Before making a financial commitment to any software, it is important to properly test the software to make sure that it is suitable for your needs. Software review and testing can help you determine whether a particular software is worth investing in or not.
Software testing involves evaluating the features, usability, performance, and security of the software. It also helps identify any potential bugs or issues that may arise during use. This can help you make an informed decision on whether or not this particular software is the right fit for your business needs.
Here are some suggestions of how to test software before making a financial commitment:
1. Free trial
Many software offer free trials which allow users to use the software for a limited time without any financial commitment. If they don’t have a free trial, there should still be an opportunity for a demo with their sales team. Use test data in your trial and push the software as much as you can during the testing time. Do check what level you are testing at, as some trials will put you on a higher plan as an incentive to keep it, but it may be more expensive than the plan you originally were looking at. Check the settings to see what plan you are on during a trial.
2. Research and evaluate the software
Do your research and evaluate the software by reading reviews, watching demo videos, and comparing it with other similar software. Check out our blog on How to choose the right software to give you an indication of where to start the process. An excellent source for software reviews is Capterra or G2. These sites will give you verified information, comparisons and reviews. You can also browse the Blue Ninja Software directory which is starting to be developed at https://blueninja.eu/software-reviews.
3. Ask for a demo
Contact the software provider and ask for a demo of the software. This will give you an idea of how the software works and if it meets your requirements. Make sure you get answers to your questions. If a company can’t give you those answers during the demo, ask them to email you back within a specific time period. Remember who you speak to will most likely be looking to make a sale, so don’t let them get you off track with your wants and needs.
4. Testimonials
Look for testimonials from other users who have used the software. This will give you an idea of how the software has worked for them. Some software providers will have forums or their own review platforms so see what you find.
5. Check for customer support
Ensure the software provider offers good customer support. You can check this by contacting their customer support team and asking any questions you may have about the software. Customer support access may be dependent on which plan you buy, so check this and if you can’t see it in any software specs, ask them. Also check for help documentation and how comprehensive it is. Read some of the documents and make sure they are not too technical for you.
6. Check for compatibility
Ensure that the software is compatible with your system and any other software you will be using alongside it. There are a lot of opportunities to integrate, however, not all software is set up for this. Check the software for what it offers directly, and also check out Zapier or Make to see if the software is listed.
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7. Look for refund policies
Check the refund policy of the software provider to ensure that you can get a refund if you are not satisfied with the software. Many companies will not provide refunds if you add team members to your account, but make it extremely to change your plan, so be careful and know what you get in your plan. Keep a very close eye on your renewal date as many providers will not give you a heads up when renewal will take place, and you need to cancel prior to this date.
You need to give yourself time to test and make sure you answer all your questions. Testing will help you understand how user-friendly the software is and how it will meet your requirements. By thoroughly testing the software before making a financial commitment, you can ensure that you are making an informed decision and investing in something that will ultimately benefit your business.
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