5 Essential cloud-based apps for solopreneurs
1. Accounting Software
Maintaining accurate financial records will save time and resources at year end. Cloud accounting software such as Xero or Quickbooks Online solves this problem.
As a solopreneur, financial record keeping is important for tax purposes and for cash flow management. Opening bank accounts and credit card accounts should be thoroughly planned to accommodate the business’ needs and the ability of those financial institutions to integrate smoothly with the selected accounting software.
A thorough set up of a chart of accounts and linking bank accounts to the accounting software will increase automation. For solopreneurs without a background in accounting or finance, finding an outsourced bookkeeping firm to set up the chart of accounts is worth the investment.
An experienced cloud accounting professional will be able to provide support when needed and depending on the monthly volume of transactions, a quarterly check-in with a professional bookkeeper or accountant is highly recommended.
Although many CPA firms offer bookkeeping services, otherwise referred to as Client Accounting Services (CAS), this route is best for businesses with a high volume of transactions, complex transactions, or nonprofit entities. Ask questions about how pricing is structured and the specific services provided.
Find a CPA firm to work on tax filings to ensure compliance. Be sure to interview more than one CPA firm to assess and find the right fit.
2. Google applications
Google provides a solution for email, document storage, spreadsheets, presentations, and documents. There is just one login to the gmail account to access documents in one place. Collaboration with external vendors is possible by sharing certain documents and spreadsheets via Google Drive. If the collaboration expires, access can be canceled.
Creating separate folders in Google Drive assists in staying organized. Another option is to create subfolders by topic or revenue stream, or even by calendar year.
The Google calendar is useful when scheduling meetings or creating an editorial calendar for digital and social media marketing. Scheduling meetings with potential clients is easy due to the seamless integration with Calendly. See below for details on linking the applications together.
Google Voice is another feature to consider. Google Voice is an application downloaded to a mobile device. A Google Voice number provides a business number separate from a personal mobile number. The Voice application can be associated with one mobile device. Even with multiple Google accounts, a Google Voice can only be associated with one mobile number. However, the security it offers is invaluable for a solo business owner.
3. Canva Pro
The Canva platform is constantly evolving. Presentation templates, customizable social media posts, and an endless volume of all marketing possibilities. The platform allows uploads of images, downloads of completed projects, and the Android and Apple app provides ease of working on mobile devices.
The newest addition to the Canva platform is the Magic Write feature in Canva Docs. Using AI, the tool provides content and currently competes with ChatGPT, according to FastCompany.
Another useful feature is the “text to image” feature. Type a phrase or a description of a product and the tool will generate image options. If the images are not the most precise, then click on “generate more” to sample another batch of images.
The mobile application also allows the user to work on the go. Photos taken from a mobile device can be uploaded to the Canva app to be revised for social media posts. Texts are very easy to edit.
Canva Pro has expanded capabilities involving videos. Videos for youtube subscription pages are great resources for solo business owners. The Canva Pro is worth the extra price compared to the freemium version. Access to stock photos, templates, and presentations helps save time.
4. Squarespace
Squarespace requires minimal knowledge of code. The templates allow for as many design modifications that are required by the user. Different palettes can be modified, as well as font, headers, and footers. Stock images can be purchased directly from the platform.
Domains can be purchased within Squarespace. With one account login, a solopreneur with multiple revenue streams and websites can purchase, create, and maintain separate websites.
Email marketing options are also available within the platform. For e-commerce businesses, payment gateways can be linked directly to the commerce site and managed within Squarespace.
The membership feature allows business owners to create a membership program. Premium content or services can be sold using the membership feature.
5. Calendly
Signing up for the Calendly application is straightforward. As another cloud-based solution, the integration with Google and Squarespace allows the owner of the account to set up availability. Once the link is set up to a button on the business website, the site visitor will be able to schedule a meeting directly from the link.
The level of automation and integration that is available with Calendly makes it a simple decision to add to a solo business owner’s tech stack.
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