Apps That Make Your Life Easier as a Tradesman
A tradesmen app for this, a tradesmen app for that. We take a look at the latest available, designed to free up your time.
Technology is moving at a rapid pace, it seems that nowadays there is an app for everything. Contractors are rapidly finding that there’s a trademen app for the issues they encounter at work.
We have trawled through the seemingly unlimited supply of construction apps to find those that can help tradespeople in their day to day life on the tools.
Our Favourite Tradesperson Apps
- Payaca
- Makita
- Quickbooks
- Headspace
- Procore
- Google My Business
- Open Camera
- Workflowy
Payaca
When a contractor sends a quote to a customer, if that customer requires finance,they must go to a third party to apply for a loan. It all seems very fragmented and unecessary.
Payaca removes the middle entity, allowing tradespeople to send quotes to customers, with built-in finance quotations.
For the customer: faster, simplified finance.
For the contractor: the ability to provide a better service, and no financial risk.
Simple!
Makita app
Popular power tool manufacturer Makita haven’t ignored the potential of smartphone applications for tradespeople. They’ve designed an app of their own, named “Makita Mobile Tools” that provides assistance to people on site.
The app contains a digital spirit level and flashlight, perfect for when the real thing gets lost in your toolbox. You can measure distances using your smartphone camera, and can even take sound measurements.
It also contains no adverts and is totally free!
Quickbooks
Every tradesperson groans at the mention of paperwork. It is considered an unfortunate necessity when dealing with delivery notes, invoices and receipts at the wholesalers. Trying to keep track of everything in the front cab of the van can be a seemingly endless task.
Quickbooks is a powerful and simple piece of accounting software that digitizes the process for you.
As well as being able to invoice customers, Quickbooks allows you to keep on top of your expenses, using its Smartscan feature to scan receipts and log the data in your phone. You can even file your VAT and complete your self assessment tax!
The app suits everyone, from one man bands to large businesses.
Headspace
Headspace is one of the most popular meditation apps available today. The more sceptical amongst you might raise an eyebrow as to the benefits of meditation, or whether this ancient art can truly be learned from an app. However, out of around 2000 meditation apps on the market, Headspace is the one that has hoards of people singing its praises.
The company itself aims to ensure it’s utilising the latest scientific research studies to create an app that actually has the ability to make a positive impact on your life. Paying attention to your mental health is vital and as mindfulness tools go, Headspace packs a powerful punch whilst giving you a helping hand.
Give its free trial a go (or if you’re unemployed, take advantage of their offer of a free year) and see whether it works for you.
Procore
Procore is a cloud based project management app. Designed for bigger jobs, Procore is perfect for site walkthroughs. It allows you to segregate photos to specific site areas, manage site drawings, and submit daily logs. The app is also useful for scheduling works, making it the perfect all rounder for the management of site activity.
Throw the clipboard and pencil in the bin, and use Procore to stay informed.
Google My Business
You’ve learned how to optimise your Google My Business for Trades, now download the app, so you’ve always got your GMB profile close at hand.
The app provides you with real-time notifications when a customer connects with your business on Google. This means you can respond to reviews, message your customers and see your followers all whilst on the move.
The app also makes it easier to upload photos, helping you to better personalise your listing.
Open Camera
Open Camera is a completely free camera app for android that essentially turns your smartphone into a DSLR camera. As a tradesperson, you want to be sure that you’re uploading high quality photos of your work to your website/GMB listing/social media.
That’s where Open Camera comes in. The app contains a whole host of features for making the most of your camera’s functionality, including colour effects, white balance, ISO and exposure compensation. It also allows you to auto-stabilize so your pictures are perfect every time.
Downloading Open Camera means that where ever you are, you can just pull out your phone on a job and take well crafted pictures
Workflowy
Last, but by no means least, is the Workflowy tradesmen app. Suitable for smaller independent traders, workflowy is a handy little app for taking notes and making lists.
Described as a “notepad with superpowers”, Workflowy is a seemingly underwhelming app, but its extremely simplistic design allows you to take clear and concise notes on your smartphone. You can create infinitely nested lists, and add notes to any list item.
Workflowy synchronises perfectly with your computer, making it the ideal app for simple task organisation. For this reason, Workflowy has achieved a cult-like following.
The start of your online journey with Shake & Speare
Even if you just download one tradesman app, we’re sure it’ll make your life easier! But that’s just the start of your digital journey. If you’re running your own business you’ll want a whole host of other medium too. Especially your own website.
If you’re interested in learning more then, we recommend checking out our websites for trades page.
We’re always open to a chat, and if you’d like to meet up then consider the beers on us!
