You wouldn’t buy a brick and mortar business without getting a lock for the front door, right? I imagine you’d probably even get an alarm system and install some cameras. These security measures are taken to prevent break-ins, from losing money, sustaining property damage, or putting sensitive information at risk. Your internet business is at risk for these very same things. It may even be at greater risk — the Internet makes it possible for cybercriminals to break into your website without having to leave their couch: On average, 18.5 million websites are infected with malware at any given time. The average website gets attacked 44 times per day. Of the roughly 90,000 websites that get hacked each day, 83% of them are using WordPress. That’s why you need to take as many precautions as possible when it comes to properly securing your website.
Don’t have the “it won’t happen to me” mentality. Nobody is immune to vicious attacks. Even retail giants like Target have had data breaches that affected more than 41 million customers. That one security breach cost the company over $18 million in settlements. Something like this can be extremely damaging to your company’s online reputation. I could go on and on all day about why your website needs to be secure, but I think I’ve made my point. So how can you do install the security you need? To start, WordPress has some built-in security features. It’s also crucial for you to choose a secure web hosting company — with a host like WP Engine a lot of the security features are built into your hosting plan. Beyond these steps, you can take additional measures to beef up your protections with a WordPress security plugin. There are so many different security plugins available for your website. How can you know which one is the best WordPress security plugin? Rather than taking weeks to go through and research all of them, you can just review the ones that I’ve listed in this guide. I’ve identified the top six WordPress security plugins of 2020. Use this information to increase your WordPress security and add credibility to your website. 1. MalCareThe MalCare security plugin is trusted by the likes of GoWP, WPBuffs, and Cloudways — so you know you’re in good company with them. This is a security plugin you should get if you want to save time and energy. Their malware removal is fully automated, removing viruses and bad actors in less than a minute. They also protect your website from their own servers. That means you’ll never experience a slowdown on your site when they scan for viruses. MalCare also comes with a powerful firewall to protect your website 24/7. It’ll also block any IP addresses that have been flagged for malicious intent from the thousands of sites on their network, according to their website. Though it might not be for everyone, I really appreciate the fact that they have a host of features aside from security like their WordPress management plugin. It helps you manage multiple sites on WordPress and allows you to manage permissions so your team can collaborate on all fo them. This service also allows you to make 90 day backups of your websites so you never have to worry about losing data. Pricing for MalCare is also relatively affordable for the features you’ll be receiving. It starts at $99 / year for one site and includes automatic malware removal, a website firewall, and complete website management. 2. Wordfence Security — Firewall & Malware ScanWith over two million active installs, Wordfence Security — Firewall & Malware Scan is one of the most popular WordPress security plugins available. It fights spam, malware, and other threats in real time. Unlike other plugins, Wordfence Security offers a dashboard that’s extremely user friendly. You don’t have to be a tech wizard, have a background in IT, or study cybersecurity to use this plugin. One of my favorite parts of this plugin is the ability to see data about your overall website traffic trends. These reports will show you any attempted hacks on your site. You’ll be able to tell if traffic is coming from humans, Google crawlers, or potentially malicious bots. Another great feature of this plugin is the country blocking option. You can block attacks that come from specific geographic regions known for high rates of cybercrime. The free version of Wordfence Security offers plenty of features that will keep your website safe. They definitely give you more out of the box than other free security plugins. You’ll get firewall blocks and brute force attack protection. Premium pricing starts at $99 per year. The premium version comes with added features like two-factor authentication, direct customer support assistance, and real-time IP blacklisting. The real-time IP blacklist feature blocks requests from any IP address that has attacked another WordPress website that is also using Wordfence Security. When it comes to the safety and security of your website, that’s a pretty good deal in my opinion. 3. Sucuri Security — Auditing, Malware Scanner and Security HardeningThe name of this plugin alone shows all of the extensive security features it offers. When you install Sucuri Security, you’ll benefit from things like:
All of these features, except for the website firewall, come with the free version of Sucuri Security. If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to protect your WordPress website, Sucuri Security is a top choice. For most sites, you don’t necessarily need the website firewall offered in the premium version. In the event of a hack or attack, Sucuri Security offers actionable steps to help you proceed with repairing any damage. Now, some of you might not love the idea of hearing something like this. But in all reality, it’s nearly impossible for any website to be 100% impenetrable. There is always the chance of something going wrong. When something goes wrong, you’ll instantly receive a notification about it so you can act immediately. Sucuri Security is upfront about that. They aren’t going to sit there and promise that the plugin is 100% effective. Rather than making false promises, this plugin has added a feature to assist you if your site is compromised in any way. I really like that. The security hardening provided by Sucuri Security is exceptional. It’s easy to go through and check the status of the different elements of your website to add additional security. If you have questions, problems, or run into any trouble when you’re using the Sucuri Security plugin, you can reach the customer service team via live chat or email. 4. iThemes SecurityFormerly known as Better WP Security, the iThemes Security plugin is another popular choice for WordPress users. Unlike the other plugins we’ve looked at so far, iThemes Security doesn’t offer as many free benefits, so it’s in your best interest to upgrade to the pro version if you’re going to install this plugin. The free version comes with basic security, but you won’t have access to the pro features, such as:
As you can see from this list, it’s definitely worth upgrading to iThemes Security Pro, which starts at $52 per year. With iThemes Security, users will automatically be banned after attempting too many invalid logins, which will help prevent a brute force attack on your site. There is also a scanning feature that will identify any potential vulnerabilities for an attack. Once those areas have been identified, the plugin shows you how to repair the problems in a matter of seconds. iThemes Security even helps strengthen the security of your server. The plugin forces SSL for admin pages, posts, and other pages on supporting servers. The plugin will hide the most common WordPress security vulnerabilities that are usually targeted by hackers. You’ll receive a notification via email anytime there is a problem or potential security threat on your WordPress site. This plugin fully integrates with your WordPress dashboard as well, which is a nice touch. It doesn’t feel like it’s intrusive, and you don’t need to navigate to any third-party platforms to add security to your site. iThemes Security also offers extensive video tutorials, which I found to be extremely helpful. 5. All In One WP Security & FirewallAll In One WP Security & Firewall is packed with free features. The interface is extremely easy to use, and you don’t need to be a technology or security expert to figure things out. One of the reasons why this plugin made my list is because of the visual elements on the dashboard. You can get reports with graphs that explain all of the metrics related to your website’s security. Furthermore, the plugin tells you which actions you can take to improve the security of your WordPress website. Each security feature is segmented into three categories:
You have the ability to apply certain firewall rules progressively in a way that won’t hinder the functionality of your website. As a result, the speed of your website won’t be slowed at all. The plugin scans your WordPress website for vulnerabilities. After these vulnerabilities have been checked, the plugin will assist you in implementing changes to enhance your security. Everything is measured by a grading system. The grades are based on different levels of security for each element on your website. Another top feature offered by All In One WP Security & Firewall is spam security for your comments section. Getting lots of comments on your blog posts or other website pages can be extremely beneficial for SEO purposes, but not if those comments are spam. Instead of manually checking all of your comments and deleting spam on your own, this plugin can do the work for you. It automatically detects IP addresses that are known for producing spam and blocks them from commenting. If certain addresses have exceeded a specific number of spam comments, they will even be blocked from accessing your site altogether. I haven’t even mentioned the best part of all. This plugin is free. That’s right, 100% free. Unlike free versions of other plugins, All In One WP Security & Firewall doesn’t withhold top features and pitch upsells. It’s completely free to all WordPress users. 6. BulletProof SecurityThe BulletProof Security WordPress plugin isn’t necessarily as popular as some of the other plugins out there, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider it as a top choice for your website. It claims that in the last seven years, none of the 45,000 websites that installed BulletProof Security Pro have been hacked. Impressive, though this number has some contingencies and doesn’t account for things like server hacks. This plugin is extremely easy to install and get up and running in just a couple of clicks. The free version of BulletProof Security gives you access to features like:
I really like BulletProof Security’s maintenance mode. It will keep your site secure while you’re going through front-end as well as back-end updates and maintenance, times when your site would normally be more vulnerable to hacks or breaches. While the installation and setup wizard is easy for anyone to do, overall I’d say this security plugin is geared more toward advanced WordPress developers. BulletProof Security allows you to customize so many different security settings. So, I’d say start with that version before you decide if you want to upgrade. That will at least give you a feel of the interface and navigation. If you go with the paid version, BulletProof Security offers a 30-day guarantee, so there’s no risk there either. ConclusionWhat’s the best WordPress security plugin? It’s tough to name one as the definitive best, but I’ve been able to narrow down the top six for you to consider in 2020. It all depends on what you’re looking for. Some of these plugins have more advanced features than others, which aren’t always necessary for all websites. Some plugins are easier for beginners, while others are better for advanced developers. Do you want a free WordPress security plugin? Or do you want a pro version with annual charges? All of this needs to be taken into consideration when you’re picking the best security plugin for your website. I’m confident you’ll find what you need on the list above. via Quick Sprout https://www.quicksprout.com/best-wordpress-security-plugin/
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Imagine waking up one morning only to discover an error with your WordPress administrative dashboard. You contact your web hosting company, and they inform you that the website crashed — the handiwork of a hacker. In addition to missing out on website traffic and sales, you also lost your databases and website content. Now what?
