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If there’s one thing that’s at the top of most businesses’ to do lists it’s cost saving. You’re always looking for better deals and cheaper suppliers, right? Or perhaps you can make do with less office space?
What if saving money can be easier than you think?
If your employees can learn a few money saving habits you’ll be surprised at how it affects your cashflow. And thanks to modern technology and innovative software products—all available for free—you can reach those cost saving goals much easier.
We listed the top 9 free cost saving ideas to get your started.
1. Switch Off Your Computers After Work
Start by encouraging your employees to switch off their appliances such as computers when they leave the office at the end of the day. Not only will you save some money on your utility bill management but chances are you’ll spend less on replacing devices that get damaged from over-use, over-heating or power spikes.
Computers may not draw large amounts of power, but older equipment is less energy efficient than modern components.
To show your team how much you can save by switching off you can use apps, calculators or tools that plug into your power outlet.
How Much Can You Save?
US$200/year
2. Use Free Gmail for Your Professional Email
Many service providers offer you email services and we agree it does look professional to have a customised address. But that can cost you $6/month for basic packages if you use vendors like G Suite from Google.
If you have a start-up or saving money is a top priority, why pay if you can get it for free?
Gmail is a popular Google service used by consumers and business owners alike. You can get up to 15GB to use free of charge, which is more than enough for many businesses. Use paid services once you have the cash flow.
How Much Can You Save?
US$72/year
3. Use Gmail’s Free Cloud Storage
Google’s free offers can also solve your cloud storage challenges. Cloud storage must be:
- Easily accessible to employees
- Big enough for the data you save
- Safe from hackers
Google gives it all and the first 15GB is for free. Dropbox is a favourite vendor but will cost you $150/year for 3TB.
Best of all: Google offers a free trial. See if it works for your business and once you need more space you can upgrade. Some G Suite packages even offer unlimited cloud storage.
How Much Can You Save?
US$150/year
4. Use Google’s Free Sheets, Docs, Slides & Forms
No business can operate without software programs that help you create documents like spreadsheets, contracts and forms. While packages like Office 365 are widely used you can rather opt for Google’s version. The package is diverse, offering you products such as:
- Sheets
- Docs
- Slides
- Forms
You can even do creative tasks like presentations.
You have the added benefit that your team can easily access each other’s files, prevent editing by others when necessary and they can download pages in Office format if necessary.
How Much Can You Save?
US$99/year
5. Use Free Accounting Software
You also can’t manage a reputable business without a decent accounting system in place. Thanks to innovative service providers like Wave you can get access to comprehensive accounting software without paying anything.
Well known products such as QuickBooks may offer you more features, but it comes at a price. The software may even be too complex for some business owners to grasp. This is a challenge if you don’t have an accountant on staff yet. For the basic daily accounting tasks, most businesses need, free software contains sufficient options.
How Much Can You Save?
US$240/year
6. Use MailChimp For Free Email Marketing
Your business won’t grow without a modern approach to marketing but the good news is that even here you don’t have to spend a fortune. Email marketing has been around for years, but it’s not outdated. It’s still one of the most powerful ways to reach your audience. But you only get it right when you use efficient email marketing software like NotifyVistors and MailChimp
Instead of using a paid for version from the start that can cost you more than $100/year, try out the free features first. When you’re comfortable using the software and need additional features you can upgrade to a different package.
How Much Can You Save?
US$119.88/year
7. Use Free Antivirus Software
The threat of hackers prompts many business owners to spend a lot on cyber security features. In reality, you can still maintain security while managing your budget.
Teach your employees safe habits such as not opening an email unless they know who it’s from. Combine this with a free but effective antivirus software such as Avast and you’ll be safe from most threats.
In future, if you require more technical support for a bigger team or you’re specifically in danger of identity theft you can consider upgrading to paid-for packages.
How Much Can You Save?
US$39.99/year/computer
8. Use Free Video Editing Software
In most markets, your audience’s decisions are driven by what they hear and see. You have to produce striking audio and visual marketing material. Or perhaps you need to educate people on your industry via a video?
Instead of hiring professionals or paying for state of the art video editing software you’ll be surprised how much you can do with your SmartPhone’s footage and a program like LightWorks. It’s available as a free download so you can try it out before upgrading to a paid version.
How Much Can You Save?
US$300/year
9. Use Free Graphic Design Software
You also don’t have to hire graphic designers at exorbitant rates anymore. With modern software designing images becomes easy. You—or someone creative on your team—can deliver impressive visual material with the help of software like Gravit Designer. The free version is versatile with only a few limitations such as not being able to work offline.
Once you generate enough income to justify employing a full-time designer you can opt for the PRO package.
How Much Can You Save?
US$50/year
Conclusion
The savings may look minimal at first but start adding them up. You’ll see that over time a few small changes can make a huge difference in your cashflow. Do it all and you’ll save around $1200 this year without spending any money on new systems.
Small changes now will get you the long-term success you’re after. The cash you free up can be used for the much needed paid software you need to function even more efficiently.
Want to try even more tips and let your business gain momentum in cost saving? Here’s a list of 17 easy cost saving ideas you can try next. This article is brought to by https://www.icredit.com.sg/
Also read: 5 Unique Business Cost Saving Ideas You Should Apply In Your Business
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