One of the most valuable things we have is time and in a world, that is obsessed with productivity. From having to multi-task and get more done faster to improving time management and still have work-life balance.
We have put together a list of some of the apps we just can not go without! But first, how do you define a productivity app? This would be an app that makes your job easier and helps you get the work done in less time.
1. ToDoist
One of my favorites is ToDoist, but before you start to make a list of everything you need to do. The intelligent software will then interpret and categorize the tasks for you based on your entries. For example, if you create a task to "Have lunch with Bob at 12pm tomorrow #meetings", ToDoist will automatically schedule a reminder for you tomorrow at 12pm, and file the task into your "meetings" section.
But ToDoist is more than just a personal productivity tool. It can also be used to keep your entire team on track. Plan projects and assign responsibility, discuss project details, and monitor deadlines all inside the app.
ToDoist is free for basic functionality, premium plans are available at a fee.
2. CloudApp
CloudApp, a visual communication tool that can save your team up to 56 hours a week! It's been scientifically proven that humans process images 60,000x faster than plain text. Why not use this to your advantage?
Whether you happen to be communicating with a colleague, a customer, or a client; CloudApp's screenshot, video recording, GIF creation, and image annotation features will help you get your point across faster. Don't bother writing lengthy, complex emails, simply show people what you mean.
The free forever plan will get you started. For additional features, subscribe to an upgraded plan.
3. Trello
Trello is a project management app that makes managing projects less stressful; enjoyable, even. How is that possible? Users can break big projects down into smaller chunks by creating "cards" for every task.
Cards can be arranged into different columns, which can represent different phases of a project. As tasks get completed, cards can easily be dragged from one column to the next.
Trello is free to use, though they do offer premium plans with additional features.
4. Slack
If you've never used the tool before, it's a communication app that makes collaboration a breeze. Email is great for many things, but it can be cumbersome when conversing with colleagues. It's too easy for messages to get lost and buried beneath a mountain of other emails.
With Slack, all of your office communications are neatly organized and searchable. Different channels can be created for different projects, departments, and clients; and team members can jump in and out of conversations as needed. Meaning they won't get notifications about conversations they're no longer involved in.
5. Hootsuite
Hootsuite is a social media management app that allows you to update your company's Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn pages from the same screen — without the need to log into each individual platform. You can also reply to comments inside this tool, too.
But the real reason why Hootsuite makes our productivity apps list is because of its scheduling feature. Log in once, schedule every post you plan to make for the next week, month, three months (Hootsuite allows you to schedule hundreds of messages at a time), and then just monitor your accounts as the software automatically posts content at the time you specified. How cool is that?
Hootsuite is free to use, though they do offer premium plans with additional features.
6. Toggl
Toggl is the simple, intuitive time tracker app that you'll actually use. It isn't limited by device and works on your computer, tablet, and phone, so no matter where or what you're working on, your hours are being tracked. Oh, and you'll never forget to turn this productivity app on because it sends you friendly reminders to do so.
When you've completed a task, take a look at the detailed report. Toggl crunches the numbers and shows you how your time was spent. You just have to analyze its findings and adjust the way you work in the future to be more productive.
If you're a freelancer, a tool like this is mandatory. How else will you accurately bill clients? But even those who work in a salaried position will find Toggl useful. After all, to become more productive, it helps to first know how you're really spending your time.
Toggl is free to use, though they do offer premium plans with additional features.
7. HelloSign
One thing that can be a true pain in the... is having to have contracts or documents signed. First, you need to print them out, sign them and then scan them before you can send them back.
HelloSign takes the hassle out of signing contracts by enabling you to sign them electronically.
HelloSign is free for limited use and upgraded plans are available.
If your aim is to become more productive we are sure that any of the above apps will help. We encourage you to investigate each of them yourself, sign up for the free trials, and see if they can help you get more done in less time.
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