With nearly 32 million small businesses in the U.S., savvy owners know that efficiency is one way to pull ahead of the competition. In particular, an electronic signature solution is a simple way for small businesses to capture digital signatures anytime, anywhere. You’ll stay ahead of the game, allowing your clients to sign contracts at their convenience. But how do you know what digital signature provider to choose? Take a look at the must-have features you’ll want to see in any worthy electronic signature solution.
1. Simple Integrations
From invoices to expense reports, you have a variety of paperwork to sign or get signed — and you need a service that gives you plenty of options. Look for e-signature software offering a host of integrations. If you use Google Docs and Google Drive, for example, these add-ons could enable you to create, retrieve, and store files without interrupting your Google Workspace workflow. An e-signature tool isn’t helpful if it only handles a few basic document types. Technology is always changing, so you’d do well to look for a platform that offers an abundance of options. It’s a great way to make sure you have file compatibility, giving you one less potential roadblock to deal with the next time you have paperwork for your clients to sign.
2. Savvy Security
Blockchain technology is a more secure way to help prevent fraudulent signatures, illegal tampering, and false signatures. It’s no wonder that spending on blockchain technology is expected to hit $19 billion by 2024. Not only is this technology a better option for storing any sensitive information, but it also keeps data from being stored in a central location — making it harder for online thieves to target. The best electronic signature solutions offer time-stamped and logged options to view the activity record for everyone involved. Two-factor authentication and an audit trail are mandatory features for more secure e-signature tools. With a glance, you’ll know when your documents were signed, and by whom, thanks to these helpful security features.
3. Legally Binding
An electronic signature solution isn’t worth your time if it isn’t 100%-compliant with eSignature laws. Look for a tool that meets standard laws like the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act and Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act. You’ll want to do your due diligence and follow these laws to ensure your signature captures are legally-binding and hold up in a courtroom. Meeting exacting HIPAA guidelines is another important factor to consider. This certification means that any healthcare data and medical information is kept private, safe, and secure.
4. Space-Saving Solutions
The best electronic signature providers keep the paper-wasting to a minimum. As you shop around, take a look at file storage options. You shouldn’t need to keep a paper copy on hand. But you do need to make sure you’ll have convenient ways to access your saved documentation. Turn to digital signature solutions that make it easy to store signed documents and other files. Whether that means Google Drive or Dropbox, make sure your important files are saved in the cloud.
Digital Signature Solutions for Every Small Business
Don’t settle for just any solution. From easy integrations to legally binding contracts, in-the-cloud storage, and security, it pays to shop around and look for a service that offers all of the above features.