If you’re a business owner, there usually isn’t one defining moment when you realize you need a better way to manage your business. More often, there’s a series of events leading up to your breaking point. From small administrative tasks that eat up your morning to scattered communications and lost opportunities, there’s a lot that can go wrong when you don’t have the tools to stay organized and efficient.
The right business management software can change all that. But at the same time, everyone needs to learn how to use the new technology. If you’re preparing for software onboarding, here’s what you can expect — and how Townsquare Interactive can help make the experience productive and helpful for everyone in your company.
What Is Software Onboarding?
Onboarding new software doesn’t mean simply setting up passwords. It’s the process of aligning tech tools with company-wide workflows. From booking jobs and tracking customers to sending invoices and communicating both internally and externally, your software needs to support the different ways your team works.
Done well, onboarding replaces scattered apps, spreadsheets, and sticky notes with one clean, centralized dashboard. It helps everyone get the most out of the technology, enhancing productivity by automating routine tasks typically done manually.
That’s why it’s essential to support everyone learning new software. Ensuring they understand how to maximize its benefits in their specific roles will provide the best return on investment and set everyone up for success.
The Challenges of Software Onboarding
Not everyone will jump at the chance to learn new software. That’s understandable, when even pausing long enough to create a login feels like too big an ask.
Here are some of the common objections you may encounter when introducing a business management platform to your team:
- “This will slow us down.” For a week or two, your team will be learning while doing. That’s normal. Celebrate the small wins during this time, such as sending an estimate in two clicks or booking from a text.
- “We don’t have time to train.” You won’t, unless you schedule onboarding intentionally. Put it on the calendar, invite the team, and frame learning new software as an opportunity to upskill.
- “Our setup is unique.” It is. Proper onboarding respects that and configures around your reality, not the other way around.
- “We tried something before and it flopped.” That’s usually a process problem, not a people problem. You need a precise sequence, a point person, and support that doesn’t vanish after the first week.
It’s natural to see some resistance to change. Employees may fear being replaced by technology or feel uncertain about their roles and responsibilities. However, rolling out strategic changes slowly and methodically can help them see the advantages. For example, as they use the new software, they’ll have more time to focus on strategic work instead of time-consuming tasks.
How a Business Management Platform Functions
If you’re implementing a business management platform like Townsquare Interactive’s, you’ll have a range of new capabilities to leverage:
- Self-scheduling and integrated calendar tools that sync up with your service windows and staffing
- Customer relationship management (CRM) tools that reflect how you sell and follow up with leads and existing customers
- Estimates, billing, invoicing, and payment processing that match your pricing, taxes, and approvals
- Automated email and SMS messages for reminders, follow-ups, and promos
As our client case studies demonstrate, we also work closely with clients to tailor the technology to their specific needs. After all, an HVAC or plumber will have different requirements than a restaurant or law firm.
Software Onboarding Essentials
If you’re considering a business management platform, keep in mind that the onboarding process is just as important as the software itself. Without successful onboarding, you could wind up wasting money on technology that nobody uses. As you compare platforms, ask yourself and potential providers these key questions:
Will the software adapt to the way my business actually works?
Do you schedule by technician or by region? Do you take deposits upfront or bill after job completion? What reminders do you send before and after appointments? A good onboarding program will map those details into the system.
What kind of setup support will I receive?
When you partner with Townsquare Interactive, we’ll match you with a dedicated team of marketing experts who work directly with you. Your software onboarding starts with a personal call to understand your business, goals, and market.
From there, our campaign creation team collects everything needed to build your custom strategy, including your website design, search engine optimization (SEO), and Business Management Platform setup.
Before going live, every campaign undergoes a quality control process. Once approved, your platform launches, your website begins Google’s indexing process, and you’ll start receiving monthly performance reports to track your results.
How is the training delivered?
The most effective programs are short, hands-on, and specific to each role — for instance, booking a job, sending an estimate, or collecting a payment. Your team will retain information better if they learn by doing and have access to quick refreshers later.
What happens when we go live?
A strong onboarding partner runs your old and new processes in parallel for a brief transition period. Your specialist should remain available to address questions or concerns, walking you through any snags. At Townsquare Interactive, we’re available for updates, edits, and progress reviews, so you always feel supported.
Will the platform evolve with my business?
Software isn’t “set and forget.” The best systems grow with you as you add new customers, product lines, and employees. When new features roll out, there’s additional software onboarding.
Onboarding New Software Shouldn’t Be a Burden
With a modern business management platform, learning new software can be an exciting and beneficial experience for your business. From the first log-in to ongoing optimizations, you need a partner that understands your business and is committed to your success.
Ready to see how software onboarding can work to your advantage? Get started with Townsquare Interactive’s business management platform, and discover what it’s like to have a dedicated team of experts on your side — helping you manage, market, and grow your business.
From scheduling and invoicing to CRM and automated communication, you’ll have everything you need to run your business smoothly in one easy-to-use platform. Start your free demo today, and see how Townsquare Interactive can make onboarding new software the easiest upgrade your business will ever make.