Whether you need to get on top of invoices, manage expenses, schedule staff or communicate with buyers, you’ll find an app to suit your small business needs. Check out these top six apps to save time and stress, while increasing productivity.

Forget leaving a paper trail and download an app instead.
1. Xero
Xero’s mobile accounting app is specifically designed for small business owners, in order to keep you organised while you’re on the move. Reconcile bank expenses, record receipts, invoice on the job and store customer contact details whenever and wherever you are. You can also give employees access to raise invoices and claim expenses in real time.
2. Hootsuite
Social media is an effective tool for promotion and communication. However, it’s also incredibly time-consuming for small business owners. Hootsuite lets you manage all of your social media accounts in one place. This includes scheduling content in advance, replying to messages, reviewing analytics, reporting and the ability to collaborate with others.
3. myDeductions
myDeductions is a free app from the ATO to help you keep everything in one place and lodge a tax return with ease. Record vehicle trips, expenses and deductions, income and images of receipts. When it’s tax time, simply email the data to your accountant or tax agent.
4. PayPal Here
Do you need to issue invoices and accept payments on the go? When you sign up for a business account, you’re eligible for PayPal Here. You’ll get a card reader in order to accept debit and credit cards for a fee, as well as online payments. The card reader is connected to your mobile via Bluetooth.

Apps connect remote workers.
It’s perfect for connecting remote workers in a virtual office.
5. Slack
As a communication tool for teams, Slack provides direct messages, organised group chats and file sharing. It’s all in one place, so you’ll never have to search through email threads again. It’s perfect for connecting remote workers in a virtual office and syncs between desktop and mobile.
6. Deputy
If rostering staff takes up the better part of a day each week, check out Deputy. The app lets you create shifts using a drag and drop interface, publish schedules and notify employees via email or SMS. There’s also an option for staff to self-manage leave and unavailability.
Even if you streamline just one aspect of your business with an app, you can look forward to higher productivity, better organisation and maybe even longer lunch breaks.