How to Choose the Best App for Your Business

When it comes to creating efficiency in your accounting workflow, you more than likely will need an add-on app to your QuickBooks Online file. But, just like with Apple, there is an app for everything. So, how do you choose? By following these five steps, you will be able to make the best app decision for your business.

1. What is your goal? First, you need to determine what is your goal. What are you trying to achieve? Are you trying to make the process easier so that it’s not so complicated? Are you trying to make the process faster so you can save some time?

These are key questions you need to ask yourself when you are choosing an app. Understanding your ultimate goal will help prevent you from spending hours and hours of time researching all the possible choices.

2. Does the app solve your current problem? Once you have determined whether the goal of the app is to make your process less complicated and/or save you time, you need to determine what specific problem it will solve. A couple of the most common problems are getting cash in the door from clients and customers, and processing payroll. If you try and select an app without knowing the specific problem, you will likely end up with an app that does not serve you or your business.

3. Phone a friend. When in doubt, get a recommendation. Because there are so many options to choose from, ask around in your industry community for recommendations and suggestions. This will help you find the apps that people rave about because they are simply that great, or because they have exceptional services. It will also give you insight into the underdog apps – those that are really good but are lying under the radar. You can discover some pretty amazing apps that way.

4. How much does it cost? While cost should not be the main factor in making your decision, it still should be a factor. You want to choose an app that meets your needs and your budget. Picking the most expensive app, or the app that appears to get the most exposure is not going to guarantee that it is the best fit for your business. On the other end of the spectrum, choosing the least expensive app may not meet your goal either. In the end, choose an app that is cost effective but also doesn’t blow the budget.

5. Try before you buy. Once you have narrowed it down to three or four apps, schedule a demo. The best way to determine if an app is the best app for you is to test it out. Most apps offer a no-cost trial period. Use this trial to fully integrate the app into your workflow to determine if it solves your problem and meets your goal.

As originally seen on the Quickbooks Blog.