When you’re shopping for software for your business, it can be hard to know which one is the best one. This is especially true if it’s your first time choosing software.
Choosing the right software can not only help you grow, but can actually save you money in the long run. To help you in feel more confident in the buying process, we’ve put together an ultimate guide.
The goal? For you to feel confident that you're choosing the BEST software for you.
In this guide, we’re covering:
- How to identify your goals and software needs.
- What to look for in a software partner.
- Cutting back your initial list.
- Tips for having a great demo experience.
- The importance of free trials.
- BONUS tips for making the most of your software.
Step 1: Evaluating your software needs
The first step to shopping for software is to identify what you need your software to do. If you don't do this step, a sparkly sales pitch or shiny new tools can more easily persuade you.
Think about your goals.
Do you want to build sales processes? Offer homeowners online payments? Reduce the number of tools you subscribe to? Take on more jobs? Reduce speed to lead?
Once you have your goals, down, think about what features you'd like in software. There's a wide range here, but don't limit yourself at this point. Some examples could be:
- Roof estimation software
- Online measurements
- Digital proposals
- Payment options for homeowners
- Features that make it easy to build sales processes
- Material ordering
- Small business focused tools
- Project management tools like a job board or calendar.
If you haven't shopped for software in a while, you may be surprised by the tools available that can meet many — if not all — of these requirements.
FREE software evaluation template
We’ve put together a software evaluation template to help you map out your needs, and then rank software against your business challenges. This tool helps to keep you organized and take out the guesswork while shopping for software.
Feel free to add columns to it or take them away for what works best for you.
Other columns you could add are:
- Does your admin team like it?
- Answer sections for each of your demo questions (details below)
- Initial ranking of usability
- Concerns from the demo
- Contact information for your sales person
Feel free to make it work for you, but this template should help get you started.
If you already have software, it’ll help you evaluate that, too! We also have a guide on evaluating current software tools if you’re looking for more information on that.
Step 2: Research different software
Now that you have a clear idea of what you’re looking for, we’re going to step back from that, and just dive into software. Do research based on your main gaps — email marketing tools, CRMs, measurement software, digital proposals, payment processors, or even tools that do everything in one.
Put down the name of the product/company, link to their website, and maybe price into the evaluation doc. Don’t worry right now about the goal fit. This should be a research mission at this point.
Step 3: Cut back your list based on fit
Now that you have a full list of software options, it’s time to compare that to your company goals.
Go through your evaluation sheet and compare features to your goals and wants. You may not know all the answers at this point, but budget, main features, and goal alignment should be easy.
From there, you should have some clear no's and some strong maybe's.
Step 4: Ask around your network
Roofing is a community. Don’t be shy to ask around about how others like (or don’t like!) specific tools. Are they easy to use? Do they have good support? Would they recommend them?
Not all software will work for everyone so take this feedback with a grain of salt. Every business has different goals and needs. But, this step is a great way to get an understanding of the reputation of a tool before buying it.
Based off Step 3 and Step 4, you should be able to identify your top 3-5 choices that you want to demo.
Step 5: Demos & and trials
Now that you have your shortlist, it’s time to book some demos and see some software in action.
Remember that companies will want to show you all the key features and functionality in their demos. But you're the one with the buying power. You’re the one they want business from. You HAVE the control.
Set aside about two weeks to demo the different products. You'll want to compare how they fit into your processes, and make a decision without being rushed.
The time you take now to ask questions will ensure you’re happy in the long run with your software of choice.
One of the best ways to keep control while choosing software is to come in with some questions. Brainstorm questions before your demos, and ask each company the same questions to compare answers.
If you need help putting together a list, we have 8 questions all ready for you to use.
Free trials
Demos are just one part of the buying experience. Sales people are in the software all day long. Using it yourself can be a whole different ball game.
Ask if you can get a demo account to poke around and try the tools yourself. Get your team members in there too. Free trials or demo accounts are a great way to spend time in the tool and make an informed decision. You can try out the features yourself, get feedback from your admin team, and spend time in it.
The trial period is also when you can identify how much training and how much of a learning curve your team will need. Order roof measurements, try building out roofing projects, and see just how intuitive of an interface the tool has.
That’s really the best way to see if a tool can work for you.
Step 6: Evaluate everything you’ve learned
You may feel like you need software NOW, but it takes time to compare options and choose the best fit for your company. Start early, and don’t put too much pressure on yourself to buy it the same day you demo.
Go back into your evaluation sheet, take notes on what you learn after each demo, and pick your top two software. Then, spend time in a free trial account to test them out.
Step 7: Buy your software!
By this point, you should feel confident in what tool is the best fit for your company. Now that you know, you can reach out, select the best paid plan for you, and confirm your interest in subscribing to or buying their software.
BONUS step 8: Use the resources provided by the company
Once the paperwork has been signed, make sure to use the resources available to you. Free implementation services, webinars, events, podcast, blogs, help articles, and other resources are there to ensure you can make the most of your new tool.
Never be afraid to book a follow up meeting or to reach out if you have questions. If you’ve been selective and picked the best software for you, they should want to see you grow and succeed. Software has the potential to really help you achieve your goals.
Other resources for roofing companies
Here are a few other resources that can help you on your journey to finding the best software for you:
Info on roofing quote software
Want the latest roofing tips & tricks?
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