Today we’re looking at a couple of my favorite online applications for business. Now, right out of the box, I require an application (sometimes called software-as-a-service or SAS) to be free or at least offer a free trail. Most do, but the ones who offer totally free for level “1” — I like those. As a small business, they usually meet my needs.
Okay, so an obvious opener — Social Media. For managing all of my social networks, I turn to HootSuite. HootSuite is totally free if you only need to manage a few networks (Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin for instance). If you have more networks you can pay the nominal $9.99 a month and get the added features.
HootSuite offers online tutorials, often hosts free training webinars and you can find tons of videos on YouTube to get you started.
Sharing Documents and Files — Most of the time I am working remotely from my clients and occasionally have a need to share documents, like proofs or articles, sometimes a video. And occasionally they are just too large to share via e-mail. Those times,
I turn to Dropbox.
Dropbox is a cloud-based storage service. Cloud-based just means it’s a server, away from your home or office, on the Internet. And this one meets my requirement, free for the 1st tier. Just upgrade if and when you need more space – simple. It’s easy to get started and share the address with a friend. You’ll be trading videos in no time!
All trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks are property of their respective owners.