When you run a business, you’re constantly pulled in several directions each and every day. This is specifically the case if you run a fitness business. We are sure that you sometimes find yourself with too many tasks but not enough hours in the day, and let’s be honest – it can become quite overwhelming.

But fear not, it doesn’t have to be constant stress. There are ways around this and making your days more productive – with business apps.

Yes, we have dug deep; testing many different apps to see which ones can actually benefit your business, help you connect better with clients, and handle your day-to-day tasks a lot easier.

We guarantee that these apps will truly transform the way you run your day-to-day schedule…

For General Productivity

Evernote

When it comes to productive apps, Evernote is by far one of the front-runners.

Skipping the mundane task of writing notes on paper (which usually gets lost anyway) Evernote digitalises the world of note taking.

You can clip info from the web, crop documents, and embed pictures, tables, audio, video, and everything in between. You can also use Evernote for organic notes and journaling, to-do lists, recipes, contacts, and even storage for tweets or emails that you want to keep handy.

All of this comes free in the basic version; however, they do give you the option of upgrading to the business version for just $12 a month. Obviously, the business version has more added features, including administrator controls and unlimited upload space.

Check out the free version to see how it can help your productivity.

 

Wunderlist

In basic terms, Wunderlist is a to-do list but with added oomph! The app allows you to create an endless amount of tasks, which you can share with all of your clients or colleagues. Plus with the automatic sync, your to-do list will update instantly allowing others to see when tasks have been completed.

This app has always been a favourite of ours, especially since the launch of it’s awesome business version, allowing you to delegate tasks to other team members – something that could be great if you have a team of personal trainers.

Wunderlist is a free app, while the business version is under $5 a month for each user. Cheap, cheerful and does the job!

 

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For communication

Slack

A huge favourite in the Startup Active office, Slack has changed the way our team communicates.

Although there are some small snags (loading time could be slightly quicker), the app really is a godsend when it comes to business chat. You can create channels for just about any conversation, from team projects and online meetings to general chitchat about the last episode of The Walking Dead.

Not only is Slack a great platform for chat; it also allows you to send and receive files from other team members with ease.

The best part is that basic Slack is actually free for an unlimited amount of users. As always with these types of apps, you can upgrade to the paid version but in all honesty, you should find everything you need on the free app.

 

Skype for Business

Many of you are probably already aware and using Skype for free video calls, but Skype for Business is something much more! The app offers meetings of up to 250 people, including file transfer, personalised chat and more.

Skype for Business pricing starts at $2 a month per user, ranging up to $5.50 a month for the extra features (HD calls, meeting recordings etc.)

It’s a great app if you run group online sessions and things along these lines, however, if you don’t require such features then Skype basic is probably your best bet.

 

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For accepting payments

Square

If your fitness business runs on point-of-sale purchases then Square really could transform your business. This neat little app allows you to accept card payments with a simple plug in card reader, which fits your smartphone.

You don’t have to be connected to the Internet, you can use email or text messages to send receipts, and the system can even allow customers to leave a tip of 15%, 20%, or 25%.

There is no monthly fee; instead, you’ll pay 2.75% of each transaction, or a bit more if you have to manually enter payment information instead of swiping.

This is a great little app that can truly transform how you take payments for your PT sessions etc. and will help you keep track of your finances too.

 

PayPal Here

The PayPal version is quite similar to Square — you use a small card reader with your device to receive payments.

But this app is a bit more tech than Square, including the ability to process cheques, send electronic invoice and event set up payments from existing PayPal users.

The only real flaw with this app is that, as expected, your payments will go directly into your PayPal account – not your bank account. This means you will then have to transfer the funds to your actual bank account, which can sometimes take a few days.

This is still a great app and if you’re already a PayPal user, it will be right up your street!

 

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For Smarter Social Networking

Buffer

If you’re an avid reader of our blogs, or in fact, if you know us at all, you will be fully aware that we bang on about social media a lot! This is because social media is an absolute must for your business.

The only downside about having your business on social media is actually finding the time to post! We are aware that the majority of you fitness professionals are constantly on the go, meaning sometimes, social media can slip your mind. But Buffer changes all of that.

This great app allows you to post on multiple social networks at once, even allowing you to schedule posts for specific times throughout the day.

The free version is usually enough for your business; hooking up to five of your social media accounts and letting you schedule 10 updates at a time! It can take a few hours to get your head around, but once you’re clued up there will be no stopping you and your social media accounts will be more alive than ever before!

 

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For website building

Active Blueprint

Not exactly an app as such, but Active Blueprint is the ideal tool to transform your business into an online company. The pay-monthly website service (provided by yours truly) isn’t just another website creator, it’ll boost your online sales by the bucket load and also show you how to become a marketing genius at the same time.

With exclusive access to the Marketing Lab included, you will be able to finally reach the goals that you’ve desired for your fitness business and finally reap the rewards.

Plus with a FREE consultation and no contracts, you will not be tied down to anything, giving you full control of your online business.

Fitness trainer, Mina Arroyo, talks about the service here.

 

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Final Thought

Apps truly are changing the way small businesses work, making it possible to finally stay up to date on tasks and banishing those hectic ‘pulling hair out’ days. As much as you want your business to be successful, it should also be enjoyable too, and the above apps will certainly make things much easier for you.