If the past few years have taught us anything, it's that the world increasingly relies on digital resources to make do when face-to-face interactions are otherwise impossible.

Even as things return to normalcy, small businesses and consumers continue to rely on digital tools to conduct business. If you're ready to embrace digital, here are several essential digital tools that will help you day in and day out.

Virtual Chat

As you're likely aware, running a small business requires a fair amount of communication. Keeping different departments and team leaders in the loop is critical to keeping operations on track. Failure to do so often results in miscommunication, which snowballs into time-consuming issues that could have been avoided.

Virtual chat software, such as Skype or WhatsApp, is a great way to keep everyone involved throughout the process. These platforms allow employees to tune in and speak up even when they're away from work.

When an email isn't quick enough to handle a conversation that needs to happen asap, use virtual chat software instead.

Digital Publishing

While there's nothing wrong with traditional print collateral and marketing materials, utilizing digital publishing software can help you reach hundreds, maybe even thousands, more online at a fraction of the cost. With software such as FlippingBook, you can publish a wide variety of digital documents: brochures, magazines, flyers, and even reports.

Video Conferencing

Getting your entire team in one room for a group discussion often seems impossible. It's times like these when video conferencing software can get everyone on the same page with just a few minutes notice.

For a good reason, software such as Google Meet and Zoom have surged in popularity over the past few years. Being able to conference with multiple people at once on a wide range of devices like laptops or smartphones saves a considerable amount of time while you're brainstorming ways to cut costs.

Consider using video conferencing software to meet with vendors, business partners, and customers.

Social Media Management

Social media has become a crucial part of many small business success stories. But it can also take considerable time and resources to keep up with the ongoing need for content. Rather than hiring or paying someone to do it, why not consider social media management software?

There are various social media management software options, including Hootsuite, Sprout Social, and Buffer. Depending on which one you choose, the software can help you create content, automatically schedule posts across platforms, combine various social media messages in a single inbox, and view reports and analytics.

Project Management

Even with a trusty calendar and to-do list, staying on top of all your projects can be time-consuming, and time is money. Not to worry! Instead of keeping track of things with traditional tools, why not consider project management software?

Monday.com is just one example of the many options available. This versatile platform does everything from organizing and planning the work week to setting goals and conducting team collaborations. Use project management software to take the load off and get valuable time back.

Accounting And Invoicing

Here's one type of software that every small business owner with an aversion to crunching numbers needs.

Accounting and invoicing software can help organize finances by automating invoicing, estimates, reports, and expenses. And all that paperwork you'll no longer have to deal with will save quite a few trees and cut down on the need for expensive storage space.

Accounting and invoicing software applications such as FreshBooks, Intuit QuickBooks Online, Plooto, Oracle, Netsuite, FreshBooks, and Zoho Books comprise some of the top-ranked ones in the industry. A web search for accounting and invoicing software reveals an even more comprehensive array of options.

Get Started and Go Digital

Maybe you need a reliable video conferencing tool to keep your team updated around the clock. Or perhaps you require an entire suite of digital tools to help streamline your business for success. The process of going digital is different for each small business. Start by considering where you'd benefit the most from these and other resources—and make digital a money saver for your business.