This hypothetical example might be a bit on the extreme side, but it’s not completely implausible. Things happen. Your website could become the victim of user errors, vicious attacks, or malware. If this happens, you need to get your site back up and running as soon as possible. Failure to do so will crush your SEO ranking, and damage your relationship with customers and website visitors. On top of rebuilding your website, you’ll also need to run campaigns to improve your online reputation. But there’s a way for you to avoid this catastrophic scenario in the first place: backup plugins. A backup plugin can restore all of your WordPress website content if you ever have any problems. So what’s the best WordPress backup plugin? There are tons of options to choose from. The last thing you want is to install a backup plugin as a fail-safe and have it cause more problems. That’s why I narrowed down the list to the six best WordPress backup plugins for you to consider. Use this guide as a reference to help you find the right one for your website. 1. BlogVaultBlogVault is trusted by 400,000+ websites for their backup needs—and for good reason. In between its affordable pricing ($7.40 / month) and it’s great features, it’s sure to give you everything you would need out of a WordPress backup plugin. On top of being very easy to use, it also comes with equally easy migration for if you ever want to change hosts. One other very nice feature is the fact that BlogVault backs up your website even if your website is down. You’ll be able to access any backups via your BlogVault dashboard while you wait for your site to go back up. BlogVault also creates multiple backup copies of your website, allowing you to upload them into a third-party storage site like Google Drive or DropBox for even more protection against lost data. And with daily automatic backups, you’re sure to have the most up-to-date backups as possible. Recovering your website is a snap too. With just one click, you’ll be able to restore your backed up website and return it to what it was the day before the hack or loss of information occurs. BlogVault allows you to add sites to their service to. You’ll be able to manage all of your website backups on one dashboard, and generate reports and analytics for each one. Pricing for BlogVault starts at $7.4 / month and includes real-time backups, a 90-day backup archive, and one site. Try BlogVault now. 2. BackupBuddy
All of these components will be backed up with this plugin. The files are backed up and stored off-site in a location that’s safe and secure. Each time a backup is completed, you can download a zip file to have another copy on your hard drive. You can also send backups to remote storage locations such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and BackupBuddy Stash. If you ever have a problem and need to recover content, BackupBuddy makes it easy to quickly restore your entire WordPress site. While this plugin can back up nearly every element of your WordPress site, that doesn’t mean you have to do so. For one reason or another, you may only want to backup certain components, like a database or specific files. You can completely customize the backups to fit your needs. Another reason why BackupBuddy is a top choice is because you can schedule automatic backups, so you won’t have to remember to do this manually. BackupBuddy is extremely helpful when it comes to user error as well. If you accidentally delete a post, you can restore the content in just a few clicks. If you ever need to change domains or hosts for your WordPress site, the BackupBuddy plugin will help you do so with ease. The WordPress migration tool makes this plugin a popular choice for developers who create custom websites for clients on a temporary domain before moving the site over to a domain that’s live. BackupBuddy also runs malware scans, which can potentially identify any problems before they happen. All of these features make BackupBuddy one of the best WordPress backup plugins available. 3. VaultPress
We use VaultPress on Quick Sprout and have since 2011. Once you install this plugin, you can easily set up automated backups. Everything is stored in a digital off-site vault. In addition to backups, you can use VaultPress for site migrations, file repairs, and restores. VaultPress also has a calendar view option, making it easy to locate, view, and restore content from previous backups. But the dashboard of VaultPress is different from what you’re used to with other WordPress plugins. This minor navigation flaw doesn’t affect the performance and usage of the plugin itself. I also like the built-in security features. The file scanning and spam defense will help you identify and eliminate malware, spammers, viruses, and other security vulnerabilities. The added security reduces the chances that you’ll actually have to use the restore functions due to an outside threat, but it’s nice to have the backups available just to be safe. Pricing plans for VaultPress start at $39 per year, so it’s a cost-effective way to back up your WordPress website. 4. UpdraftPlus
UpdraftPlus gets my vote of confidence because it’s so easy to use. Even if you don’t have much technical experience, the interface is very straightforward. The simplicity allows you to backup and restore content in just a click or two. The free version of UpdraftPlus lets you run full backups, manual backups, and scheduled backups. You can also back up and restore your plugins, themes, and database with the free version. Automatic backup options range anywhere from hourly to monthly. If you want to manually manage UpdraftPlus, you’ll clearly see the restore, clone, and migrate options in addition to the backup buttons. You can access all of your current backups directly from the dashboard. It’s easy for you to restore or delete older versions that you no longer need. Like other backup plugins, UpdraftPlus gives you remote storage options to places such as Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and many more. UpdraftPlus is fast. So it uses up fewer server resources. This is a great feature for those of you who are using shared web hosting services. It’s comforting knowing that there are free WordPress backup plugins out there with so much functionality. With that said, you can upgrade to a premium plan that’s extremely affordable, starting at $42 per year to get these additional features and reports:
The incremental backup feature is one of the best reasons to upgrade this plugin. Instead of having to back up your entire site when you make a change, such as adding an image, this option only backs up those new files. If you have any issues with this plugin, the customer support team is exceptional. You can tell that UpdraftPlus is a reliable plugin just by the sheer number of active installs on other websites. The plugin wouldn’t be so popular if all of those people had problems. 5. DuplicatorWith over one million active installations, Duplicator is another popular choice. As the name implies, the primary function of this plugin is to migrate, move, or clone a WordPress website between domains. This can be accomplished without any downtime, which can’t be said for other plugins out there. You can also use Duplicator to transfer your WordPress website between hosts. This plugin lets you duplicate a live website to a staging area, or duplicate your staging area to a live site. Duplicator allows you to execute a full migration in WordPress without having to import and export SQL scripts. This plugin is a great option, but I can’t say I’d recommend it to beginners. It’s definitely better for those of you who have some technical knowledge. Don’t get me wrong; you don’t need to be a coding expert, but you should have a basic understanding of how things work before you attempt to use the Duplicator plugin on your website. It’s great for developers who are tired of manually configuring themes and sets of plugins each time they build a new site. You can just do this once and bundle it with Duplicator, then just use that as your template by migrating it over to different locations for each client. Here’s how it works: All of your website content, plugins, themes, and database get bundled into a zip file, which is referred to as a “package” by Duplicator. In addition to these features, you can also benefit from scheduled backups by upgrading to Duplicator Pro. The pricing is pretty affordable; it starts at $79 per year. Backups can be stored locally, or in remote locations. You can also set up email notifications for updates on the status of your backups. I’d say this WordPress plugin is more suitable for developers who have the need for migrations and things of that nature. So if that’s what you’re looking for, Duplicator can fulfill the requirements. It’s great for developers who are tired of manually configuring themes and sets of plugins each time they build a new site. You can do this once and bundle it with Duplicator, then just use that as your template by migrating it over to a different locations for each client. But if you just want a basic backup plugin, you’ll probably be better off with one of the other choices on our list. 6. WP Time Capsule
After you install this plugin, the first thing you’ll need to do is connect it with one of the cloud storage locations:
Once that happens, the plugin will automatically start creating your first backup. Next, you just simply have to set your backup schedule and the WP Time Capsule plugin will take care of the rest. Another great feature of the WP Time Capsule is the calendar view option. This is extremely helpful if you want to restore content from a specific date. As you can see, this is very straightforward. All you have to do is click on the date, and decide if you want to view or restore files from your selection. Since WP Time Capsule backs up your site incrementally, you won’t have multiple copies of files. This means less disk space will be used. WP Time Capsule doesn’t create zip files either, so fewer server resources are used compared to other backup methods. If you want a backup plugin that’s simple, straightforward, user-friendly, and easy to use, WP Time Capsule is a top choice to consider. ConclusionWhat’s the best WordPress backup plugin? I narrowed down the top six options for you to consider. Each of these plugins is slightly different from the others, so what’s best for your site will depend on what you’re looking for. For those of you who want to go with a popular choice for WordPress backups, then you should take a closer look at BackupBuddy and BlogVault. If you’re a developer, a bit more tech-savvy, and plan to use a backup plugin for cloning, migrations, and moving content between servers, you’ll want to consider Duplicator. Maybe you just want a simple backup plugin that’s easy to use, has automatic backups, and stores content in your personal remote storage accounts. In this case, you’ll want to go with WP Time Capsule. If you want added security functionality in addition to WordPress backups, VaultPress has what you’re looking for. via Quick Sprout https://www.quicksprout.com/best-wordpress-backup-plugin/ Recruiting software is the modern way to source and hire top-level talent. These tools help businesses, hiring managers, HR teams, and staffing firms streamline the recruiting process. Without recruiting software, you’re forced to complete extra steps, which is inefficient. You’ll have to manually post open positions on multiple job boards. Then you’ll have to schedule interviews from various sources individually. It ends up being a headache, and you might not even find the most qualified applicants. This leads to higher employee churn, and potentially tens of thousands of dollars wasted. Whether you’re a small business that hires a handful of employees per year, a large company that hires dozens of applicants at scale, or a recruiting agency that matches qualified candidates with various organizations, recruiting software will make your life easier. The Top 8 Best Recruiting SoftwareContinue below for our in-depth reviews on the top eight recruiting tools on the market today. You’ll learn more about the features, benefits, prices, and how to find the best recruiting software for your specific needs. #1 – Workable — Best Overall Recruiting Software• Starts at $99 Workable is the best recruiting software on the market today. It has the unique ability to accommodate businesses that hire infrequently, as well as organizations that hire candidates at scale. More than 20,000 companies trust Workable for recruitment. The platform has screened 85+ million candidates and facilitated 1.3+ million hires since launching in 2012. The software has everything you need to manage the complete life cycle of recruitment. From the initial open position to evaluating the best possible candidates and onboarding them, Workable has it all. Workable also automation tools. It’s easy to automate certain processes and manual tasks, such as scheduling interviews or sending offer letters. Some of the top features, benefits, and highlights of Workable include:
Workable does offer an external recruiter portal. But in most cases, the software is designed to be used in-house. Pricing starts at $99 per job per month with the “hire as needed” plan, which is designed for infrequent hiring. To access all of Workable’s features and benefits, request a demo and custom pricing for hiring at scale. Try it free for 15 days. #2 – Bullhorn — Best Recruiting Software For Agencies• Built-in CRM Bullhorn is our top pick for staffing agencies. If you have a recruiting firm that sources candidates for different businesses, this software will be the best option for you and your team. In addition to applicant tracking, Bullhorn also has a built-in CRM, which allows you to manage and win more clients in one place. You’ll also be able to track time, send invoices, manage bills, and monitor your gross margins directly within Bullhorn. The software is built to scale. You’ll be able to increase your job orders while simultaneously reducing the time-to-fill. Once you’ve found the best candidates for your clients, you can seamlessly manage the onboarding process for new hires. Bullhorn offers advanced reporting as well. You can create any type of report that will give you greater insight and visibility into the current condition of your staffing firm. Other top features of Bullhorn include:
Pricing is not available online. But Bullhorn does have multiple plans to accommodate small teams, enterprise firms, and everything in between. Request a free quote to learn more. #3 – Breezy HR — Best For Unlimited Job Listings• Free for 1 open job Breezy HR is an end-to-end recruiting solution. The software is designed to help you attract and hire top-level talent in the most efficient way possible. Thousands of businesses rely on Breezy HR to fulfill their recruitment needs. With Breezy HR, you’ll benefit from features and functionality like:
The name “Breezy HR” is a bit deceiving. It’s not really an all-in-one HR tool, meaning you won’t be using it to manage your applicants after they’ve been onboarded. Pricing for Breezy HR starts at $143 per month, with an annual contract. Month-to-month rates are available, but you’ll get two months free if you subscribe for a year. All paid plans come with unlimited positions and unlimited candidate pools. Breezy HR has a free plan for one active position. So if you’re not hiring often or you want to test the software out before committing, you’ll be able to do so. #4 – Greenhouse — Best Recruiting Software For Enterprises• Recruiting and onboarding software Greenhouse is a recruiting solution for enterprises and SMEs. The software goes beyond basic applicant tracking and helps larger organizations manage the complete hiring process at scale. With Greenhouse, you’ll be able to classify and nurture talent in a fully integrated CRM database to filter exactly what you need. Collaborate with hiring teams, empower company stakeholders, and track candidate relationships. Greenhouse is perfect for companies that want to ensure fair and equitable hiring, without bias. You can create a scorecard with key attributes for each candidate, so everyone is evaluated consistently. Connect with candidates through career pages, custom email templates, and meaningful interviews. You can automate surveys and manage 30+ reports to monitor efficiencies. Greenhouse integrates with over 300 third-party applications. The software is designed to scale with sophisticated global enterprises. In addition to recruiting, Greenhouse also has onboarding tools. Some of those features and benefits include:
Overall, Greenhouse has everything a large organization needs to recruit and onboard at scale. It’s made for in-house usage, as opposed to staffing agencies. Like most enterprise software, pricing for Greenhouse isn’t available online. You’ll need to request a demo to get a custom quote. #5 – Recruiterflow — Best Complete Recruiting CRM For Agencies• Starts at $69 Recruiterflow is another top agency tool. It’s a great option for staffing firms and even individual recruiters. The software is essentially a one-stop-shop for all of your recruiting and client management needs. It has a built-in recruiting CRM to help you land more clients and manage those relationships. If you want a feature-rich software that’s easy to use, look no further than Recruiterflow.
All candidate data can be managed directly from your inbox. Simply drag and drop files to candidate profiles to add information. The context of every conversation will always be at your fingertips. There are two Recruiterflow plans—Growth and Enterprise. These start at $69 and $99 per user per month, respectively. It’s worth noting that Recruiterflow is not exclusively designed for agencies. The software does have company-specific tools, starting at $99 per month. But the agency CRM is definitely Recruiterflow’s best feature. Try Recruiterflow free for 14 days. #6 – Recooty — Best Recruiting Software For Small Business• Starts at $29 Recooty is arguably the simplest recruiting tool on the market today. Even if it’s your first time using recruiting software, it’s easy for anyone to use. That’s probably why it’s such a popular choice for small businesses. 4,000+ companies trust Recooty for hiring and applicant tracking. The software helps you post open job listings on 20+ popular job boards, like CareerJet and ZipRecruiter. With Recooty, your business can appeal to top-level talent using a beautifully designed career page with your company branding. Use the software to review applications, schedule interviews, and manage your entire hiring process with a visual pipeline. Here’s a quick overview of the Recooty plans and price points:
For up to three active jobs, you can use Recooty for free. The Pro plan is designed for single users, and the Ultra tier is made for teams. Those plans support up to 10 and 25 active jobs, respectively. Save 20% on your Recooty plan with an annual subscription. Try it free for 15 days. #7 – JazzHR — Best For Applicant Tracking Software (ATS)• Starts at $39 per month The terms “recruiting software” and “applicant tracking software (ATS)” are often used interchangeably. While the two go hand-in-hand, they technically aren’t the same thing. So if you’re looking for a complete applicant tracking tool, JazzHR will be your best bet. As the name implies, this tool is perfect for in-house HR teams. In addition to the ATS software, top features and benefits of JazzHR include:
Unlike other recruiting software, JazzHR doesn’t charge you on a per-user basis. Every plan comes with unlimited users.
