Apps and online tools

You can do nearly anything on your smart phone, from checking emails to tweeting and sharing documents. Our introduction to business apps.

Business directory apps make life easier when you are on the road. You can also help customers find you by showing them the location of your business.

Thanks to online tools and mobile apps, it has never been easier to organise all aspects of your business life. Here are some of the best apps.

Here are some of the best social networking apps that allow you to monitor your social media channels to help you promote your business better.

Slick branding and expensive advertising are great - but the way you treat customers is far more important. How apps can help boost your reputation.

Websites like Rated People, Checkatrade and My Builder put homeowners in touch with tradespeople. Ben Dyer investigates the power of referrals.

Affiliate marketing can boost traffic to your site, but you only pay for visits that result in sales. Find out how to set up an affiliate programme.

QR codes are barcodes that can be read by smartphones. Richard Gauder of CMS Web Solutions explains how they can be used as effective marketing tools.