In 2023, about 70% of small businesses plan to purchase software to help improve their efficiency. But if they choose the wrong options for software, it might have the opposite effect.
If you’re looking for a business software provider, there are several common mistakes you’ll want to avoid. You might end up spending more time and money if you overlook a few simple factors.
The following guide will explore how to avoid 5 common mistakes with selecting software to help your business thrive.
1. Not Asking About Revenue and Efficiency
When selecting a software vendor, always ask them how their product can help your business generate more revenue. Then, ask if the vendor can guarantee those results for your business.
Next, ask how their software can improve your company’s efficiency to help spur growth. The software should help with decision-making, not hinder it.
2. No Regular Software Updates
Always ask software vendors if they provide regular software updates before you make a selection. For one, regular software updates help patch security issues that might bring your operations to a halt.
Updates also provide new features, fix compatibility issues, and improve the software’s performance over time. You can visit this page on Microsoft SQL server for an example of software with regular updates.
3. Not getting References
Only select a software vendor that’s willing to provide several references. Speaking with their customers can help give you an idea of if the software might work for your business.
Ask their customers what their initial price estimate was versus the actual cost. You don’t want any costly surprises after you sign on the dotted line. It’s a crucial step when comparing software costs accurately.
If a vendor refuses to provide customer references, consider it a red flag and move on to other options.
4. No Customization Options
Every business operates differently and they all have unique needs. That’s why it’s important that the software you choose offers customization features.
Your business will also grow and the business software features you choose needs to adapt right along with it. Selecting software with customization options makes for a smart long-term investment.
5. Poor Customer Support
Always read customer reviews and avoid software with poor customer support practices. Keep in mind that some vendors offer online self-service, real personal interactions, or both.
You want a vendor that provides fast response times around the clock to help you deal with any issues that arise. Also, make sure you don’t have to buy a higher-priced plan for added customer support.
If they don’t offer 24/7 support, evaluate how their hours align with your business hours. You should also factor in how complicated the software is and how often you might need help.
Avoiding Mistakes With Selecting Software
Remember this guide and avoid making mistakes with selecting software so that your business can move forward. Always keep in mind that the goal is to enhance efficiency and grow revenue.
Consider the frequency of updates, customer support practices, scalability, and references before you choose software. For more helpful tips like these, take a look at our blog’s business and tech sections.
