For years, I thought this came easy to everyone, but then I realized that easily searching for and starting new platforms wasn’t as fun for people as it was for me.
Not only is it not fun, but it’s one of those tasks a lot of people put off and dread!
Let’s ditch the dread and dive into *how*.
It comes down to asking yourself these 8 questions and matching your answers to the platforms that provide it!
1 - What specific tasks or problems do I need the software to address? (e.g., project management, video editing, design, etc.)
This will help you focus on solutions that are tailored to your needs, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. For example, if you're managing a project, you'll want software that can help you stay organized, track progress, and collaborate with team members. On the other hand, if you're looking to create stunning designs, you'll want software that provides robust editing tools, high-quality templates, and flexible output options.
You may not know all the options you’ll need, but that’s okay, list out the things you know you need the platform to do.
2 - What's my budget for software?
You might not have a specific number in mind, but you do have an amount that you can spend - write that number down! If you can do $50/mo but not $99/mo, then the $99/mo+ platforms are already ruled out!
3 - Will I be using the software individually or as part of a team? Does the platform offer collaboration features?
Not only can knowing this change the cost of a platform, it can determine if it’s even the right platform for you at all. For example, a project management software that only allows people on your account if they have the same business email could limit the people involved on a project!
4 - Which devices and operating systems do I use? Is the software compatible with them?
This isn’t typically a problem in today’s world of technology, but some platforms are still stuck in the “Windows or Mac” development! If you’re only a Mac user and find a paltform that only works on Windows - you know not to consider it!
5 - How much time am I willing to invest in learning the software? Is user-friendliness a priority?
Learning new software can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to time investment. It's important to assess how much time you are willing to dedicate to learning the ins and outs of the software. Is it something you need to learn quickly, or do you have a more flexible timeline? In addition to time, user-friendliness is also a crucial factor to consider. If the software is not intuitive and easy to navigate, it can lead to frustration and ultimately a waste of time. Not to mention, some platforms require you to pay (in addition to your subscription fee) to get started! (I’m looking at you Keap 😒)
6 - What level of customer support do I expect from the software provider? (e.g., live chat, email, phone, etc.)
This is really a level of comfort. For me, customer support through email is good enough for me - but for many others, they need the option for phone calls or video meetings!
What is your minimum customer support option?
7 - Are there any integration requirements with other tools or platforms I currently use?
In today's world, you rely on a variety of tools and platforms to get work done efficiently. When considering a new tool or platform, one important factor to keep in mind is whether it integrates seamlessly with your existing applications. After all, the last thing you want is to have to switch between different programs or manually transfer data from one system to another.
8 - Are there any scalability concerns? Will the software grow with my needs over time?
You spent all this time finding the right platform…you don’t want to do this again! While you can’t know exactly how quickly you’ll grow, make sure you have room to grow on this new platform!
These 8 questions will prepare you to know exactly what you’re looking for and make the process of finding your right platform easier!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or uncertain on where to start - no worries! I'm here to help you find the right platform that meets all of your needs -
book some time on my calendar today and we'll get the search started!