The Hero package limits you to just three active job listings. Both higher-tier plans offer unlimited open jobs. You can try JazzHR free for 21 days before committing; no credit card required. #8 – Teamtailor — Best Recruiting Software For Employer Branding• Career websites Lots of the tools on our list offer some form of branding tools to attract candidates. But Teamtailor takes this recruiting software feature to the next level. They are the only recruiting tool and ATS software that specializes in employer branding—at least the only one that I’d recommend. More than 2,500 organizations and 100,000+ users trust Teamtailor. The software accommodates small teams to mid-market enterprises and everything in between. Use Teamtailor for features like:
The software is designed to help you improve the candidate experience while allowing you to manage multiple hiring processes with detailed analytics. Teamtailor is easy to use, with no technical knowledge required. While the Teamtailor pricing is not available online, you’ll get all of the features and unlimited users with your subscription. Rates are based on your hiring needs and company size. So contact the sales team to request a quote. Try Teamtailor free for 14 days. How to Find the Best Recruiting Software For YouWhat’s the best recruiting software? Generally speaking, there is no “best for everyone” solution. There are certain factors that must be considered as you’re evaluating different tools. This is the methodology that we used to narrow down the top choices on our list. You can use it at as well to find the best recruiting software for your business. In-House vs. Agency SolutionsWho is going to be using the recruiting software? Some tools are designed for in-house hiring managers and HR teams. Other solutions are made for third-party staffing agencies or recruitment firms. As an agency, you’ll definitely want to look for features that help you manage your clients in addition to recruiting applicants. Some of the best agency recruiting tools have functionality for invoicing, time tracking, and CRM. Hiring VolumeA business that hires one or two employees per year does not have the same recruiting needs as an organization that hires 10-20+ people per month. Some software will actually restrict how many open job postings you can have within a plan. So for hiring at scale, you need to make sure that you find a tool that fits your needs. On the flip side, companies that hire infrequently can benefit from cheap or even free recruiting software. You can look for pay as you go pricing as opposed to long-term contracts. Onboarding ToolsWhat happens once you’ve found the right applicant using recruiting software or ATS? That’s only half the battle. You’ll still need to hire that employee and onboard them. Whether you’re using the software in-house or as a third-party staffing agency, look for a solution with onboarding tools such as offer letters, e-signature, and more. Some of the best options will automate these types of processes for you. Employer BrandingIn addition to posting open positions on various job boards, you’ll want to attract top-level candidates using your own website and other tools. Some recruiting software solutions have specific tools designed for career pages and other campaigns to make your company more appealing to prospective hires. This feature isn’t important for everyone, but it’s definitely more than just a “nice-to-have.” ConclusionWorkable is the best recruiting software on the market today. It’s our top pick and will accommodate the needs for the vast majority of you. If you have a staffing and recruitment agency, try Bullhorn or Recruiterflow instead. JazzHR has the top overall ATS (applicant tracking software). Enterprises and SMEs should use Greenhouse. Small businesses would be better off with Recooty. Do you want unlimited job listings? Breezy HR has a plan for you. If you want to prioritize a beautiful career page and employer branding tools, use Teamtailor. Regardless of hiring needs, you can find the best recruiting software for your unique situation using this guide. via Quick Sprout https://www.quicksprout.com/best-recruiting-software/ Looking for a good way to collect more leads? Or maybe draw in newsletter subscribers? Or maybe you just need some customers to participate in a survey? A WordPress popup plugin helps get you there. According to a study from Sumo that analyzed nearly two billion popups, the average conversion rate for a website popup is 3.09%. The top 10% of high-performing popups convert at an average rate of 9.28%. Some websites saw conversion rates that topped 50%.
According to a recent study from Impact, the average conversion rate for any website landing page is 2.35%. The top 10% of websites have an average conversion rate of 11.45%. Bottom line: The average popup outperforms the average traditional landing page. And, the average conversion rate of the highest performing popups are still in the ballpark of the highest performing landing pages. I created this guide to help you choose the right popup plugin for your WordPress site. I’ve narrowed down the top seven options. Let’s dive right in. 1. Ninja PopupsNinja Popups is definitely one of the most popular WordPress popup plugins on the market. I’m not saying you should always follow the crowd, popularity is usually a telling sign when it comes to quality. Of the reason why Ninja Popups is one of my favorite plugins is because they offer an extensive list of features, the popups are extremely responsive and work well on mobile devices in addition to desktop browsers and it’s easy for anyone to configure this plugin, even if you don’t have any coding experience. With Ninja Popups, you can customize the design of your popups to match your trending website color schemes. Ninja Popups also lets you customize things like the size of your popups and colors of the buttons. This is important because this plugin also offers A/B testing. You can try different variations of your popups to see which is the most effective and yields the highest conversions. In addition to the A/B tests, Ninja Popups has a detailed analytics page. You can see other KPIs with charts to help you improve your popups. This plugin has page level targeting as well, so you can have different popups for each page on your site depending on your goals. The regular license for a single website starts at $26, making this plugin extremely affordable. It’s ideal for nearly any type of popup campaign you want to run. 2. GetsitecontrolGetsitecontrol is a powerful popup plugin for WordPress. It comes with a variety of different widgets to help you generate leads effortlessly and seamlessly. You’ll also be able to manage all of your widgets in a single, powerful dashboard that lets you manage your popups across multiple different websites. It also allows you to manage the popups’ appearance, target audience, and integrations. Speaking of, with integrations to apps and software such as Google Analytics, Hubspot, AWeber, ConvertKit, and SendGrid, you can rest easy knowing that Getsitecontrol will play nice with your business’s existing workflow. Along with popups, you’ll also get:
Pricing starts at $7 a month that includes 10,000 monthly widget views. Getsitecontrol also comes with a 7-day free trial with no commitment or credit card needed. 3. Popups by OptinMonsterOptinMonster is a popular lead generation software. Some of you might even be using this platform to help you with other marketing strategies. More than 700,000 websites have used OptinMonster for something. In addition to its standard lead generation solutions, OptinMonster also has a WordPress plugin called Popups by OptinMonster. I like this plugin because the drag and drop builder is easy for anyone to use, regardless of their technical skill level. In addition to popups, this plugin allows you to create other campaigns like:
OptinMonster has advanced targeting based on personalized behavior for each unique website visitor. This technology is made to trigger popups at the most optimal time to drive conversions. They specialize in popups with exit intent technology. The software can determine when a website visitor is going to leave your page based on their browsing behavior. For example, if they open a new tab, there’s a good chance they are going to navigate to that tab. So that’s a time when an exit intent popup would be triggered. This is great because you don’t want popups to be intrusive to a user’s browsing experience, but you do want to catch visitors before they leave. OptinMonster claims that this plugin has helped some websites boost conversion rates by up to 785%. While I can’t guarantee you’ll get those same results, I’d definitely say it’s worth a try. All of the campaigns built with the Popups by OptinMonster plugin are mobile friendly and highly responsive. The plugin integrates with your email marketing software as well. You can run A/B tests with this plugin. And you’ll have access to Google Analytics data for all of your campaigns. 4. Layered PopupsThe Layered Popups plugin lets you create popups that are, you guessed it — layered. Basically, these popups can have multiple layers, which can attract the attention of website visitors and let you get creative. I’d recommend this to anyone who wants to implement website popups that are far from boring and separate themselves from the crowd. This plugin has a visual editor, which makes it easy for anyone to create and make changes to the design of these popups. Layered Popups has several options for display modes as well. These are some of the options for triggering a popup:
These options make it easy for you to get more email subscribers without annoying your website visitors. Layered Popups is also compatible with some of the top email marketing platforms on the market. As a matter of fact, the plugin supports 56 of these email systems, but some of the biggest names include:
So it’s safe to assume that whatever software you’re using for email is on this list. When you install Layered Popups to your WordPress site, you’ll have access to more than 150 templates. You can also create an unlimited amount of A/B tests for different elements of your popups. With pricing starting at just $21, this is definitely one of the best WordPress popup plugins available. 5. ConvertPlusThe ConvertPlus WordPress plugin is designed for driving conversions with popups. Here’s what the plugin offers
One of my favorite features of ConvertPlus is the template selection. You can take one of the 100+ templates and make slight tweaks to personalize it for your own website content. ConvertPlus has more than 700 fonts that will make your popups stand out. They offer custom CSS, animations, and background settings as well. You’ll also benefit from real-time analytics for your popups and other campaigns. This information will help you track KPIs like views, clicks, and conversions. This plugin integrates with email marketing software, as well as other CRM solutions such as:
6. BloomThe Bloom WordPress plugin is designed specifically for email opt-ins. There are six different ways to display these opt-in forms on your website.
The last option is something that’s unique, and makes this plugin stand apart from other available options. Here’s how it works: Depending on what your website is offering, you can restrict content to the average user. This is a great way to entice opt-ins or registrations. In order for a website visitor to gain access to premium content, they’ll need to opt-in first. Popups can be triggered based on a number of different actions.
Bloom also works with 16 different email marketing platforms, including:
Bloom has hundreds of templates for your popups. You can also customize things like the borders and edges of your popups. The color options are virtually unlimited, so you won’t have to worry about finding a color scheme to match your website design. 7. Elementor ProWith Elementor Pro, you can build any type of website popup from scratch. Like some of the other plugins we’ve seen, Elementor Pro has other features that will benefit your website. You can create popups for specific reasons like:
Elementor Pro offers advanced targeting options as well. For example, you can trigger a popup after a specified number of page views or a specified number of sessions. You can even control popups by the device a user is browsing from. Popups are triggered based on actions such as scrolling, clicks, page loading, inactivity, and exit intent. You can show certain popups on posts with specific tags, authors, or categories. This plugin also offers WooCommerce integration. I like this plugin because it allows you to hide popups for users who are logged in. That way you won’t be asking for an email address that’s already been added to your subscriber list. Subscriptions start at $49 per year for Elementor Pro, which is a bargain, in my opinion, considering all of the advanced features you’ll get for that price, plus design elements that are second to none. You can create beautiful popups that are visually appealing and attractive to your audience. ConclusionDo popups work? That’s a conversation for another day. For those of you who are ready to add popups to your website, you’ll need to install a WordPress plugin that will make this process much easier for you. So what’s the best WordPress popup plugin? It all depends on what you’re looking for. I’ve narrowed down the top seven options for you to consider. You’ll want to install a plugin that lets you create the type of popups you want, but also integrates smoothly with any other software you are using. Some plugins have more templates and custom design features than others. While other popup plugins offer better analytics, A/B tests, and advanced targeting options. You’ll even find some options with all in one features. via Quick Sprout https://www.quicksprout.com/best-wordpress-popup-plugin/ Want to jump straight to the answer? The best email autoresponder for most people is GetResponse. It’s nearly impossible to run successful email campaigns without an autoresponder. Email autoresponders are a simple and cost-effective way to convert subscribers into customers. For simple and complex campaigns alike, autoresponders send time-based messages to specific people on your email list. The most common autoresponder campaigns start with new subscribers. But the best autoresponders nurture subscribers beyond the initial welcome message. When set up correctly, you can use an email autoresponder to segment your contacts based on behavior and other categories. But it all starts with finding the right email automation software. Without an email autoresponder, you’re forced to manually send emails to your list. Even if you’re using a tool for mass messaging, you’ll lose the ability to get the timing right. Email autoresponders allow you to manage your list passively while leveraging automation to drive conversions. The Top 8 Best Email AutorespondersWhat’s the best email autoresponder? After extensive research and testing, I’ve narrowed down the top eight autoresponders on the market today. Continue below to learn more about the features, benefits, pricing, use cases, and potential drawbacks for each one. #1 – GetResponse — Best Overall Email Autoresponder• Starts at $15 GetResponse is our top overall pick in this category. In addition to traditional email marketing tools, GetResponse offers exceptional automation features, including autoresponders. This software has everything you need to manage the complete life cycle of email subscribers. You can generate leads and add people to your subscriber list with GetResponse landing page tools and webinars. Once a new subscriber has been added to your list, simply use automated workflows to welcome, upsell, and target individuals by predefined categories. Some of the top features of GetResponse’s autoresponder include:
In addition to the autoresponder, GetResponse makes it easy to manage your sales funnels and lead magnet funnels. Use this platform to create signup forms and target new subscribers with social media ads. GetResponse seamlessly integrates with other tools that you’re already using, like WordPress, Facebook, Stripe, Salesforce, Shopify, Etsy, and more. Pricing is based on the features you want, plus the number of subscribers on your list. Here’s a look at the starting rates based on 1,000 subscribers:
