With a digital platform for just about anything, it’s never been easier to automate business processes. Electronic signature software reduces the time spent on administrative tasks, as it provides a quick and reliable solution for signing documents without printing them.
E-signatures are legally accepted almost anywhere. So, companies can safely say goodbye to physical documents and wet signing and instead subscribe to a secure e-signature service that offers document and contract management tools. Another plus of doing so is that most platforms integrate with other business management solutions, meaning you can sign contracts directly from other apps.
However, choosing the best electronic signature provider can be a challenge, as most appear to offer the same tools. Therefore, testing out different services via their free trials can help you assess which is right for you.
If you would rather go for software that’s completely free, make sure to check carefully what it provides, since it may only include a reduced selection of tools. Above all, it needs to integrate seamlessly into existing business processes, making workflow streamlined.
To sign or not to sign? That’s the question that runs through everyone’s mind when presented with a contract. This is usually because there’s not enough time to read it through.
Moreover, traditional wet signatures can be easily forged. Thankfully, this is impossible with electronic signature software like signNow, as all of the software’s customizable signatures are legally binding, where a number of compliances protect documents from signature forgeries.
Furthermore, the company provides robust malware security for any uploaded document and lets users define the authentication methods for signers. The multiple integrations signNow supports elevate the experience to the next level.
All this is offered for reasonable prices, starting at $8 a month per user, and subscriptions always kick off with a 7-day free trial.
An intuitive PDF editor with comprehensive e-signature functionalities, DocHub stands out in the electronic signature industry as reliable and secure software. It provides a high level of personalization with several custom fields, as well as a quick way to bulk-send sign requests for up to 50 people. Moreover, it integrates with several apps for an even more streamlined workflow.
DocHub is available for free, but it’s worth forking out for a paid subscription due to its unlimited access and extra features. Opting for an annual billing cycle rewards users with a discount of 29%, and the company provides 210 days to test the software risk free through its 30-day free trial and 180-day money-back guarantee.
Creating official forms and tracking down the required signatures is one of those time-consuming activities that businesses could do without. However, if you ditch wet signatures and start using e-signature software, this doesn’t have to be the case. This technology is fast and secure, and most companies provide free forms and templates, removing the task of creating them from scratch.
PandaDoc is a popular choice among e-signers, as it provides document editing tools alongside electronic signature options. Moreover, contact management is a piece of cake with the platform, as it’s possible to request signatures from multiple signers and save recipients’ contact details.
The software provides the means to get legally binding e-signatures and secures documents with various methods, such as two-factor authentication (2FA). What’s appealing for newcomers is that PandaDoc can be used free of charge, letting users experience the platform with no strings attached. If that’s not enough, all paid subscriptions can be tried out for free for 14 days.
Signing documents electronically saves both time and paper, so it’s not surprising that wet signatures are fading into the background. Developed by the same Swiss team behind FAX.PLUS, one of the most reliable online fax services, Sign.Plus is a relative newcomer in the world of e-signature software. Every aspect of the platform speaks of Swiss precision, especially how documents are edited and signed. Users can create their own reusable templates, eliminating the hassle of recreating the same documents over and over again. The software is also secure, as signatures created are legally binding, and it’s compliant with numerous regulations, such as HIPAA and PCI DSS. Moreover, Sign.Plus integrates seamlessly with Google Workspace, letting you sign documents directly from Gmail. Most importantly, it’s possible to use the software for free if it’s mainly you signing documents.
First and foremost, the right e-signature solution should be reliable and secure. This means that all signatures done with the platform should be legally binding and that the solution ensures document protection with end-to-end encryption. Depending on the industry your business is in, it’s also important to check whether the e-signature platform is compliant with the necessary regulations, such as HIPAA.
However, even the most secure electronic signature software can be off-putting if it’s difficult to use. Therefore, every step of the process should be logical, from setup and account configuration to signing documents. It’s also handy if it supports reusable templates.
Contact management should be similarly straightforward. For example, the ability to send signature requests to multiple recipients is a must-have. Additionally, a mobile app can make a huge difference when signing and sending documents on the go.
It’s also important to check whether the service offers integrations with other companies. If it does, look out for CRM platforms, text editors, and cloud storage, as these apps will simplify contact management and administrative tasks.
As with any software, there are several differences between free and paid e-signature solutions. Free platforms are perfect for personal use, as they typically provide a couple of ways to customize signatures and add signature fields to documents. Also as expected, users can self-sign as many documents as they want and send some to others for signing.
The number of signature requests are usually limited to just a handful per month. Moreover, free e-signature platforms, while legally binding, don’t usually follow strict security measures. This means that protecting your account with two-factor authentication is a no-go, nor can you secure documents with passwords.
Meanwhile, all these features – and many more – are unlocked when opting for paid e-signature business software. One notable example is that they provide several authentication methods for users and recipients alike. Furthermore, documents are encrypted mid-transit, and the platform offers various file-storing methods, such as specified, password-protected folders.
Beyond this, paid solutions are often available on multiple devices, letting you sign both in the office and on the go. They also offer storage space for reusable templates and may provide pre-made forms. Finally, many paid programs support custom branding so you can add your business’s logo and watermark.
If integrated into business processes, electronic signature software can play a vital role in your team’s contract management. Using e-signatures is much quicker than wet signing, as you no longer need to print documents and meet the signers in person. Essentially, the software takes the wasted time and stress out of tiresome administrative tasks.
By going paperless, costs drop significantly since there’s no need to buy paper, ink, and postage stamps anymore. Furthermore, it becomes easier to keep track of business contacts, as electronic signature platforms usually offer the option to save recipients’ addresses. Otherwise, these addresses could easily get lost among emails and phone contacts.
Finding specific document types becomes equally effortless because many e-signature solutions provide fillable forms. This can include non-disclosure agreements and W-9 forms, among many others. Moreover, storing these documents either as reusable templates or in encrypted – and often password protected – folders is a significant advantage.
Starting your company’s e-signature journey isn’t complicated and only takes a few steps:
Other steps best taken early on include signing up the entire team and giving administrator rights to your company’s accountant. Another best practice is to catalog documents that need signing and e-sign the most important first.
You should also see whether the e-signature software easily integrates into your business’s existing processes for a full digital transformation. For example, if you already use a CRM service, electronic signature software can usually be included as an add-on, so contracts can be signed directly from the platform.
Whether your company is taking its first steps or already has a number of contacts, choosing an e-signature platform can make everything faster. When processes are streamlined, businesses have more time to focus on negotiations and client acquisition strategies, giving them a better chance of growing and succeeding.
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