When you’re running a small business, the first thing you need to do at the start of your working day is get organised. You need to know what your priorities should be for the week, while keeping up to date on the day-to-day running of the business.

Productivity tools can be a life saver when you’ve got 101 things to get sorted with only a small amount of time to do it in.

Here are some of the best productivity tools we’ve found for small business owners that will keep you and your team on the ball and ready to tackle the week ahead.

Trello

Trello is a project management tool based on the kanban method that is perfect for your day-to-day to dos.

It takes a bit of getting used to, so be prepared to stick with it if you want to use it to its full potential and get the most out of your working day.

You can use Trello in either your web browser or as an app. The tool allows you to create any number of boards within which you can create a list. Adding a card to the list allows it to act as your to do.

For example, one of the most popular methods of using Trello is simply by creating a ‘Daily Tasks’ board. On this you may have three lists; ‘To do’, ‘Doing’ and ‘Done’.

The simple system is a helpful way of managing time effectively, and can also be used for a number of other purposes, such as event management or holiday planning.

You can try out Trello here.

Wunderlist

If you’re not a fan of the kanban way of keeping things in order, Wunderlist might be more your cup of tea.

Like Trello you can use it both in your browser and as an application. However unlike Trello, Wunderlist uses a list approach (the name’s a tip-off!) with a focus on a spacious user interface that’s easy to follow.

Wunderlist offers the ability to categorise by days of the week, priority or by choosing your own category. One of the most handy features is being able to assign a date to the to do and have it listed day-by-day – it makes figuring out what you have to do each day so much easier!

You can also add notes and subtasks to your to do as well as adding the option of making your to do a daily, weekly, or monthly recurring reminder.

Head to Wunderlist’s site if you think it could work for your small business.

Slack

If your small business relies on a small team to keep the ball rolling, Slack is a must.

A messaging system that is an informal equivalent of email, Slack is the perfect way of keeping up to date with the rest of your team.

With it you are able to create different channels for different conversation topics and message the team either as a group or individually. It’s perfect for getting information to everyone without having to faff about with the formality of emails.

Slack is tailored for small teams, so perfect for start ups who need to share everything with their team to get things on track.

If you’re interested in trying out Slack you can download it here.

Feedly

Keeping up with industry news is a vital part of owning a small business. After all, keeping up to date with every piece of news your industry has to offer will give you an edge over the competition!

Feedly makes it easier than ever to get all of your news in one place. You can create different channels for various types of news feeds, or even just follow other people’s lists if you don’t have the time to create your own.

The only downside is that not all blogs will be supported, but as the majority are this isn’t usually an issue if you’re looking to get the bulk of news updates.

Sign up to Feedly for free here.

Hootsuite

There are a number of different social media management tools which all have their own merits, but for small businesses just managing their own accounts Hootsuite is the perfect fit.

Marketing your small business can sometimes seem like wasted time and effort when you aren’t reaching the right audiences. Luckily social media can help you find your audience, and them seeing your posts.

With the help of a social media management tool such as Hootsuite, you can schedule posts at times when your target audience is most active and  get reports to see how well your posts perform.

Try out Hootsuite for your small business here.

Can you think of another productivity tool we’ve missed off? Share your productivity secrets in the comment section below!

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About The Author

Stephanie Whalley

Serial snacker, compulsive cocktail sipper and full time wordsmith with a penchant for alliteration, all things marketing and pineapple on pizza.

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