ChooseWhat's Top 7 iPhone and Smartphone Apps for Small Business
Read about ChooseWhat's favorite desktop and iPhone applications that boost productivity and help small business owners effectively manage their businesses. We at ChooseWhat have used all of these applications at one time or another and highly recommend them to any small business, start-up or entrepreneur.Edit: 4/23/13: Since the original article was written in 2010, we have added to this list considerably and continue to do so in the future. Please enjoy our list of 7+ iPhone & Smartphone Apps for Small Business. We also welcome any readers to add your favorite small business app in the comment section below. Thanks and enjoy!
Security Apps
Last Pass: Last Pass is a great application for storing your passwords and log-ins securely. You can use the desktop version to access all of your passwords online, simply by entering a master password. You can also download the browser plug-in that allows you to auto-fill password fields on any website. The iPhone app is a nice complement to the desktop version, offering mobility and security for business owners on the go.
Productivity Apps (updated: 4/23/13)
Tempo Smart Calendar: This app turns your iPhone calendar into a personal assistant. Automatically get directions, parking and drive time to every meeting, connect with attendees via text, email or LinkedIn, get birthday reminders for your contacts and so much more.Documents To Go: Documents To Go lets you create and edit files for MS Word and MS Excel. You can also view Adobe PDFs, MS Power Point files, Apple iWork files and more. The editing tool allows you to cut, copy, paste, select, delete and align with ease. Sync it with your desktop application or email files to/from your mobile app. You can also create folders for quick organization. The best thing about this app is that it's available to so many phone brands—Blackberry, iPhone, Palm OS, Windows Mobile, Maemo, Android and Symbian.
Project Management Apps
Basecamp: Basecamp is one of the most highly rated project management tools for small businesses, non-profits and entrepreneurs. There are several iPhone apps that have been created for accessing Basecamp: Insight, Outpost, Minivan, Groundwork, BC Files, Cheiftent, Sherpa and Projects. They each give you access to specific functions, such as time-tracking, creating and deleting projects and to-dos and posting comments and messages.
Social Networking Apps (updated: 4/23/13)
HootSuite: HootSuite has been around for a while and is often recommended for social media management, although over the last year their services have expanded greatly. Manage, schedule and connect to your social network on the following services:
- SlideShare
- StumbleUpon & reddit
- Mailchimp, Constant Contact
- Evernote
- StockTwits
- Zendesk
- Salesforce
- TrendSpottr
- Wordpress, Tumblr, Scoop.it & Bloggr
- YouTube
- Instagram, Flickr and many more...
Seesmic: Seesmic posts to all of your social networking sites with the click of a button. Easily set up your account to post to networks like Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, LinkedIn, Plaxo, Tumblr and many more. It's the cheapest (and hippest) way to market your business! Send coupons, updates, sales, contest info and whatever you like to all your customers, from your smartphone or desktop.Onlywire: Much like Ping.fm, Onlywire lets you auto-syndicate content with a click of a button. Share information on dozens of sites, like Digg, FriendFeed, Multiply and Slashdot. You can download the browser plug-in to help you auto-submit your content, or you can download the iPhone app that makes mobile communication a breeze.
Communication Apps
RingCentral: RingCentral offers a suite of cloud communication tools, such as internet fax and virtual PBX services. If you sign up for RingCentral's hosted PBX service, you'll be able to manage your office desktop phone via their iPhone app. The coolest thing about the app is that you can set your caller ID number to show your office phone line, instead of your personal phone number. You can also check voicemails and create away messages, as well as set up call forwarding. RingCentral also has a popular online faxing service.ConstantContact: ConstantContact is one of the leading email marketing services used by small businesses. ConstantContact's FREE email marketing app allows you to add contacts, manage your email campaigns and contact lists and check stats for any of your email campaigns while you're away from your computer.—perfect for small business owners who network frequently! Let's say that you're at an event and you've just met someone who's interested in your business, product or service. Add that person's email address and contact info directly to your email marketing list via your iPhone, and send him/her your next email newsletter or promotion. It's quick, painless and oh-so-savvy.Hope you liked our list. Feel free to comment with your personal favorite applications that help you run your business!