Every plan comes with email autoresponder functionality, marketing automation, and 180+ landing page templates. You can get an 18% discount with an annual contract and a 30% discount with a 24-month contract. Try any GetResponse plan free for 30 days. #2 – ConvertKit — Best For Visual Automations• Free for 1,000 subscribers ConvertKit is an email marketing tool designed for online creators. The software has everything you need to grow your list and drive conversions at scale. For those of you who aren’t very technically inclined, it’s easy to set up your autoresponder with ConvertKit’s visual automation builder. Even for advanced automations and complex funnels, the visual editor is surprisingly easy to use. You can even use ConvertKit to monetize your emails with built-in sales tools. Additional features include:
ConvertKit has one of the best free plans on the market today. It’s free forever, up to 1,000 subscribers. The free plan includes unlimited landing pages, 30+ premium landing page templates, subscriber tagging, custom CTAs, unlimited signup forms, and more. Paid plans start at $25 per month. Pricing is based on the number of subscribers on your list. You’ll need a paid subscription to benefit from the visual automation features. Try all of ConvertKit’s premium features free for 14 days. #3 – Moosend — Best For Scalable Automation• Free for basic use For beginners and advanced marketers alike, Moosend is an easy-to-use and feature-rich autoresponder. The software is trusted by industry leaders like Domino’s, Gucci, Vogue Magazine, and more. It comes with core email marketing tools, like a drag-and-drop editor, A/B testing, list segmentation, and data analytics. But Moosend specializes in marketing automation at scale. You’ll benefit from automation templates, advanced reporting, and website user tracking. Put your campaigns on autopilot with specific workflows for based on triggers, actions, or and conditional controls. Run an automated sequence for things like onboarding, lead scoring, abandoned carts, VIP offers, and more. Additional features include:
Pricing starts at $8 per month for 1,000 subscribers. Moosend also has a free forever plan for basic use. The free plan even includes the autoresponder and automation features. Try Moosend for free now. #4 – SendPulse — Best For Omnichannel Marketing• Free for 500 subscribers SendPulse is more than just an email marketing tool. It’s actually branded as an all-in-one marketing automation platform. It’s trusted by 1.3+ million users worldwide. In addition to email, you can use SendPulse to deliver messages via web push (browser notifications), SMS messaging, and chatbots. Setting up an autoresponder campaign with SendPulse is easy. Simply add an event to track and create an automation. Once the event has been triggered, the flow will start automatically. Other highlights of using SendPulse as an email autoresponder include:
Pricing starts at $6.40 per month for up to 500 subscribers and $9.60 per month for 1,000 subscribers. Rates increase as your list grows. There’s also a free plan for up to 500 subscribers, but it comes with a 15,000 email limit. The automation features are limited in the free plan as well. If you don’t want to pay a monthly or annual subscription fee, SendPulse has a unique pay-as-you pricing structure as well. This starts at $32 for 10,000 emails and could be a viable option for smaller email lists. Unfortunately, there’s no bundle pricing available for email, chatbots, SMS, and web push. Each communication method must be purchased separately. Learn more and try SendPulse today. #5 – Benchmark Email — Best All-Inclusive Features• Starts at $11.99 per month Benchmark Email is a robust and feature-rich solution for email marketing, lead generation, marketing automation, and landing pages. This powerful autoresponder is scalable and streamlined for unlimited growth, regardless of your company size or industry. So many email autoresponders have complicated plans and pricing. But Benchmark Email simplifies this process by providing all of its premium features in a paid subscription. When you sign up for Benchmark Email Pro, you’ll benefit from features like:
The list goes on and on. This plan supports up to 100,000 subscribers. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with unlimited messaging. Benchmark Email limits you to messaging 14x your list size per month. For most of you, that should be plenty. Pricing starts at $11.99 per month. There’s a free plan for unlimited contacts, but limits you to just 250 emails per month, which obviously isn’t sustainable. Learn more and try Benchmark Email today. #6 – Autopilot — Best For Simple Autoresponder• Starts at $49 Lots of email autoresponders can be confusing, especially if you’re new to the world of marketing automation. So if you’re looking for something simple, try Autopilot. The dashboard is clean and easy for anyone to use. Even though the software feels like a simplified version of other email autoresponders, don’t mistake its simplicity for lack of functionality. Some of the top features of Autopilot include:
The software integrates with third-party tools like Facebook, Pipedrive, Twilio, Salesforce, Google Adwords, and more. Here’s a closer look at the plans and pricing: Autopilot supports multi-channel marketing via SMS marketing, in-app messages, Facebook retargeting, Google Ads retargeting, and more. For larger lists of 10,000+ subscribers, you’ll need to contact the sales team for a custom quote. Try Autopilot free for 30 days. #7 – Omnisend — Best Email Autoresponder For Ecommerce Businesses• Free plan available Omnisend is a niche-specific email autoresponder. This marketing automation tool is built specifically for ecommerce websites. More than 50,000 ecommerce businesses in 130+ countries rely on Omnisend for email and automation. With Omnisend, you can integrate multiple channels into the same automated workflow. Omnisend makes it easier for you to target people based on various categories within the customer journey. Leverage email automation with segments like:
Each of these unique categories can enter a predefined autoresponder campaign. For example, a buyer would be sent an order confirmation followed by cross-selling messages. A website visitor would be targeted with signup boxes and landing pages to incentive a subscription. Omnisend makes it easy to collect visitor information with fully customizable forms. This makes it easier to automate email campaigns based on preferences and categories. Rather than creating new automations from scratch, Omnisend has pre-built workflows specifically designed for ecommerce sites. I’m referring to things like cart abandonment, order confirmation, shipping confirmation, product abandonment, upselling, and welcome messages. Pricing starts at $16 per month, which includes up to 15,000 emails. To get omnichannel marketing features with free SMS and additional channels, pricing starts at $99 per month. There’s even a free Omnisend plan with basic features. For unlimited monthly emails, contact the Omnisend sales team for a custom enterprise quote. Try any paid plan free for 14 days. #8 – VerticalResponse — Best Email Autoresponder For Lead Generation• Starts at $11 More than one million businesses worldwide trust VerticalResponse for email automation. The autoresponder can be used across a wide range of industries, regardless of your business size. VerticalResponse’s email autoresponder is perfect for welcoming new subscribers, nurturing leads, re-engaging with inactive subscribers, and automating custom campaigns. Here’s a look at some of the other top features and benefits of VerticalResponse:
While most email autoresponders have landing page tools for lead generation, the custom lead capture forms from VerticalResponse are outstanding. VerticalResponse has two plans, starting at $11 and $16 per month, respectively. The final rate depends on the size of your subscriber list. VerticalResponse also offers pay as you go pricing, nonprofit discounts, and plans for high-volume senders. Try the VerticalResponse email autoresponder free for 60 days; no credit card required. How to Find the Best Email Autoresponder For YouWhat makes a great email autoresponder? The best option for me might not be the best for you. There are certain factors that you need to evaluate when you’re shopping around for an email autoresponder. You can use our methodology to make this process easier for you as you’re considering different options. List Management and Segmentation FeaturesEmail autoresponders will only be effective if you’re able to manage your list. Automated responses sent to the wrong subscribers won’t drive conversions. The best autoresponders let you manage lists with multiple tags and segmentation features. This gives you the ability to send highly targeted content, in addition to your message being sent at the perfect time. Some software will automatically segment subscribers based on actions or behavior. These responses can also trigger different messages within an automated campaign. Lead Generation ToolsThe best email autoresponder software will also provide you with tools for growing your email list. One of the most common ways to do this is with a landing page builder and custom forms. Some software takes this one step further and allows you to create website pop-ups or additional opt-in forms. But it’s definitely in your best interest to find an autoresponder with built-in lead generation. Otherwise, you’ll need to get a lead gen tool elsewhere. Sending LimitsNot every email autoresponder allows for unlimited messaging. Some platforms will cap the number of messages you can send per month. It’s important to take a closer look at this number. Certain campaigns will trigger a series of 3-5+ messages per subscriber. So make sure the limit will accommodate your sending needs. Otherwise, you might need to upgrade to a higher tier or look for software with unlimited emails. Subscriber SizeHow many subscribers are on your list? There’s a big difference between managing 500, 5,000, and 50,000 subscribers. Some choices are suitable for smaller lists, while others are built to scale. Make sure that your email autoresponder and plan has the ability to accommodate your needs as the list grows over time. If not, you could be forced to switch providers in a couple of years. ConclusionWhat’s the best email autoresponder? GetResponse is our top pick, and will likely be the best option for most of you. With that said, there are lots of other great options to consider, depending on your specific needs. No matter what you’re looking for, this guide has the best autoresponder for you. via Quick Sprout https://www.quicksprout.com/best-email-auto-responder/ Contact management software does much more than just store phone numbers. It’s a way for businesses and individuals to organize contacts by needs, interests, and categories. The best contact management solutions encompass CRM (customer relationship management) features to track communication with people on your list. These features are crucial for sales teams to better understand where leads fall within the conversion funnel. In addition to names, phone numbers, emails, and company information, contact management software can store information for things like sales history or open quotes. Without contact management software, you and your team are forced to rely on memory when communicating with customers and sales leads. The alternative solution is hand-written notes or digital notes. But this is nearly impossible to manage at scale. While contact management software is definitely a popular tool in sales, it can be leveraged by a wide range of industries and use cases. The Top 7 Best Contact Management SoftwareAfter researching the top contact management software on the market and testing dozens of options, I’ve narrowed down the top seven to consider. The in-depth reviews below contain details about the features, benefits, pricing, use cases, and potential drawbacks of each one. #1 – Zoho Contact Manager — Best Overall Contact Manager Software• Free for 500 contacts Zoho Contact Manager ranks first overall on our list due to its simplicity, features, and affordable price point. It’s the closest thing to a full-blown CRM solution. At its core, Zoho Contact Manager is a cloud-based software that allows you to organize contacts, tasks, and manage deals in one place. Everything in Zoho Contact Manager can be categorized with tags. This makes it easier for you to follow up on your to-do list and stay organized. The software is perfect for managing teams as well. You can assign custom roles to your staff and control which contact information is available to specific user profiles. Zoho Contact Manager helps you track email interactions and connect with your audience on social media. Boost productivity with smart templates for task management and find exactly what you’re looking for with multi-conditional searches. Here’s a quick overview of the plans and pricing for Zoho Contact Manager.
There’s also a free plan for single users managing up to 500 contacts. Both paid plans support up to 25 users. The Smart plan can manage up to 10,000 contacts, and the Ultra plan is unlimited. Zoho Contact Manager integrates with MailChimp and Outlook. But unfortunately, it doesn’t integrate with other email software out of the box. So if you’re not using MailChimp, you’d have to export your contacts and then upload them to a cloud storage service (like Dropbox or Google Drive). From there, you can use the Cloud Picker app to bring those contacts into Zoho Contact Manager. #2 – Pipedrive — Best Contact Management Software For Sales Teams• Starts at $12.50 Pipedrive is a contact management solution built for selling. Its features help sales teams track performance, predict revenue, and prioritize deals. The software makes it easy to manage the full history of calls and emails for each contact. Everything is organized in a visual timeline, so you can quickly check on the last conversations before following up with a lead. Any contact can be linked to a specific deal once they’ve been added to your list. As a sales CRM, Pipedrive has extra features, in addition to basic contact management. You can automate repetitive tasks and get valuable insights with custom reports. Pipedrive offers two-way email sync, so you can send and receive messages directly from Pipedrive. Use the software to customize templates, and send batch emails to groups of people, such as lead segments. Get real-time notifications whenever an email is opened, or a link is clicked. This gives you the ability to follow up with leads at the perfect time. Pipedrive has a built-in activity calendar and appointment scheduler as well. Another cool feature of the Pipedrive contact management solution is the contact map tool. This allows you to filter contacts by city, state, and country, using Google Maps integration. Here’s a look at the starting price points for Pipedrive:
All of the rates above are based on an annual contract. The Enterprise plan has a ten-user minimum. The software is trusted by 90,000+ companies in 179 countries. Try Pipedrive free for 14 days. #3 – Maximizer CRM — Best Custom Contact Management Software• Starts at $40 Maximizer CRM is an all-in-one solution for contact management and customer relationship management. The software allows you to personalize the way you communicate with customers. Use this tool to organize communications, simplify your data, and respond to leads at the perfect time. With Maximizer CRM, every contact, document, and interaction can be managed with a shared address book. Keep all of your sales, marketing, and support teams on the same page by showing a complete history of every interaction. Some of the other top features and benefits of Maximizer CRM include:
One of my favorite tools within Maximizer CRM is the ability to track connections between your contacts. It’s a great way to understand the relationship between contractors, subcontractors, and subsidiaries at a glance. Maximizer CRM is available as a cloud solution or on-premise.
