Running your own online jewelry store is a big endeavor and can be stressful. Fortunately, there are many digital programs that can help you succeed. The following are seven tools that will help your business flourish.
1. Website Builder
Your website is the primary way your customers interact with your business, so you want it to be as user-friendly as possible. A good website builder will help you design pages that are accessible across a wide range of devices. Many of these programs have templates that allow you to get started quickly and personalize the design to reflect your brand’s aesthetic. When choosing a site-building program, read reviews and pay attention to the features offered as well. Look at programs at different price points to determine what best suits your needs.
2. Point-of-Sale System
One of the most important tasks for an online jewelry retailer is successfully processing sales. A point-of-sale system is key. A good jewelry POS will include features unique to jewelry online stores, such as options for repairs as well as initial sales. The system should keep track of your inventory and let you know what is selling best, when you need to re-order, and other important data. It should integrate seamlessly with your other programs, such as accounting software. Comprehensive solutions may even include website design and marketing capabilities.
3. Cloud-Based Storage
Every business needs some way to store customer information, tax returns, insurance policies, and other important documents. In earlier times, these documents would have been printed off and stored in filing cabinets. In the modern age, however, digital storage options are most efficient. A cloud-based system allows you to access your documents from anywhere with an internet connection. Read reviews and descriptions to choose a storage system that is easily searchable so that you can find what you need when you need it.
4. Productivity Apps
Entrepreneurship requires excellent time management. For some individuals, this skill comes naturally. Others must work at it. Regardless of your time-management abilities, you can find the right productivity apps to help you work more efficiently. There are apps that allow you to pause notifications for extended periods while you work and others that help you keep track of everything you need to do. More advanced apps allow you to easily automate tasks, such as sending confirmation emails.
5. Social Media Manager
As an online business, you will likely use social media for a good portion of your marketing. With so many platforms in use, it is easy to become overwhelmed. Fortunately, there are social media management tools that allow you to schedule posts so that your audience hears from you regularly. Some programs include data analytics so that you can see which posts are interacted with most, allowing you to fine-tune your marketing strategy. Others include access to stock photos so that you can easily add visual impact to your posts.
6. Tax Preparation Program
Every business must pay taxes. Tax preparers often charge hefty fees, so many business owners choose to do their taxes themselves. As a sales business, you likely must charge and remit sales tax. How frequently you file the forms depends on your state and the volume of your sales. Additionally, you will have to pay income tax and possibly pay roll tax if you have employees. This can all feel overwhelming, but there are a variety of tax preparation programs available to help you file your taxes correctly. Read reviews and pay close attention to the forms available to make sure you are getting the right program for your business.
7. Accounting Software
As with taxes, some business owners hire a professional to take care of accounting. Others, however, familiarize themselves with basic accounting practices and find the right software to help them. This software should track income and expenses and may offer payroll features. There are numerous options to choose from at a variety of price points so you can choose the features that are most useful to your business.
Sole proprietors have many different jobs and must do them all well for a successful business. Fortunately, there are a variety of programs available to help you succeed in every area of business.
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