Whether it’s tracking employee time, scheduling, or streamlining communications, doing it all with pen and paper is a waste of time. Small business owners know better than anyone the importance of budgeting and saving whenever possible (without sacrificing quality, of course).

And using free business apps is a great way to access a lot of useful features at no extra cost. From accounting software to video conferencing and marketing apps, there are plenty of options in your app store to help you improve productivity, efficiency, and communication. You can easily access and use these apps with a good internet connection. You can consider using Cox since they are really popular for their feasible internet plans and packages. Additionally, Cox customer service is efficient and very helpful as well. Plus, it is also available in Spanish to cater to Spanish-speaking customers through Cox Servicio al Cliente. To save you the trouble, we rounded up some of the most common and well-liked apps to help you get a competitive edge in 2024:

Square POS 

Square is an outstanding point-of-sale system that is often a good option for small businesses. A wide range of features and equipment can be adapted to different types of business. Pricing is transparent, and the free plan is one of the most efficient free POS systems we’ve seen. 

Square’s software is free by default, which is rare in POS systems. The retail and restaurant editions come with additional industry-specific features offered in the free or plus plan.

Gusto 

Gusto started in 2012 as ZenPayroll. The three founders started with the original goal of creating a back-end system that would allow them to pay for their efforts. Today, more than 100,000 companies across the country use Gusto for payroll and benefit management. 

Gusto attracts both new and experienced payroll administrators as it is easy to use and offers the best tools for setting up, processing, reporting, and managing employees. Excellent mobile accessibility and employee financial resources add to the appeal.

Vend

The Vend POS system is specifically designed for the personal business of medium-sized retailers. The system has a large storage capacity that can handle many stocks in one or more locations. Vend provides retailers with an integrated loyalty program to build a customer base and automated campaigns to bring new and returning customers to your store.

Hootsuite

Hootsuite was launched in 2008 to manage multiple social media accounts. Hootsuite is one of the most famous social media management solutions. Its maturity is evident in a wide range of solutions for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), from outsourcing to collaboration, planning, and analytics. 

Hootsuite is one of the more mature and comprehensive social media management offerings out there. It can automate post-scheduling, collect key performance indicators, and also provide good analytics. Initially, it mainly functioned as a tweet scheduler, but other social networking services have been added over the years. Whether you’re looking for a Facebook scheduler, an Instagram scheduler, or a Pinterest scheduler, Hootsuite has you covered. 

GoToMeeting

GoToMeeting is a video conferencing software that will be renamed LogMeIn in 2022. To its credit, the software has improved a lot in recent years, especially when it comes to the user interface. GoToMeeting strikes a good balance between cost and functionality.

It is also convenient and intuitive. The latter is useful if you want to replicate a session with roughly the same conference ID. You can also have a permanent webinar room with no time limits that you can use to host seminars whenever you need them. GoToMeeting is incredibly easy to use and works with any software. Participants who do not have a profile can join conferences as participants and join through their web browser, which supports one-click invitations.

FreshBooks

FreshBooks is small business accounting software suitable for freelancers and independent contractors. The software started primarily as an account management solution and then evolved into an accounting product. It stands out for its solid phone support and customizable billing features.

It offers comprehensive, intuitive double-entry bookkeeping with the tools that very small businesses need. The exceptional user interface and thoughtful combination of features make it the best choice for self-employed entrepreneurs and freelancers.

Connecteam 

The Connecteam employee communication app is specifically designed for mobile workers. The app has tools that improve every means of communication in your company: newsletters, notifications, chat, an employee directory, updates, surveys, a suggestion box, and more. 

Engage your team like never before, reflect on your company culture, and strengthen your employer brand with the Connecteam app for communication and engagement. All in all, it is customizable scheduling and timing software with a mobile app and great communication tools that you can use to onboard and train employees.

Conclusion 

There is an app for everything nowadays! With the help of our list, you can run your business easily and efficiently.