The world is becoming increasingly digital. That means the best business ideas are those that utilize the cost-savings and efficiency of going digital.
If you’re thinking of launching a startup, chances are you’re focused on something set entirely online. That’s because – in today’s digital world – it’s possible to provide goods and services with minimal inventory and overhead.
While it might sound like all you need is a laptop and an idea to launch a successful startup, the reality is a little more complex. No matter how modern your approach and digitized your business is, you’ll still need essential software packages for launching a successful startup.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at six essential software packages for launching a successful digital startup in 2023:
Software Strategies for Your Remote Workforce
While remote workers have been around for decades, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic led to an expansion of digital infrastructure and online systems that allow for more professionals to work from home. Software packages that allow your business to connect with off-site workers are abundant. There are even software tools that allow your remote workers to create different types of technical documents and send them instantly back to your tech team. Additionally, advanced technology and software today allows for instant data transfer over cloud-based systems, email, or video conferencing. Either way, your digital startup will benefit from unprecedented access to global talent as long as you have the proper software in place.
Accounting Software
We’re willing to bet you’ll be very busy getting your startup up and running. Chances are you won’t have the time it takes to do proper bookkeeping. Unfortunately, bad finances are one of the leading causes of small business failure. The last thing you want is to have your baby threatened by poor bookkeeping. With this in mind, we recommend working with an accounting service that has software allowing you to work with them 100% remotely. At the very least, you’ll want top-tier business accounting software or a create your own budgeting app that will help you stay on top of your startup’s finances.
Cybersecurity
Effective cybersecurity is essential for any modern business, but especially for companies operating entirely online. What’s more, most cybercriminals prefer to target smaller businesses because they correctly believe they’re easier to attack. The bottom line is your startup can’t afford to be crippled by a ransomware attack or data breach. The good news is that business-grade cybersecurity software and services are more affordable than most people think. Given the cost-benefit of cybersecurity, there’s no excuse not to have a strong and secure software system in place before you make your first sale.
Payment Processing
Digital businesses don’t have the option to be cash-only establishments. You need to be able to process credit card payments and other electronic transactions. This requires one or more payment processing services like PayPal, Payoneer, or Zoho. These and similar payment platforms provide a safe and secure means for you and your customers to make transactions without worrying about complex return and refund policies. They also make it easier to keep your books organized by providing payment records you can easily convert to your spreadsheets.
Business Software
Every modern business needs some kind of software. In fact, you probably need several types of management software, such as customer relationship management software, project management software, and inventory management software. Don’t make things harder on you than they need to be; shop around and acquire the software you know will do the heavy lifting on your behalf regarding these and other common business needs.
Business Website
These days, if a business doesn’t have a website, is it really even a business? Sarcasm aside, a digital enterprise needs a fine-tuned website for customers to access in order to browse and buy. You’ll want to bring in the professionals for this, including developers and designers, to ensure your business website is user-friendly and bug-free.
We’re spending more time than ever online, which means businesses are increasingly all-digital in order to seize on all that screen time. If you’re planning to launch an online startup, you need to have the software packages, online tools, and resources necessary to turn your dream into a reality. Doing so will streamline the process, making your business more likely to succeed for years to come.
Julie Steinbeck is a freelance writer from Florida. She enjoys writing about business, finance, health, and travel.