There are tons of factors to consider when selecting software, with some being much more obvious than others. If you’re looking to streamline your processes with a new piece of business software, make the following considerations first.
Assess your business’s needs – This may sound obvious, but clearly identifying your business’s needs – and closely considering the problems you need to resolve – will make it easier to find a solution that’s actually up to the task.
Decide on your budget – Before you start shopping around, you need to establish a budget for upfront and recurring costs and agree on whether it’s budget rigid or flexible. Bear in mind that it may cost extra to implement the software and train your staff, so factor these costs into your plan.
Consider user experience – Chances are your employees will be relying on this software daily. So, when whittling down your options, prioritize platforms with gentle learning curves that are both easy to use and customize.
Evaluate the support options – Seeking support is necessary from time to time. So, when researching business software providers, check how reliable their help centers are, and whether they offer support through the channels you prefer. For example, if a provider only offers support via AI chatbots and you prefer a phone line, it might not be a good fit for you.
Make use of free trials – Most top providers offer free trials or demos so you can get a feel of the software for yourself before committing to any payments. You have nothing to lose wth these often month-long trial periods and you’ll be able to test how the software integrates with your existing platforms and how comfortable you feel with it.
