If your contact list is just the cell phone with a code next to your customer's name or your to-do list is a scribble in a paper notebook, it's time to update your systems. There are Saas (Software as a Service) tools that can enhance your productivity with your current projects and prospects across a variety of industries and even your personal life. SaaS companies host your information on their servers (the cloud) and give you applications ranging from accounting to email marketing to data management and HR. Amazon Web Services is a SaaS company. Today we're going to take a look at what you should use SaaS applications for specifically, project management and CRM (Customer Relationship Management), and compare some of those apps for gig workers, freelancers, part timers, and small business owners alike.
If you are juggling multiple projects, programs, and assignments, instead of navigating through scattered docs, emails, and messy notebooks, you can focus your tasks, deadlines, and shared files in the cloud with a SaaS project management application. Here you can check boxes, delegate responsibilities, get live updates, collaborate with clients and team members all within a single platform across all devices. If you have multiple projects or sub-contractors, you can track them all at a glance and even synch a meeting app like Zoom. Functionalities like file sharing, time keeping, and real time chat create seamless exchanges, ultimately resulting in higher quality output and an informed team, and shared goals.
Gone are the days of cumbersome Rolodex's, Excel sheets, and spiral bound books to manage client relationships. Unless you don't know who your clients are, with no chance of growing with them, and no opportunity for repeat business, then anyone can benefit from CRM software. From sales leads to pipeline management to creating separate projects or boards for each client, you can workflow responsibilities. Build and implement your digital marketing, set reminders, and providing real-time updates to your customers and potential clients.
And much of these processes can be automated, which ensures efficient time management, meeting client expectations, having clear communication and making sure no one slips thru the cracks. SaaS tools eliminate the chaos of scattered information, empowering your focus on building stronger client relationships and driving sales. Here you'll have the flexibility to adapt quickly to changes in the market, all while cutting down on paper consumption. In the era of automation, integrating project management and CRM systems with specialized automation tools takes productivity to the next level and can give you better insights of your customers and the market. These tools seamlessly integrate with most other SaaS systems, email exchanges, project management tools, and invoicing software. By creating automated workflows, repetitive tasks are streamlined, saving time and improving overall efficiency.
Below are non-sponsored honest responses to just few of the SaaS applications available today and our take aways from each. They have all the same basic functionality with boards, to do lists, and third-party app integrations, but they all have a unique hook. All of them have a free limited versions or trial periods. Try them out any of them out for a week or two (free) and see which one is worth of the estimated $14-$70 a month.
Project Management
Basecamp:
User Interface:Â Basecamp offers a simple and intuitive user interface focused on project management. It emphasizes communication, collaboration, and task management through a centralized platform. Super easy on the eyes, but don't let the good looks fool you--the capabilities are solid.
Compatibilities:Â Basecamp integrates with various third-party applications and services but has a more limited selection compared to other project management platforms. It supports integrations with tools like Slack, Google Drive, and Zapier.
Resources:Â Basecamp provides resources such as a knowledge base, support forums, and customer support to help users navigate and utilize the platform effectively.
Remote for Startups:
User Interface:Â Remote for Startups is designed specifically for remote team management, offering features tailored to the needs of remote work environments. Its user interface prioritizes remote communication, team collaboration, and productivity tracking.
Compatibilities:Â Remote for Startups integrates with popular tools used in remote work setups, including Slack, Zoom, Google Workspace, and Trello. It aims to streamline remote team operations by connecting with essential communication and collaboration tools.
Resources:Â Remote for Startups typically provides resources such as onboarding guides, tutorials, and customer support focused on helping remote teams optimize their workflow and productivity.
HubSpot:
User Interface:Â HubSpot offers a comprehensive user interface that extends beyond project management to include customer relationship management (CRM), marketing automation, sales, and customer service features. Its interface is robust and customizable, catering to various business needs.
Compatibilities:Â HubSpot integrates with a lot of third-party applications and services, including Salesforce, Mailchimp, Slack, and WordPress. It offers extensive integrations to support marketing, sales, and customer service processes.
Resources:Â HubSpot provides a wealth of resources such as documentation, courses, webinars, and a community forum to help users maximize the platform's capabilities across marketing, sales, and customer service functions.
CRM
Salesforce:
User Interface:Â Salesforce offers a comprehensive and customizable user interface primarily focused on customer relationship management (CRM) functionalities. It provides various modules for sales, marketing, customer service, and analytics, with a robust interface that can be tailored to specific business needs. It is however a behemoth of a tool and if you're just starting out, might be overwhelming.
Compatibilities:Â As you can expect, Salesforce has a large swath of integrations and a strong ecosystem of third-party applications available through its AppExchange like Microsoft Outlook, Google Workspace, Slack.
Resources:Â Salesforce provides extensive resources such as documentation, training modules, community forums, and customer support to help users maximize their CRM capabilities and navigate the platform effectively.
Asana:
User Interface:Â Asana offers a user-friendly and visually appealing interface focused on task and project management. It emphasizes collaboration, communication, and organization, with features such as task lists, boards, timelines, and calendars to streamline project workflows.
Compatibilities:Â Asana integrates with a variety of third-party applications and services, including communication tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams, file storage platforms like Google Drive and Dropbox, and time tracking software like Toggl and Harvest.
Resources:Â Asana provides resources such as tutorials, webinars, help center articles, and customer support to assist users in effectively utilizing its task and project management features.
Zoho:
User Interface: Zoho offers a straightforward black-and-white interface that presents all features in easy-to-understand language. Tabs at the top provide access to a comprehensive list of options, while a side menu offers everything else, yet remains uncluttered. The interface is clean, intuitive, and minimalistic in terms of graphics.
Compatibilities: Zoho stands out as the only CRM with direct links to their project management SaaS as a setup option, streamlining workflows. It seamlessly integrates with most other apps like Microsoft, Google, Slack as well as the large well thought other Zoho apps, including those for events, field management, and video meetings, ensuring smooth synchronization.
Resources: Zoho provides robust resources such as Zoho Desk for creating tickets, Zoho Webinar for hosting webinars, and a Developer Hub for customization options. You can see how SaaS applications make sense if you're a freelancer, gig worker, part timer or solopreneur. These systems are no longer a choice but a necessity for individuals and businesses looking for efficiency and success. By leveraging these tools effectively, professionals can optimize their workflows, enhance productivity, and ultimately achieve their goals with greater ease and precision.
