer’s expectations easily. Using this method, people can carry on with their day-to-day activities while texting the customer support and service. Thus, for customers, texting is relatively hassle-free as compared to calling or mailing.

• Marketing products
  People are on their phones most of the time, searching for various products and services, and even buying or selling them. A lot of online traffic comes from mobile devices, and most people tend to check their texts regularly too. You can coordinate these points and use them to your advantage. You can do that by using text messages to advertise your products, convey news about sales, upcoming stocks, etc. Marketing your products via text will increase the traffic on your website and also introduce potential customers to your products and services. It will also help you convey business news to customers as people tend to check their texts more frequently than they check websites for any updates.

• Communicating with customers
  While sending business text messages, it is vital to make the texts conversational and engaging rather than simply pushing information. Good conversations with your customers help in building relationships and contribute to the growth of your business. You can start conversations by asking for reviews and feedback, scheduling future appointments, asking questions related to your business, and informing your customers about new trends and ideas. It is easier to reach people through text than any other medium. It’s comparatively easy to use and saves time as well.