The Apps We`re FALLing for This Season

There`s a reason that "there`s an app for that" has become a catchphrase. It seems like there is an app for everything these days! And while you might use the apps on your phone for many personal tasks (sharing family photos with Flickr, relaxing with a game of Candy Crush, etc.), it is a GREAT tool for small business owners� if you know where to look. Here are the apps, some new and some classics, that we can`t stop talking about this fall!

The Classics

Dropbox

(Free with paid options - Android/iOS/Desktop)

Chances are, you`ve heard of Dropbox and are an active user. When it comes to cloud-based storage, Dropbox is one of the top competitors, along with another Crystal Media favorite, Google Drive. What I love about Dropbox is that it helps me get to the information I need whether I am on my phone, on my tablet or on my computer. I can easily save a photo to Dropbox on my computer, open the file on my phone and post to Instagram. And in a world where retailers wear dozens of hats, it`s great to be able to switch from one activity to another seamlessly. Download on Android Download on iOS

Facebook Ads Manager

(Free - Android/iOS/Desktop)

If you`re looking for an app that works as hard as you do - even when you`re on the go - then look no further than the Facebook Ads Manager app. We recommend Facebook ads to nearly all of our clients, but we know they aren`t always at their computers when there are customers to greet, shelves to stock, and stock room organizing to be done. Luckily, the Facebook Ads Manager app allows you to manage and change your ads from wherever you are, so you can test what works for your business and never overspend! Download on Android Download on iOS

The�Newbies

LetsTag�

(Free - Android)

This has been a popular app to share with our retailers who are stuck as to which hashtags to use. Simply type in the hashtag you would like to use, and LetsTag finds hashtags that are related to it. You can add all of the hashtags you like to a list, search different hashtags to add to your list, then copy all of the hashtags and paste them into your Instagram post. Voila! #savingtime. iPhone users can download an alternative app called Tagomatic. Download for Android.

Canva

(Free with paid options - iOS/Desktop)

Canva is a tool we use daily here at Crystal Media. It`s a design tool that helps you create beautiful presentations, social media graphics and more. No graphic design experience required. A few months ago, Canva announced their app for iPhone, but they have yet to come out with an app for Android users. An alternative is the app Desygner, which has may of the features of Canva and is available on iOS, Android and desktop. Download for iOS.

Fonteee

(Free - Android)

Text over photos can be a great way to get your message across, but it can be hard to find the right app to use to make it happen. I love this app because it allows you to add text to a photo AND to a plain, colored, or stock background. iPhone users can download the app A Beautiful Mess for their text-over-graphic needs. Download for Android.

GIFYme

(Free - iOS)

GIFs are an interesting mix of photo and video, and they perform great on social media. Make your own GIFs with this app by uploading your media and letting GIFYme take it from there. Android users can download the Gif Me! Camera. Download for iOS.

Quik

(Free - Android/iOS)

A GoPro product, Quik does exactly what its name suggests - helps you quickly create a video, complete with music, filters, and more. While you can edit the videos to make them unique, you can also simply sift through a selection of pre-paired effects for a fun video in minutes. Download for Android. Download for iOS.

ToDoIst

(Free with paid options - Android/iOS/Desktop)

If you`ve got a to-do list, you need ToDoIst. ToDoIst helps you manage your to-do list with labels, projects, the ability to assign tasks to others, and even an analytics feature that allows you to see just how productive you are. ToDoIst helps me and my team stay organized, on schedule and feeling productive. Download for Android. Download for iOS.

Did you love getting the inside scoop on these tools? Throughout Social Edge, we share TONS of resources, tools and apps to help you market your store and see REAL results - like more traffic, sales and profit. Check out a sample Social Edge course now!

Crystal Vilkaitis is the Resident Social Media Expert with RDI Diamonds and owner of Crystal Media http://heycrystalmedia.com; a company that teaches social media to independent retailers; helping them save time, gain confidence and increase local exposure, foot traffic and sales.