The price points are definitely higher compared to other comparable software. But Maximizer CRM is much more than just a basic contact management solution. Try it free for 30 days. #4 – Metrilo — Best Contact Management Software For Ecommerce Sites• Starts at $99 Metrilo is a CRM solution that’s built for ecommerce businesses. In addition to contact management, the software provides an integrated email marketing feature as well. The main focus of Metrilo is analytics. You’ll know exactly what’s going on with your ecommerce site in real-time. Monitor KPIs, revenue, performance, sales funnels, and more, without any complex setup required. As users engage with your ecommerce site, you can add them to your contact management platform—leverage automation based on visitor actions, such as cart abandonment. Metrilo makes it easy for you to segment customers based on behavior. Easily track and identify your most loyal customers and biggest spenders. Filter contacts based on:
As a fully integrated email marketing tool, Metrilo makes it easy to recover abandoned carts, send welcome emails, and manage drip campaigns. Overall, the tool is much more than a basic contact management solution. It’s an all-in-one tool for growing your ecommerce business. But because it’s so feature-rich, the software is priced accordingly.
These rates are based on an annual contract. The ecommerce CRM starts with the Pro plan, which is where the bulk of the contact management features are found. Email marketing is only available at the Premium tier. If you’re not interested in the ecommerce analytics side of Metrilo, this probably isn’t the best choice for you. You can find a more affordable contact management solution elsewhere, without these extra features. Try Metrilo free for 14 days. #5 – Nutshell — Best Easy-to-Use Contact Management Software• Starts at $19 Nutshell is a robust CRM with tools for sales automation, pipeline management, team collaboration, and more. For such a powerful and feature-rich software, it’s surprisingly easy to use. Each time you add a new lead to your contact management tool, Nutshell will automatically pull information from that person on the web. Such things like their social media profiles, job title, location, and more, will be added right away. For those of you who are using other tools and software to manage your contacts, you can import everything into Nutshell for free on the first day of use. Once you’re up and running on Nutshell, you’ll be able to log all communication information for each contact from your phone or desktop device. Everyone on your team will have access to this information. Nutshell is perfect for those of you who want to avoid tedious tasks. You can use the software to collect leads from your website, sync your phone contacts, or add new contacts by scanning a business card. There are two plans for you to choose from—Starter and Pro. The plans start at $19 and $35 per user per month, respectively. You can try either one free for 14 days. #6 – Streak — Best Contact Management Software For Gmail Users• Starts at $15 If you’re using Gmail or G Suite as your primary communication method, Steak can improve your process with contact management tools. This simple software can be added directly to your existing Gmail account. It’s used by 750,000+ individual users and businesses across the globe. Instead of bouncing back and forth between a spreadsheet and your email account, Streak allows you to organize your contacts, tasks, and pipelines from a single source of truth. This contact management software is commonly used for sales, business development, fundraising, real estate, hiring, support, and more. You can use Streak to automatically improve the information associated with each contact, including their names, companies, and other details—directly alongside your emails. Streak also provides you with a detailed timeline of all communication with emails, call logs, files, notes, tasks, and everything else you need to manage your contact list. The software is affordable as well:
There’s also a free plan for basic use, that’s great for individual users and smaller contact lists. Try any paid plan free for 14 days. #7 – Nimble — Best For Social Media Marketing• Starts at $19 More than 140,000 professionals worldwide use Nimble to manage contacts. It’s a sales-focused CRM that’s facilitated 10+ million deals directly through the platform. The software is perfect for organizing contacts and managing the entire communication history from a single source. My favorite Nimble feature is the social profile matching and enrichment tool. The software matches social profiles for contacts and companies, then automatically enriches those contacts with the details found within each profile. Nimble automatically builds live profiles on anyone. The details typically include information about where they work, where they’re from, career history, industry, title, and more. It’s the perfect tool for those of you who are collecting leads from social media and want to improve your social prospecting process. Nimble’s insights will help you find new prospects and segment new contacts accordingly. Nimble has the most straightforward pricing on the market. There is just one plan, starting at $19 per user per month. This includes up to 25,000 contacts, with unlimited upgrades. Try Nimble free for 14 days. How to Find the Best Contact Management Software For YouWith so many options to choose from, finding the best contact management software for your specific needs can be challenging. Fortunately, we’ve made this process much easier. There are certain factors that must be taken into consideration as you’re shopping around for contact management tools. This is the methodology that I used to narrow down the top software in this guide. CRM FunctionalityMost CRM software has some type of contact management solution. But not every contact management tool has CRM functionality. Lots of the options on our list double as a CRM solution, which is perfect for those of you who aren’t already using one. But if you’re happy with your existing CRM and just need basic contact management tools, there’s no reason to get another one. In most cases, CRM solutions will be more expensive than traditional contact management tools. That’s because this type of software generally comes with lots of extra features that go beyond the scope of contact management. Communication TrackingBeing able to see the communication history for each contact is a crucial component of contact management software. The best tools track emails, call logs, and other interactions. Look for software that lets you add notes to each contact so everything is fresh in your mind the next time you speak to them. This is also important for businesses where multiple employees will be dealing with contacts. AutomationSome advanced contact management tools will automate tedious tasks. For example, let’s say you meet a new prospect in person, but only get their name and phone number. Some contact management solutions will automatically take that information and pull additional data about that person from the web. So you’ll have access to their work history, current position, email address, LinkedIn profile, Facebook page, and more. Without this type of automation, you’d be forced to search the web on your own to learn these details. Lead ManagementThe vast majority of contact management software is sales oriented. So if you fall into this category, you want to make sure that the software has tools to manage your leads. Pipeline management and advanced segmentation capabilities would be key features to look for. Some software is niche-specific, such as ecommerce contact management. In this case, leads would automatically be managed based on things like behavior and sales history. ConclusionWhat’s the best contact management software on the market today? Zoho Contact Manager is our top pick. It has everything you could possibly need in an easy-to-use contact management tool. But Zoho Contact Manager isn’t for everyone. If you have specific needs, there are some other great options to consider. Sales teams would benefit from Pipedrive. If you need a custom solution, try Maximizer CRM. We recommend Metrilo to ecommerce sites and Streak to individual Gmail users. If you’re looking for a simple contact management CRM, try Nutshell. For social prospecting, use Nimble. Regardless of your industry, team size, or use case, you can find the best contact management software for your unique needs in this guide. via Quick Sprout https://www.quicksprout.com/best-contact-management-software/ Digital asset management (DAM) software is a single source for organizing, sharing, tracking, and distributing all of a company’s digital assets. A digital asset can be defined as any document, image, video, audio file, visual, animation, or any other piece of media content. This software is commonly used to manage marketing materials and different types of creative files. DAM software allows you to assign metadata to each asset containing a unique description, making it easier to search and filter files at scale. Without digital asset management software, organizations and teams need to use multiple platforms to manage their digital assets. Using a traditional cloud storage platform might be fine for a dozen assets, but it quickly becomes difficult to achieve with quantities in the hundreds or thousands. DAM software improves access to digital assets, keeps them secure, and allows you to manage the complete lifecycle of your digital assets—from creation to archive. The Top 8 Best Digital Asset Management Software
There are eight digital asset management tools that I can confidently recommend. Use this guide to find more information about the features, benefits, prices, use cases, and potential drawbacks of each one. #1 – Canto — Best Overall Digital Asset Management (DAM) Software• Automatically organize by file type Canto is our top pick for DAM software. Founded 25+ years ago, Canto is a pioneer in the digital asset management industry. Over the years, they’ve quickly adapted to the times and changing needs of their customers. The software is used by 2,500+ businesses, including Ralph Lauren, NASA, American Red Cross, Harvard University, United Airlines, and more. Add digital assets to folders, albums, or smart albums that automatically organize files by asset type, such as image, video, document, presentation, and other types of file formats. Some of the top features and benefits of Canto include:
The list goes on and on. Overall, Canto has everything you could possibly need in software for digital asset management. Canto integrates with a wide range of tools and platforms that you’re already using, like Slack LinkedIn, WordPress, Google Drive, MailChimp, and more. This DAM software is highly secure as well. It runs on AWS, which is one of the fastest and most flexible cloud systems on the market today. You can set custom permissions and easily apply digital rights management to protect your assets. Pricing is not available online. Request a custom quote and start your free trial. #2 – Brandfolder — Best Easy-to-Use Digital Asset Management• Asset performance insights Brandfolder is another top-rated DAM software. It’s used by startups, Fortune 500s, and everything in between. For such a feature-rich software, Brandfolder stands out from the crowd due to its simplicity. You don’t need to be super tech-savvy to navigate around and use this enterprise-grade tool. The software has a feature called Brand Intelligence, which uses AI and machine learning to identify your top-performing content, tell you who is using your assets, and how they’re being used. With Brandfolder, you can easily distribute assets, collections of assets, and even an entire folder of assets using privacy controls, CDN embed links, and user-specific permissions. I like Brandfolder because the software offers specific solutions for various use-cases. They offer DAM software for different industries, such as:
You can also get a role-based version of Brandfolder, for categories like marketers, CMOs, creatives, brand managers, and creative operations. If you’re using Brandfolder, you can rest assured knowing that your files are safe and secure in this cloud-based central source of truth for your digital assets. Request a custom quote and schedule a demo to get started. #3 – Adobe Experience Manager Assets — Best For Advanced Users• Robust and feature-rich Any time you’re getting software from Adobe, you know that you’re in good hands. Adobe Experience Manager assets is no exception; the software is robust and feature-rich. This cloud-native DAM software helps organizations manage thousands of digital assets at scale. The asset automation here is second to none. You’ll benefit AI that automatically tags files, crops images, distributes assets, and more. Adobe’s automated tools for asset management perform tasks in minutes that would normally take hours. Top features of Adobe Experience Manager Assets include:
Adobe Experience Manager Assets is not for beginners. Some of the advanced features require some technical knowledge to use and understand. So if you’re just looking for basic file storage and sharing capabilities, you’ll probably find this software confusing. With that said, Adobe Experience Manager Assets is a tech lover’s dream. You’ll be able to manage the complete lifecycle of your assets and benefit from advanced insights on asset performance. Request a quote to learn more and get started. #4 – IntelligenceBank — Best DAM Software For Creative Collaboration• Built for content marketers IntelligenceBank is a digital asset management solution for content marketing. The software helps businesses create, manage, share, and distribute digital assets. In addition to providing creative professionals with a central location for digital files, you’ll also benefit from metadata tagging with AI technology from the same platform. Log in with SSO and access the platform directly from platforms like WordPress, Drupal, Adobe Creative Cloud, and hundreds more. Leverage pre-configured workflow integrations with technology like Slack, Asana, Facebook, Dropbox, Shopify, and anything else you’re using. With IntelligenceBank, you can upload any type of file from any source. The software makes it easy to manage the usage and talent rights of your assets. It supports bulk uploads, comments, version controls, multiple image views, previews, alerts, watermarks, and much more. Top features of IntelligenceBank include:
In addition to DAM software, IntelligenceBank has plans and packages for branding and marketing operations. You’ll need to request a quote from the sales team to learn more. It’s worth noting that all features don’t come standard out of the box. IntelligenceBank has optional services and add-ons for things like SSO, two-factor authentication, creative templates, and more. #5 – Cloudinary — Best Free Digital Asset Management Software• Free for basic use Cloudinary is trusted by 6,000+ businesses and 600,000+ developers. Petco, Whole Foods, Peloton, Under Armor, Lyft, and Sony are just a handful of well-known brands that use this software. While most DAM software is built for enterprises out of the box, Cloudinary has plans for individual users, developers, small businesses, and small teams. Cloudinary comes standard with basic DAM features like file storage, image manipulation, image optimization, video APIs, collaboration tools, integrations, and more. Here’s a quick look at the Cloudinary plans and pricing:
The Free and Plus plans both have a single user limit. So it’s not ideal for managing assets at scale. The Advanced plan supports up to five users. For larger teams, you’ll need a custom solution. Cloudinary’s plans are a bit confusing. Depending on your tier, you’ll get a certain number of monthly credits, which go towards things like file transformations, storage, or net viewing bandwidth. So there will be some limitations, but the trade-off is cheap pricing. #6 – Extensis Portfolio — Best DAM Software For Content Creators• Supports multiple file types Extensis Portfolio is a single tool for digital asset management and brand asset management. It’s a central source for your images, videos, audio files, documents, and more. The software is perfect for managing content across multiple brands, projects, or clients, which is why it’s such a popular choice for content creators. Ultimately, Extensis Portfolio will help you save time and make your life easier in terms of organizing and sharing media assets at scale. Some of the top features and benefits of Extensis Portfolio include:
Extensis Portfolio has solutions that fit the needs of individuals, small teams, businesses, and enterprises. #7 – CoSchedule Asset Organizer — Best For Marketing Teams• Comes with marketing suite CoSchedule Asset Organizer is one of five products in the CoSchedule Marketing Suite. In addition to DAM software, you’ll also get tools for organizing content, managing your marketing calendar, and more. The platform makes it easy for marketing teams to store, index, and share digital content. Highlights of this software include:
Unfortunately, the CoSchedule Asset Organizer can’t be purchased on its own—you’ll need to get the entire CoSchedule Marketing Suite. The upside of this is that you’ll have lots of other tools at your disposal. But the drawback is that you might be paying extra for tools you don’t need. So I’d only recommend this software to marketing teams. You can try it free for 14 days before you get started. #8 – Widen — Best DAM Software For Midsize Organizations• Enterprise-grade security Widen DAM is a cloud-based software for SMEs. The solution is ideal for managing assets at scale. For an enterprise-grade solution, the software is actually fairly easy to use. Widen has been around for 70+ years. But you wouldn’t know it by using this solution. The interface has a clean and modern dashboard that allows you to manage the complete lifecycle for all assets. Some of the top features and benefits of the Widen DAM include:
