Independence as a business owner has its advantages. You can choose your work hours and set your rates (within limits). But, maintaining a well-oiled business requires efficient admin work. Your days can quickly fill up with tasks like scheduling, budgeting, design, and job management.
Thankfully, you're not alone. There are heaps of apps available to help you handle your to-do list. From getting you to work on time, to sending invoices or building a digital presence, these apps help organise your business and save you time and money.
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Looking for a specific industry? Visit:
- The Best Apps For Construction
- The Best Apps For Self-Employed Contractors
- The Best Apps For Landscapers
- The Best HVAC Apps
- The Best Apps For Electricians
- The Best Apps For Plumbers
- The Best Apps For Builders And Carpenters
Taking the time to familiarise yourself with these apps can save hours of admin and preparation time. Discover the best apps for Australian business owners to streamline your business here!
Short on time? Skip ahead!
- Job management: Tradify
- Navigation: Google Maps
- Finances: Accounting Software
- File management: Google Drive
- Virtual meetings: Google Meet
- Design: Canva
- Health & safety: St John Ambulance
- How to get paid: Stripe
- Build an Online Presence: Tradify's Business Name Generator
- Social Media Management: Buffer
1. Job management: Tradify
We're rather proud of ourselves. Designed for tradespeople, Tradify is cloud-based software that covers quoting, invoicing, scheduling, subcontractor management, creating an instant website and more. By using Tradify, you can bid farewell to paperwork, focus on your current tasks, and even reclaim some precious time in your day.
Where to get it: iPhone, Android
2. Navigation: Google Maps
You might know where you live like the back of your hand, but Google Maps offers real-time traffic insights that could save you precious time. Have you ever been stuck behind an accident and wished you’d taken the last turn? Google Maps’, real-time route predictions get you where you’re going — on time.
Where to get it: iPhone, Android
3. Finances: Accounting software
Xero
Xero allows you to send quotes and invoices, synchronise your bank transactions, and manage your accounts. As your team grows, you can easily upgrade and include payroll functionalities. Moreover, Xero's compatibility with Tradify allows you to incorporate more tools as you grow. Now used by almost one million subscribers, it’s the solution of choice for businesses around the globe.
Where to get it: iPhone, Android
QuickBooks
QuickBooks is a straightforward accounting solution for small businesses worldwide. Accessible from most devices, QuickBooks also integrates with tools, including Tradify, providing a straightforward solution for your business accounting needs.
Where to get it: iPhone, Android
MYOB
MYOB simplifies your financial management and makes sure you follow local regulations. With online editing features, you can create crucial documents such as GST, KiwiSaver, PAYE, and tax reports using MYOB.
Where to get it: iPhone, Android
4. File management: Google Drive
If you have a trade business, using Google Drive's free 15GB storage puts all your important files in one place. It's like having a super organised toolbox for your business stuff.
Where to find it: iPhone, Android
5. Virtual meetings: Google Meet
Sometimes it’s easier to talk face to face, even if you’re ages away. Google Meet is an easy way to talk and plan things together online, just like you would in person. You can share documents or screens in real-time. And it's free to use!
Where to find it: iPhone, Android
6. Design: Canva
With thousands of templates and free-use images, Canva is the easiest way to create logos and social media content — or play around with their AI text-to-image generation feature. It's easy, free to use and helps your business look great.
Where to find it: iPhone, Andriod
7. Health & safety: St John Ambulance
We all hope to avoid accidents, but sometimes they happen. The St John Ambulance app has the latest advice on first aid and how to handle emergencies. It's easy to understand, with pictures and spoken instructions. While it's not a replacement for a real first aid course, the app can guide you on what to do when something happens.
Where to find it: iPhone, Android
8. How to get paid: Stripe
Ensuring timely payments is key for maintaining a healthy cash flow. Offering your customers flexible payment choices, such as online credit card payments, simplifies invoice management. With Stripe, you can handle payments wherever you are, ensuring you receive what you're owed immediately after completing a job. Furthermore, Stripe easily integrates with various tools like accounting software or Tradify to help keep things moving, like reminding customers to pay or sorting out your payments automatically.
Where to find it: iPhone, Android
9. Build a Brand: Tradify's Business Name Generator
Build your online presence with Tradify's Business Name Generator. Before you start printing business cards and shirts, you can check if your ideal name is available as a web domain, on Facebook, and Instagram. Pick out a standout brand name at no cost and establish your online identity.
Where to find it: Here
10. Social Media Management: Buffer
Having a social media presence acts as a layer of verification for potential customers. Maintaining a social media presence can be as simple as preloading a series of quality photos and captions to an automated system. Buffer links posts across different social media sites and simplifies managing your posts.
Where to find it: iPhone, Android
Navigating being your own boss as an Australian business owner can be tough. Fortunately, there are loads of apps at your disposal to tackle these challenges head-on. By integrating these apps, you'll improve communication, streamline processes, and ultimately maximise your efficiency. So, choose wisely and set yourself up for the best results in the Australian trades industry.
Ready to give Tradify a go?
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