It used to be that starting a business was so difficult, that only the bravest of souls would think of doing it. And it was so expensive, that you needed a nest egg or rich uncle to get started. But the Internet has made things much easier—and cheaper—for a lot of businesses.
That doesn’t mean that starting a business isn’t difficult. And there’s still no guarantee that you’ll succeed. But, by removing some of the costs and hassles of starting a new business, a few online services make it easier to hang out your shingle and create your own startup.
If you’re thinking of trying your hand at a new small business (particularly if your business will be online), here are five services that you’ll want to check out.
Online services to make managing your small business easier
Ring Central
One of the first things you’ll need for your new startup is a phone number. Even if you don’t plan on speaking to many of your customers, you’ll need a way for vendors, partners, and employees to reach you. But forget installing a land line, which is expensive and locks you to a location.
For as little as $20 a month, Ring Central provides your business with a complete telephone system that can answer calls, direct callers to different extensions, and send recorded voice mail messages to your email. Plus they provide an easy-to-set-up control panel that lets you decide where and when to send calls. It works with all cell phones, so there is no equipment to buy.
Google Apps
Once you’ve set up your phone, you’ll need email addresses for everyone in your small business. You could use your personal Gmail or Outlook email, but that doesn’t exactly look professional or permanent. There’s a better option: check out Google Apps for Business and set up as many email addresses as you need for you and your employees.
Google Apps lets you use your company’s domain (something like [email protected]) for your email instead of your [email protected] or [email protected]. And you don’t have to buy or manage an email server! You also get access to Google’s other products: Calendar, Drive, Hangouts, Docs, and more. Even if you only use the email, it’s so much easier than owning a mail server.
FreeLogoServices Website Builder
No doubt you’ll want a website for your business. Fortunately, you’ve got some pretty good options. First, if you just need a quick and inexpensive website to get your business online, we recommend WordPress, Wix, or Weebly. We have found that most small business owners can get their business website up and running in less than a week with these three options.
We have found that FreeLogoServices’ website builder is perfect for startups and small business owners. They have partnered with Wix, one of the web builder platforms we mentioned above. Wix is SEO-friendly, mobile-responsive, and e-commerce compatible – so you can guarantee you’ll have a beautiful website up and running in no time.
Dropbox
Whether you need to store files and other information or share files with employees, vendors, or anyone else, DropBox makes it easy. You can access any files uploaded to drop box from your computer, your phone, your tablet, or anywhere you can have internet access. Even if you don’t have Internet access, many of your shared files are available on whatever device you are using. Plus you can securely share files, folders, photos, and more with anyone in the world—just send them a link.
A basic account (free) will work for most people just starting a business, but you can upgrade to a business account to get unlimited storage space, enhanced security, and additional controls like log-in tracking. If you’re starting an online business, DropBox is a very affordable must-have.
Evernote
Most days our desk is covered with post-it notes and other papers on which we’ve scribbled notes of things we need to remember and get done. Evernote helps collect all of those notes (and more) into one place where we can quickly and easily find it.
Once installed on your phone and computer, you can add photos, notes, lists, web pages, and find it where ever you are. A basic account is free, but a paid account provides additional features. Evernote also provides a business upgrade for companies that want to share notes, thoughts, and other solutions. There isn’t a day when we don’t open up Evernote for something. It’s a life saver.
Benefits of online services for startups
Online services are ideal for startups because they are affordable and easy to manage. You can also easily cancel your account at any time, depending on your needs, your budget, and the direction your company is headed in. Some of the most successful corporations today started off using online services – and some even continue to use them!
Do you have an online service that you’d like to share with other small business owners? We’d love to hear from you via Twitter @DIY_Logomaker