In addition to DAM software, Widen offers solutions for brand management, market resource management, and product information management. For larger organizations with hundreds or thousands of complex digital assets, Widen DAM will be a top choice to consider. To get started, you’ll have to request a demo. A Widen representative will take the time to understand your business needs during a 30-minute call before providing you with a custom demo for your team. How to Find the Best Digital Asset Management Software For YouFinding the best digital asset management software for your business can be difficult if you don’t know what to look for. Everyone has unique needs when it comes to managing digital assets. To make things easier, I’ve identified the top factors that need to be taken into consideration while you’re shopping around. This is the methodology that I used to choose the top DAM software on the market today. DAM CategoryAsset management, in general, is a broad term. But what exactly are you planning to do with those assets? There are different types of asset management software that accommodate varying needs and use cases. Here are some DAM categories:
Within each category, there are certain features that you’d need. For example, if you just want a place to store your files, a feature for content rights management isn’t really necessary for you. But this will be a top feature for businesses distributing digital assets to third-parties. If you’re going to be changing assets and collaborating with team members, look for DAM software that allows you to edit, convert, and make changes directly within the platform. Asset TypesNot every DAM software supports every single file type. For the most part, image files, video files, audio files, and basic documents are easy to accommodate on every platform. But some businesses have complex files, such as augmented reality files, virtual reality files, 3D files, panoramic files, and more. Make sure the solution you choose can support the assets you currently have as well as the assets you plan to create moving forward. User TypeCertain digital asset management software is designed for use-case specific solutions. For example, there is DAM software for marketing teams. There are other DAM solutions for content creators and others for creative collaboration. There are solutions for individual users, developers, small business owners, and more. It’s always in your best interest to find digital asset management software that appeals to the ultimate end-user. While many solutions on our list can be customized to fit your needs, it should be fairly obvious who the target market for each platform is. If you’re unsure, just refer to the reviews in this guide. Team SizeA small team of content creators or a solo developer won’t have the same needs as a mid-sized enterprise. Most DAM software is considered to be enterprise-grade. But with that said, there are definitely solutions for smaller teams. In fact, you can even find free DAM software for single users. ConclusionWhat’s the best digital asset management software? Canto is our top pick. It appeals to the widest range of users and hits the mark for everything we look for when evaluating DAM software. With that said, there are plenty of viable alternatives, depending on your business needs. If you’re looking for something simple, try Brandfolder. Advanced DAM users would be better off with Adobe Experience Manager Assets. For creative collaboration, content creation, and marketing, we recommend IntelligenceBank, Extensis Portfolio, and CoSchedule Asset Organizer. SMEs should consider Widen. Do you want a free tool for digital asset management? Try Cloudinary. Regardless of your industry, company size, or asset types, there’s a solution for everyone in this guide. via Quick Sprout https://www.quicksprout.com/best-digital-asset-management-software/ Workflow management software has been quickly growing in popularity over the last few years. It’s an excellent way for businesses, teams, and individuals to streamline routine business processes. By leveraging a workflow management solution, businesses can benefit from automation and improved efficiency for daily tasks, one-off projects, and ongoing work. Without workflow management software, teams waste time on redundant tasks and inefficient processes. There’s no way to analyze areas that need improvement with real metrics. Maximizing productivity is the ultimate goal of any workflow management tool. This means something different to nearly every type of business, which is why finding a workflow management solution can be tricky. Fortunately, I’ve identified the top eight workflow management solutions on the market today. Use this guide to find the best one for your specific needs. The Top 8 Best Workflow Management SoftwareCheck out our in-depth reviews to learn more about the features, benefits, pricing, use cases, and potential drawbacks of each solution on our list. #1 – Monday.com — Best Overall Workflow Management Software• Starts at $39 Monday.com is one of the most popular workflow management solutions on the market today—and for a good reason. The software is robust, easy to use, and can accommodate the needs of any business size. More than 100,000 businesses across 140+ countries rely on Monday.com. It’s used in over 200 different industries and trusted by big brands like Walmart, Costco, GE, Uber, PayPal, Hulu, and more. Monday.com boards are fully customizable for managing workflows, projects, and day-to-day tasks. It’s also extremely easy to add code-free workflow automation to any boards. This helps minimize human error and makes your entire process more efficient. The software is flexible to work for a wide range of use cases, including project management, remote work, marketing, human resources, sales, media and production, IT, software development, and more. Monday.com seamlessly integrates with 50+ tools to help streamline your workflows in just a couple of clicks. Here’s a quick look at the plans and price points for this workflow management software:
The rates above include five users billed annually. Month-to-month rates are available as well. Benefits increase at each plan level. For example, the Basic plan has a one-week activity log and 5 GB of storage. That jumps to a six-month activity log and 20 GB of storage at the Standard level. Since there aren’t any plans for individual users, I’d only recommend Monday.com to teams of at least five people. But the software is built to scale for organizations with users in the hundreds. Try it free for 14 days. #2 – Hive — Best For Custom Workflow Views• $12 per month Hive is another well-known and reputable solution for workflow management. It’s trusted by companies like Google, Toyota, Starbucks, IBM, and more. The software is versatile and can be used for various business needs. Hive is a popular choice for agencies, marketers, startups, operations managers, project management, and educational organizations. One of my favorite parts of Hive is the ability for each user to customize their own workflow space. Team members can switch between Gantt, kanban, calendar, and table views, based on project or preference. Other top features and benefits of Hive include:
Pricing is simple as well. Hive costs $12 per user per month, billed annually. The month-to-month rate is $16. The plan comes with basic features, but you’ll have to pay extra for premium add-ons. Try Hive free for 14 days. #3 – Integrify — Best Drag-and-Drop Process Builder• Easy-to-use process builder Integrify has been providing workflow management solutions for 15+ years. Over that time, the company has evolved to meet the changing needs in the market. The software can be fully customized based on industry or department for specific use cases. Arguably the top feature of Integrify is its drag-and-drop process builder. You can use it to design custom workflows without any code. Anyone can use this tool to streamline processes and increase productivity, regardless of technical skill level. You can build workflows as simple as or a complex as you need. Integrify has the capability to handle as many steps that are required. Build fast, accurately, and leverage automation. Integrify has a custom form designer, custom self-service portal, process reporting tools, and API process integrations. Core features of the Integrify workflow management software include:
Integrify will also provide you with a dedicated account manager. The software can be deployed in a standard cloud, private cloud, or on-premise, for those of you who want to maintain your own infrastructure. There are also different licensing options depending on your team size and access requirements. For small teams of 15 and large organizations of 1,000+, Integrify has a solution for everyone. Pricing for Integrify is not available online. Contact the sales team to request a free quote. #4 – ProWorkflow — Best For Individuals and Freelancers• Starts at $9 ProWorkflow is a simple and straightforward way to leverage workflow management software. It’s robust, feature-rich, and easy for anyone to use. The software integrates with tools that you’re already using, like Google Drive, Freshbooks, Xero, QuickBooks, Zapier, and more. Since its inception, nearly 2.5 million projects have been managed with ProWorkflow. The software has facilitated 16.8+ million tasks and tracked almost 40 million hours. Here’s a look at the plans and pricing: The solo plan is perfect for individual users and freelancers. It’s cheap and comes loaded with features. With the Solo plan, you’ll be limited to just ten active projects, which might not be enough for some of you. However, you’ll benefit from unlimited client access. Here’s a look at some of the other top features offered by ProWorkflow:
Overall, the software does lack some of the advanced workflow automation that we’ve seen with other tools on the market. But it’s still a great option for solo users. Try ProWorkflow free for 14 days. #5 – Intervals — Best For Small Teams• Starts at $29 Intervals isn’t as well known as some of the other solutions on our list. But the software has an awesome story, which is the foundation for what makes the tool so great. The software was created by Pelago, which started 20 years ago as a web design and development agency. As the small company scaled and began working on hundreds of projects for hundreds of clients, their task management methodology spiraled out of control. After years of searching for the best project management software to accommodate their needs, they decided to build their own software. Enter Intervals—the first workflow management software to accommodate the unique needs of small teams. There’s an Intervals plan for everyone. The pricing is largely based on the number of active projects that your team is managing. With the exception of the Lite plan, every Intervals package supports an unlimited number of users. The software is built to scale as your small team or agency grows. It’s easy to upgrade as you add new clients and take on more projects. Here’s a quick overview of the top features offered with Intervals:
Intervals has a great mobile app for managing your workflow on the go. If you’re looking for advanced automations, this probably isn’t the tool for you. But it’s a great option for smaller teams that are quickly scaling. Try Intervals free for 30 days. #6 – Automate.io — Best For Complex Workflow Automation• Free plan basic use Over 10,000+ businesses across the globe trust Automate.io for workflow management. The software seamlessly integrates with your existing cloud applications and automates processes. You can use Automate.io for simple one-to-one automations or syncing data between two apps. For example, if you get an email to your Gmail account with a certain tag, the software can automatically create a card in Trello. But beyond basic automations, the software is perfect for setting up advanced workflows with multiple apps. Automate.io connects with 100+ leading cloud and SaaS apps on the market. You can also use the Automate.io REST API to connect with virtually any other application. For helpdesk software, CRM, ecommerce tools, collaboration software, web forms, marketing apps, and more, you can use this software to automate workflows for nearly any use case. Here’s a quick look at the Automate.io plans and pricing:
The free plan comes with 250 actions per month and five single-action bots. Paid plans start at 10,000 monthly interactions and 50 multi-action bots. This scales all the way up to 500,000 monthly actions and unlimited bots. All of the prices above are based on an annual contract. Month-to-month pricing is available for a higher rate. Try any paid plan free for seven days. #7 – Workfront — Best For Businesses With Multiple Departments• Enterprise workflow management Workfront is an enterprise workflow management software. It’s designed to help align teams across multiple departments, improve productivity and manage tasks at scale. More than 3,000 brands, including ADP, T-Mobile, and Under Armor, rely on Workfront to manage workflows at scale. Top features of Workfront include:
The software integrates with other software like Jira, Salesforce, Google Drive, Microsoft Teams, Adobe Experience Manager, and more. Workfront has enterprise management features as well, to help you control security, access, and collaboration within each department. Pricing is not available online. But here’s a quick glance at what the plans can accommodate:
Workfront is commonly used by agencies, marketers, IT departments, and professional services. But with that said, it can accommodate any large business. #8 – Backlog — Best For Workflow Management Software For Developers• Free for one project Backlog is a workflow management solution designed for project and code management. It has everything development teams to manage projects in a single platform. More than 10,000+ businesses and 1+ million users across the world use Backlog, including Amazon and Adobe. Backlog has exceptional features and benefits for workflow management, such as:
Here’s a quick look at the plans and pricing for Backlog:
You can save 16% with an annual contract. The Free plan includes up to 10 users for one project. The Starter plan accommodates up to 30 users and five projects. The Standard plan and Premium plan both support unlimited users. The Standard package accommodates up to 100 projects, whereas Premium is unlimited everything. For a private server and unlimited storage, contact the Backlog sales team about a custom enterprise solution. Try Backlog free for 30 days. How to Find the Best Workflow Management Software For YouWhich workflow management software is the best? Generally speaking, there is no “best for everyone” solution. There are certain factors that must be taken into consideration as you’re shopping around and evaluating your options. This is the methodology that we used to narrow down the top software on our list. Coding RequirementsThe first thing you need to figure out is how you’re going to set up and manage your workflows. If you and your team aren’t very tech-savvy, you’ll want to look for a no-code or low-code solution. Some software offers visual workflow builders or drag-and-drop functionality to set everything up. Other solutions are a bit more technical and require basic coding knowledge to set up. Most of the software on our list is very user-friendly and offers workflow management without coding. AutomationThe whole idea behind workflow management software is to improve efficiencies. One of the best ways to do that is by automating certain tasks or processes. Look for software that allows you to leverage automations. Some solutions offer basic automation features, while others offer complex workflow automation with multiple apps and software. Don’t assume that every workflow management solution has automation tools. Some of the software geared for smaller teams and projects lacks in that area. IntegrationsIn order to fully take advantage of your workflow management, the software needs to integrate with other tools and apps that you’re already using. If the software isn’t compatible with your existing tools, then you should probably look elsewhere. Depending on the software, it could integrate with 50+, 100+, or even 1,000+ third-party apps. Some solutions offer REST API access for custom integrations with virtually any tool. Project ManagementWorkflow management and project management are technically two different things. With that said, lots of workflow management software comes with project management tools. I’m referring to things like kanban boards, Gantt charts, team communication tools, and more. So if you’re looking for an all-in-one workflow and project management solution, make sure the software you select does both. ConclusionMonday.com is our top pick for workflow management. It’s the best solution for the vast majority of teams, projects, industries, and use cases. With that said, there are plenty of other great options to consider. For individual users, freelancers, and small teams, try ProWorkflow or Intervals. If you want drag-and-drop process building, check out Integrify. Hive is a great way to give your team members the ability to customize their own workflows. If you want to automate complex workflows, use Automate.io. For businesses with multiple departments, try Workfront. Backlog is our top pick for development teams. Regardless of your workflow management needs, you can use this guide to find the best solution for you. via Quick Sprout https://www.quicksprout.com/best-workflow-management-software/ Gone are the days of having to track down paperwork in physical filing cabinets. For security and flexibility, you need document management software. It’ll also give your employees’ the ability to access and collaborate on files from anywhere Whether your company is going green or just wants to better organize document sharing and storage, this guide will point you to the right document management software (DMS) solution for your business.
