The one thing every business wants – and needs – is more time to do what’s important. One way to stop getting bogged down by repetitive tasks in your business is using browser extensions for automating daily steps that aren’t making your business more money.
As technology has seen rapid advancements over the last decade, it’s sometimes hard to keep up with everything. There are more ways than ever to begin automating your business tasks, so let’s start with an easy one that almost everyone could adopt.
This article focuses on getting quick wins for your business using browser extensions for automating, explaining how to implement these to your workflow. Automation is key to keeping your life simple and make everyday tasks more efficient.
What are browser extensions?
Browser extensions, also known as ‘add-ons’, are tools that work as an extension to your chosen internet browser. They’re integrated to give you a seamless transition between repetitive tasks without switching applications.
There are many ways browser extensions for automating your business can help you. Like an app, they can increase productivity. Browser extensions add functionality and change the behaviour of your daily online browsing or inbox tasks.
Why use browser extensions for automating business tasks?
For a lot of people automation can be overwhelming, especially if you are a business that doesn’t have a lot of budget or resources to throw at understanding it. Using browser extensions is a fast and effective way to start – without the cost or time outlay of a fully-automated system.
Think about how many times you flick between different applications during your working day… add-ons can help to reduce that and free up your time.
Recommended automation tools for your business
There is so much choice when it comes to add-ons – you can send text reminders for appointments, integrate your inbox with a CRM, or create a to-do list from emails received.
There are great tools you might already be using that offer fantastic automation functionality. Discovering add-ons that save you time and make your job easier can be lots of fun. Here are some of my favourite browser extensions for automating …
- Zoom
Zoom is a popular software for video calling. It’s used across many businesses, including my own, to arrange meetings.
With the Zoom integrated add-on, you can create new meetings and generate Zoom conferencing details that are automatically added to your calendar. That means there’s no need to log in to the separate app or copying and pasting details to your calendar. Having this in one place and simply clicking a button can save you lots of time.
Google and Microsoft have added this feature to make it easy to integrate zoom, too.
- Asana
Asana is cloud-based task management software that helps you to manage projects and teams effectively. The Asana extension allows you to quickly add tasks without leaving the browser. You can also create emails received into tasks directly from the inbox. It’s a great way to stay on top of your to-do list.
- Xero
Xero is an accounting software that’s adopted by many small businesses to keep on top of their finances. It’s easy to use across different devices, designed to be accessible when on-the-go through their app. Being aware of your up-to-date finances helps to grow a more profitable business.
- DocHub
DocHub allows you to sign PDF documents online, request e-signatures, and create reusable PDF templates to send to clients. The add-on for DocHub means you can view, sign, and save files straight from your inbox. Avoid spending unnecessary time managing files and contracts.
- Zapier
Another popular and simple tool is Zapier. This helps you to automate tasks between web apps and create workflows. In its simplest form, the basics of any automated workflow in Zapier is ‘when X happens, do Y’.
Zapier has many simple and easy to follow guides, perfect for beginners. Start small and add automations to your business with Zapier. It can be simple things that save you lots of time throughout your day. Repetitive tasks such as when someone fills out an online form, populate a certain spreadsheet, or you receive an email with an attachment, it can save it to a certain folder.
- Trello
Trello is a great project management tool that can be used to collaborate with teams, create to-do lists, and store project data. Having an add-on for Trello means you can capture links and inspiration, add new project cards, and annotate screenshots all from your browser. Never forget a great idea again.
- Slack
Slack is a messaging app that many businesses use to connect teams or external partners. It helps to unify communication and give information to all parties in one place. The Slack extension integrates the messaging features with other tools you already use and allows you to get notifications straight from your browser. Keep your team updated and make everyone’s lives easier.
Get started with automation today
Automation is a long-term strategy within any business. It’s not about trying to change everything at once or creating processes that are overly complex for the stage your business is at. Why not ask yourself how you can start automating areas to free up your focus for more time to make the most impact in your business.
There are many different browser extensions for automating repetitive tasks, and the ones that are right for you depends on how your business operates. Make a list of tools you already use and research if they have browser extensions or add-on features available – the likelihood is you won’t be using them to their maximum!
If you want to take your business to the next level, it’s worth looking at how to implement business systems and processes, too. Doing so will make your business more profitable and run even more efficiently.
This should have given you the confidence to start small and take the leap into using browser extensions for automating business tasks. Contact Spero Solutions to get help from our virtual assistants or virtual business managers to support your business growth.