Research by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) estimates that around 94% of adults own a mobile phone. With 86% of 12-18-year olds regularly using one, it’s pretty clear that we’re a society attached to technology.

We are becoming more reliant upon those nifty little gadgets to entertain and assist us on demand. In fact, technology has altered the business ownership game and opened up doors to whole new worlds of potential.

Both Android and iOS phones have plenty of functions to support organisation, time management and increase productivity.

We’re talking about things like:

• Note apps which allow you to create and manage to-do lists
• Reminders to prompt you about dates and deadlines
• File storage systems to help you stay in control of important documents

If the built in kit isn’t working for you, the app store has plenty of free options to help you stay efficient.

We’ve rounded up the must-have productivity apps, all of which are free (unless of course you want to upgrade to premium versions at any point).

Trello – the one which lets you create a digital to-do list

Scribbling your tasks on the back of Post-It note just doesn’t cut it in this day and age. Trello is basically digital post it notes that you can add to different boards.

HelloSign – the one which keeps your signature secure

The next step of waiting to get to a printer, a pen, and then the scanner to take care of documents in need of a signature. HelloSign allows you to sign and send documents all with legally binding protection.

Hootsuite – the one which makes social media less stressful

Schedule all of your social media posts weeks (even months) in advance and just watch the interactions roll in.

Slack – the one which helps you stay in touch with your colleagues

Remember MSN messenger? Well it’s like that but for professionals… to discuss work things… without fear of posting embarrassing song lyric statuses which will haunt you for years to come.

Toggl – the one which helps you manage your time

If you struggle with distraction and procrastination, Toggl will be the digital telling off you need to get back on track. It’s a simple time tracker which offers comprehensive reports on how you’re spending your valuable time.

Zapier – the one which puts everything in one place

Connect everyday apps like Google and Slack so they start to work as a team on your behalf, and streamline your processes.

Mindmeister – the one which stops your best ideas slipping away

Have you ever written an idea down on an old receipt while you’re making breakfast in the morning and then chucked it away, never to be seen again? Mindmeister is the perfect brainstorming tool which helps you share ideas and collaborate on the go.

Are there any apps you swear by? Are there any free mobile features out there that you just couldn’t live without? Let us know!

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About The Author

Elizabeth Hughes

A content writer specialising in business, finance, software, and beyond. I'm a wordsmith with a penchant for puns and making complex subjects accessible. Learn more about Elizabeth.

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