Compare The Best Document Management Software Get matched up with a document management service that fits your needs. Compare Quotes
If you’ve started looking, you’ve probably noticed there are hundreds, if not thousands, of document management solutions on the market today. Cloud storage tools like Google Drive or Dropbox technically fall into this category as well. But for this guide, I’ve focused on more robust solutions. There are really only seven solutions I would recommend to a business. The 7 Best Document Management SoftwareThe reviews below include the features, benefits, prices, and any potential drawbacks you should know about each tool. 1. eFileCabinet• Starting at $15 per month eFileCabinet is one of the best document management solutions on the market. Since 2001, this company has helped individuals, small business owners, and enterprise-level companies organize data and files online. It doesn’t matter how many documents you have on file. eFileCabinet helps you remain organized. You can search for documents or locate them based on folder templates or pre-defined file names. eFileCabinet also keeps a portfolio of your most used documents for quick access. The eFileCabinet solution does all of the hard work for you. Simply upload a document, and the software will file it for you. The automated workflow streamlines your time-consuming tasks to improve efficiency in the office. All of your documents can be accessed from anywhere with a web browser or mobile app. You can upload documents directly from your phone using the camera on your device. eFileCabinet also allows you to sign contracts. One of the biggest standouts for this solution is the collaboration features. The system allows you to create different levels of security, so only certain people can access data. eFileCabinet has encrypted file sharing and requests, two-factor authentication, and role-based permissions. You can even set IP or location-based authentication. The software integrates with popular third-party services like DocuSign, Salesforce, and Microsoft Office. Here’s an overview of the plans and price points for eFileCabinet:
All prices are listed per user and billed on an annual basis. Once you upgrade from the Starter plan to Advantage, you’ll need to pay for a minimum of three users. I’d only recommend the Starter plan to individuals. Sole proprietors or very small businesses can probably get away with the Advantage plan, but the Business package will likely be the best for the majority of you. With eFileCabinet, you get to choose if you want your storage either on-site or on the cloud. Personally, I prefer the cloud storage. But there are advantages to on-premises as well. 2. M-Files• Free for 30-days M-Files represents the future of document management. The software leverages AI technology to automate your organizing process. When you upload content to M-Files, the platform automatically organizes the data based on what it is, as opposed to just where you want to store it. You even have the ability to connect M-Files to your existing network and systems to protect your information and categorize everything with AI, automatically and securely. Another top benefit of M-Files is that they offer industry-specific solutions. Some popular industries that they service include:
M-Files is great for larger teams that need to access documents at different times. If someone on your staff needs a file that was uploaded and saved by another colleague, they won’t need to search through different folders to see what the document was saved as. With AI technology, all you need to know is what type of document you’re looking for. Then you can organize the content based on criteria like project title, author, customer, or expiration date. M-Files will automatically detect duplicate content. Rather than having multiple versions of the same or slightly different documents on your storage system, it will automatically update the latest document to one singular file. This way you always know that you’re viewing or working with the latest version. With M-Files, you can store a wide range of document types, including emails. The software also allows you to collaborate with external users who don’t have M-Files. That content can be shared as a secure link. M-Files offers cloud storage, on-site storage, and hybrid storage solutions as well. You can try M-Files free for 30-days but pricing for M-Files is not listed on their website. You need to contact their sales team to inquire about a custom solution. 3. Templafy• Try for free Templafy is a relatively new DMS. After launching in 2014, they have been providing all-in-one document management solutions for enterprises all over the world. It’s designed specifically for large businesses and helps streamline tasks to save time when it comes to storing and accessing files. More than 300 enterprises across 80+ countries use Templafy for document management. This translates to more than one million users. Using intelligence software, Templafy will automatically show the most relevant content to each employee based on their usage and position. Your marketing team doesn’t need to see accounting documents, and vice versa. One of the biggest pain points with DMS, in general, is having to create new documents using another platform. Templafy eliminates this pain point by giving users the ability to create and edit new content directly within the system. Both new and uploaded content can all be managed in a simple and singular feed on your dashboard. Templafy’s cloud storage software means you can access documents from anywhere, including on your smartphones and tablets. You can integrate Templafy with Microsoft Office 365, G-Suite, and other platforms that you’re using to run your business on a daily basis. You can even integrate Templafy with CRM solutions like Salesforce or Microsoft Dynamics. Big brands like Pandora and IKEA trust Templafy to manage their documents with enterprise-grade software. In addition to managing documents and files, Templafy has solutions for maximizing employee productivity and creating an evergreen IT infrastructure. Security is another top benefit of using Templafy. You and your team can securely store and access content from anywhere, using any device, whether you’re online or not. Like most enterprise software, Templafy provides custom solutions for each unique company. So they don’t list any prices online. You can try Templafy for free before you commit to a contract by reaching out to their sales team. 4. Hightail• Limited free forever plan Hightail is a document management solution with a specific purpose: sharing and collaboration. Other DMS on the market have features for file sharing as well, but Hightail takes this to the next level. I recommend Hightail to businesses that need the ability to send large files securely. Sharing is simple. Just drag or upload a file from your device or cloud storage solution into your Hightail account. Enter the information for who you want to share it with, and automatically send an email notification to the recipient. With Hightail, you’ll be able to track the delivery and downloads of content you shared. So you know exactly who opened it and when. Hightail lets you send files of up to 500 GB. You can add password protection to files and set expiration dates as well. Here’s an overview of the plans and pricing for Hightail: Lite — Free
Pro — $12 per month per user
Teams — $24 per month per user
Business — $36 per user
As you can see, the pricing is largely based on the file sending limits. But the features get significantly better with each plan as well. The free option is actually pretty good if you don’t need to send huge files, and even the entry-level Pro plan is suitable for a number of individuals. If you’re interested in a paid plan, you can try Hightail free for 14 days. 5. MasterControl• Custom enterprise pricing MasterControl is a DMS made for businesses where security is a top priority and concern. Certain industries have strict regulations for companies to comply with. MasterControl understands those compliance concerns and created a document management solution that meets any security requirements. One of the top features of MasterControl is its ability to track changes and revisions. If a document needs to be reviewed by a particular person, you can schedule a time and send out reminders as well. MasterControl can also limit revisions based on access. You have complete control over who can make changes to a document. You can also create custom watermarks, sequential numbering, and location tracking to control copies of your files. MasterControl is 21 CFR Part 11 compliant. This means that documents have a time-stamped audit trail, as well as e-sign functionality that complies with federal regulations. Another unique standout of MasterControl is its learning center. You’ll have access to tons of free videos, documents, and other resources to educate you about the platform and security compliance in general. If you need enterprise-grade security for document management in a strict industry, MasterControl will be a top option for you to consider. Contact their sales team for a custom quote. 6. PaperTracer• Customized pricing PaperTracer has solutions for small, medium, and enterprise-level businesses. It’s a simple solution for document management. With PaperTracer, you’ll have the ability to automate your contracts and digitize all of your documents in a centralized database. PaperTracer has tracking and reporting capabilities and HIPPA compliant solutions as well. Your document management solution is completely customized. You can benefit from a cloud-based implementation with end-to-end workflow solutions. E-signature capability is also available with PaperTracer. PaperTracer is a top solution for businesses in healthcare and legal industries. Here’s a brief overview of the available plans, although all pricing is customized. Small
Mid Size
Enterprise
Demos and free trials are available for all three plans. I’d recommend PaperTracer for small and medium-sized businesses. While they do have an enterprise-grade solution, there are better options for that on our list. 7. DocuWare• Try it for free For those of you who are looking for a high-quality cloud-based solution for document management, look no further than DocuWare. This DMS is unique because it has specific solutions for tasks within your business processes:
DocuWare has everything you need for digital transformation and going paperless using cloud technology. This is another software that’s used by large businesses and enterprises. Sony, Toshiba, Levi’s, and Kellog’s are just a handful of their most well-recognized customers. But with that said, DocuWare stands out as a top option for small and medium-sized businesses as well. Small business owners can use DocuWare to automate their digital workflow, securely organize and store documents, and automate certain tedious tasks. DocuWare allows you and your staff to edit or annotate documents directly on the platform. Not every DMS on our list gives you this capability. I like DocuWare because it has features designed to connect remote employees and your deskless workforce. Anyone can easily access content at home or on the go from any device. More than 12,000 businesses in 90+ countries trust DocuWare for document management. So you know that the company is legitimate with a track record like that. It has specific use cases for things like contract proposals, finance processes, and HR tasks as well. The pricing for DocuWare follows a common theme in this guide. They offer a free trial, but you need to contact their customer support team directly for a custom quote. How to Find the Best Document Management SoftwareCompare The Best Document Management Software Get matched up with a document management service that fits your needs. Compare Quotes
Choosing a document storage solution can be challenging if you don’t know what to look for. There are certain features and benefits that you need to keep an eye on when you’re evaluating a prospective software. I’ll show you the methodology that we used to come up with the choices in this guide. You can use the same system to help narrow your search. Storage LocationIn most cases, document management solutions are either cloud-based or on-site. Some companies offer just one, while others let you choose which one you prefer. For example, eFileCabinet offers both on-premises and cloud-based storage. M-Files has both as well, and also has a hybrid solution. Other solutions, like DocuWare are completely cloud-based. I personally prefer cloud solutions because you can access content from anywhere. But for security reasons, some companies want files stored locally on their network. File Sharing and CollaborationWhat can you do with your files once they are uploaded and stored? While organizing files is obviously important, it’s useless for some companies if the documents can’t be shared with teams or external users. Look for a DMS that accommodates your internal needs for editing or collaborating on files. Features like automated version updates and in-platform editing capabilities are crucial here. The size of your files will also depend on which solution is best for your business. If you need to share large files, Hightail is the best choice. SecurityMost business-related files and data are sensitive. So it’s important to have a document management solution that can securely store information. Some solutions offer access permissions based on individual clearance levels or even location. Other platforms specialize in compliance for unique industries, like healthcare, legal, or government businesses. PricePricing for DMS is usually based on storage limits and users. At each price tier, you can expect the plan to have additional features and benefits. The majority of the solutions on this list offer custom plans and pricing. So to get a better idea of how much your document management software will cost, you’ll need to consult with a sales representative. For those of you who are looking for a cost-effective solution and instant sign-ups, eFileCabinet will be a top choice for you to consider. IntegrationsIdeally, you want to find document management software that works with the platforms you’re already using. Whether it’s CRM like Salesforce, or document editing and creation software like Microsoft Office 365, certain platforms have a wide range of integrations for you to choose from. However, other solutions that are niche-specific are a bit more limited. So make sure you use software that will actually benefit your workflow process. ConclusionDocument management software is extremely diverse. Each solution offers unique benefits for businesses based on size, industry, and many other factors. Still not sure which of the above is the best document management software for you? Use the tool below to compare products based on your specific needs. Compare The Best Document Management Software Get matched up with a document management service that fits your needs. Compare Quotesvia Quick Sprout https://www.quicksprout.com/best-document-management-software/ Want to jump straight to the answer? The best cloud hosting company for most people is definitely SiteGround. Traditionally, there have always been three main types of web hosting. But cloud hosting is a newer type of web hosting that’s rapidly growing in popularity. And in many cases, it’s the ideal option for the majority of websites out there. So if you’re interested in learning more about this alternative type of hosting, you’ve come to the right place. I’ll explain exactly what cloud hosting is, how it works, and show you some of the best cloud web hosting providers on the market today according to our in-depth research. Use this to pick out the cloud hosting plan that best fits the needs of your website. Let’s jump into the top cloud web hosting services to consider. Top 5 Best Cloud Hosting Services for 2020
Read on for detailed reviews of each one to start comparing features and pricing. SiteGround – Best cloud hosting for scaling resourcesStarts at $80.00/month SiteGround cloud hosting is perfect for websites that have outgrown their shared plans. These plans are fully managed, meaning that their DevOps configure your entire cloud account for you. SiteGround handles the IT of your hosting. That means you can focus on other areas of your business and website. You can add resources like RAM and CPU at any time with just one click in your admin settings. One of my favorite features is the ability to turn on auto-scaling, which will automatically render appropriate resources during times of unexpected traffic spikes. With SiteGround, you can completely configure your own cloud and plan based on the resources you need. But here’s a look at their basic plans: Entry Cloud
Business Cloud
Business Plus Cloud
Super Power
The Business or Business Plus plans should be more than enough resources for the majority of you, so that’s what I would recommend starting with. As your traffic rises, you can always scale as needed. SiteGround provides advanced priority support to its cloud hosting clients. You’ll also benefit from webmaster tools like a dedicated IP, free CDN, free SSL, daily backups, and a private DNS. Check out my in depth SiteGround web hosting review for more information about their overall services. HostGator – Best cheap cloud hostingStarts at $12.95/month HostGator is one of the most well-known names in the web hosting industry. Their cloud hosting plans are some of the most cost-effective options on the market today. Let’s take a look at some the three basic cloud hosting plans offered by HostGator: Hatchling Plan
Baby Plan
Business Plan
It’s worth noting that these prices are introductory rates for 36-month contracts. They are 45% cheaper than the actual price, which you’ll end up paying when you renew your contract. All cloud hosting plans come with a free SSL certificate. The Business plan comes with a dedicated IP, free SEO tools, and free domain as well. HostGator’s dashboard makes it easy for you to monitor the performance of your website. You can quickly view data related to page speed, uptime, reach, and more. Scaling your server resources is simple as well. This can be done with just one click, without any downtime, reboots, or data migrations. DreamHost – Best cloud hosting for developer projectsStarts at max $4.50/month DreamHost has the easiest cloud setup in the industry. You can get your cloud servers live in less than 30 seconds. With that said, DreamHost cloud is best for developers. They have server options that are made for databases, web apps, and running tests in addition to websites. You can continue working the with DevOps tools that you’re already using. DreamHost also gives you full root access for complete control over your cloud servers. The best part about DreamHost is that you only pay for what you actually use. You’ll get charged for resources on an hourly basis based on the size of your server.
The 2 GB server is the recommended option for websites. You will not be billed anything when you sign up. Instead, you’re billed based on your monthly usage. The only area where DreamHost falls short that I found in my complete review of DreamHost web hosting services is their customer support. You can only contact customer service via email or live chat, which is only available for 16 hours daily. So if you prefer phone support or need help in the middle of the night, you’re out of luck until the morning. A2 Hosting – Fastest cloud web hostingStarts at $5.00/month A2 Hosting has a reputation for being one of the fastest web hosting providers on the market. Their cloud plans are just as fast and reliable. I like the A2 cloud options because the plans are fully customizable based on your needs. Plans start at $5, $10, and $15 per month, respectively. But you only pay for the resources that you use based on how you configure your cloud servers. If you want to have cPanel, it’s an extra $19.95 per month and not available with the lowest-tier pricing plan. As I mention in my full review of A2 web hosting services they offer a 99.9% uptime promise as well as an anytime money-back guarantee. Although there are some contingencies to both, so make sure you read the fine print of your contract. If customer support is important to you, then you’ll definitely be satisfied with A2’s 24/7/365 guru support team. This cloud hosting provider is ideal for those of you who want unmanaged cloud hosting with lightning fast page loading speed. InMotion – Best cloud hosting for small businessesNormally $64.99/month InMotion may not be the most well-known hosting provider in the industry, but its cloud hosting plans are certainly some of the best. They have cloud hosting solutions for everyone.
Altogether, InMotion has 10 different plans and pricing tiers for cloud hosting, which is the most I’ve seen offered by any provider. For website owners, you’ll want to focus on the small business plans. InMotion makes it easy for you to scale your resources as your site grows I found in my complete review of InMotion hosting services. You’ll also get a resource monitoring dashboard, free auto backups, rapid provisioning, and full snapshots of your servers. InMotion offers a free SSL and free cPanel license with all of its cloud business plans. What Is Cloud Hosting?Broadly speaking, “the cloud” typically refers to remote storage solutions. For example, you can store pictures from your smartphone or documents on your computer to a cloud storage space like Google Drive. This is different than storing files locally on something like an external hard drive. I’m sure you’re familiar with both of these scenarios, and you probably even use cloud storage for something in your digital life. When it comes to web hosting, the cloud is a little bit more in-depth, but the same principles still apply. With cloud hosting, your web host isn’t connected to one physical location. Your website resources are maintained across multiple virtual servers in the cloud. Each cloud server is responsible for specific sets of tasks. If one of the servers in the cloud fails or goes down, the others will automatically pick up the slack to render those required resources. As you can see from this visual representation, your website will continue to run smoothly with cloud hosting, even if there is a problem with one of the servers. Your website will benefit from increased uptime rates and won’t be as susceptible to unplanned downtime. With a singular server, you’re essentially putting all of your eggs in one basket. This is a huge risk when you’re dealing with something as important as your website. In addition to fixing potential problems with one server, cloud hosting will keep your site stable, even as your traffic increases. Cloud hosting is also extremely easy to set up. For those of you who want to start hosting on the cloud right away, it can be a faster deployment option than something like a dedicated server or shared server. Who Is Cloud Hosting For?Cloud web hosting is ideal for medium to larger-sized businesses and websites that are growing rapidly. One of the major benefits of cloud hosting is the ability to scale resources on-demand, which is crucial for growing websites. Most cloud hosting plans have flexible pricing options, meaning you’ll only pay for the resources that you’re actually using. If you’re anticipating random traffic surges or a steady increase in website traffic in the coming years, then cloud hosting is the perfect option for you. Cloud hosting isn’t for everyone. For those of you who have a small personal website, small blog, or a micro-business, you probably don’t need to use cloud hosting if there is no growth coming in the future. A shared hosting plan is fine for those types of websites. When you’re ready to grow your website, you should consider upgrading to a cloud hosting plan as opposed to a VPS. While a virtual private server will be able to deliver enough server resources, a cloud plan is usually more cost-effective. Enterprise-level websites with the need to customize their server settings would benefit from a dedicated hosting plan rather than a cloud solution. Any website with more than 50,000 monthly visitors is a viable candidate for cloud hosting. It’s the perfect option for larger websites that can’t afford to have any downtime. How to Find the Best Cloud Hosting Plan For YouNot every cloud hosting plan is the same. Some hosting providers offer different features and benefits compared to others. When you’re evaluating a cloud web host, these are the factors that you should take into consideration. Scalable ResourcesYou need to make sure that you get a web hosting plan with enough bandwidth, storage, and disc space. In order to make this decision, you need to have some idea of how much traffic you’re going to get. But new websites face a common dilemma when they’re looking for a hosting plan. They have to decide if they want to get the highest possible bandwidth, even if they won’t come close to exceeding those limits. Or should they start with a lower bandwidth plan and upgrade as their traffic starts to increase? Cloud hosting solves this dilemma. Since your website is hosted on multiple servers, you won’t have to worry about exceeding bandwidth. If one server is maxed out, you can always pull resources from another. Look for a cloud hosting plan that lets you easily manage and configure your server resources in-real time. Here’s an example of what this looks like on HostGator Cloud, which is a provider that we reviewed earlier in this guide. I’d recommend a cloud hosting plan that allows you to scale your server resources without needing any approval from the provider. This is something that can be managed from your admin dashboard. PriceMost traditional hosting plans require you to pay a fixed monthly rate. You’ll be charged this amount even if you don’t use all of the resources on the server. But cloud hosting is much more flexible in terms of pricing. So I’d look for a hosting provider that charges you based on the resources that you actually use. Here’s an analogy. Let’s say you go to an all you can eat buffet, where the food options can also be purchased à la carte. The buffet price is $20 per person, which is the most you’ll have to pay, regardless of how much food you eat. But if you only eat $10 worth of food, then wouldn’t it be nice to get $10 back? That’s how some of the best cloud hosting plans are structured. This relates back to our previous point about being able to scale your resources on demand. For example, let’s say you just built a bunch of new backlinks and you’re expecting a particular blog post on your website to go viral. Rather than upgrading your entire plan (which you’d have to do with other types of web hosting) you can just increase the resources needed during that traffic spike and put everything back to normal when your traffic levels out. In this case, you’d only pay for the actual server usage during the surge. Here’s an example of this pricing structure from another one of the providers on our list, DreamHost. As you can see, pricing is based on usage. Each plan has a maximum monthly rate. Even the fine print at the bottom of the page states that you’ll only be billed for what you use. So look for a hosting provider that offers a similar pricing structure. Speed and PerformanceUptime rates, speed, and performance need to be a priority for every website owner. If your hosting plan doesn’t deliver the best performance, then it doesn’t matter how cool, new, or high-tech the solution is. The majority of cloud hosting servers will increase the capacity of your website, which boosts your page loading speed. Cloud hosting doesn’t put as much strain on a singular server, the same way it would if you had a shared, dedicated, or VPS plan. If your website has lots of resource-intensive data such as videos, images, and other media content, then cloud hosting is something that you need to take advantage of. Look for a cloud hosting plan that delivers content from the nearest remote server. This will ensure that all of your loading times are as fast as possible. At the end of the day, your website visitors don’t care what type of hosting plan you’re using. They just want your site to be responsive and load quickly. By prioritizing things like uptime and loading speed with cloud hosting, your website will ultimately perform better from the user end. SecurityNo matter what type of web hosting plan you have, security always needs to be a priority. Fortunately, cloud hosting is known to be very safe. That’s because your website is isolated from any potential problems with a physical server. Everything is being handled remotely, which wouldn’t be the case if you were relying on a singular server that’s hosted locally. If a local server was compromised, then your website would be at risk. Whereas if one server in your cloud network was hacked, failed, or had a system overload, your website would stay up and running without any downtime or delays. Look for a web host that offers any additional security protection as an incentive with your cloud hosting plan. Summary: Best Cloud Web Hosting Plans for 2020Cloud web hosting is the perfect solution for growing websites. If your shared plan can no longer accommodate the needs of your site, then you should consider switching to a cloud solution. So what’s the best cloud hosting provider? It depends on what you’re looking for. Here’s a recap of the cloud hosting reviews above:
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