Click and Sign! 11 Essential Electronic Signature Tools for Thriving Small Business
When thinking about signature, you might hold the image of entrepreneurs with a stylish pen in hand, diligently working through stacks of paperwork. This scenario is rapidly becoming a thing of the past.
Electronic signatures are increasingly becoming the norm. As a small business owner, you might be eager to embrace this technology but feel overwhelmed by the options available. Don't worry, we've got you covered.
We'll introduce you to the 11 best electronic signature software for small business, each uniquely suited to streamline and secure your business transactions, helping you find the perfect electronic signature solution for your company.
The 11 Best Electronic Software for Small Businesses
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 SignNow |  Adobe Acrobat DC |  DocuSign |  Dropbox Sign |  GetAccept |  PandaDoc |  PDFfiller |  SignEasy |  SignWell |  Smallpdf |  Xodo Sign (formerly eversign) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For companies with 2 to 5000 employees | For companies with more than 250 employees | For companies with more than 1 employees | For all companies | For companies with 2 to 5000 employees | For all companies | For all companies | For all companies | For all companies | For all companies | For all companies |
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| Learn more about SignNow | Learn more about Adobe Acrobat DC | Learn more about DocuSign | Learn more about Dropbox Sign | Learn more about GetAccept | Learn more about PandaDoc | Learn more about PDFfiller | Learn more about SignEasy | Learn more about SignWell | Learn more about Smallpdf | Learn more about Xodo Sign (formerly eversign) |
Adobe Acrobat
Adobe Acrobat stands out as a good option in the world of PDF readers and editors. But this software is not just that; it's a powerhouse for businesses seeking a blend of simplicity and services in document handling.
Ideal for small businesses that deal with a high volume of documents and need a trusted and universally recognized software, this tool offers an easy electronic signature experience through an intuitive interface.
Key Features and Benefits
- With a versatile signature tool, you can sign the way you want the moment you want without further issues: typing, drawing, image, or screenshot, either on your phone, your tablet, or your computer. Flexibility is the key.
- When receiving a signed document, you will have to approve the signature. The authenticity of any signature is decided upon approval, which guarantees the integrity and the legal validity of the signature. Also, you can track easily the whole signature process: who signed, and when.
- Adobe Approved Trust List (AATL) program automatically certifies digital signatures as trusted when members of the AATL open a signed document. This guarantees that any digital signature created with an ID that traces back to the high-assurance certificates on this list is automatically trusted. This means enhanced security and confidence in the authenticity of digital signatures, ensuring smooth and reliable business transactions.
- As an editor for PDF, it ensures seamless sharing and viewing of documents across all platforms and devices. This compatibility fosters a smooth exchange of documents with clients and partners, enhancing professional communication.
- If your small business already uses other Adobe products, this option will seamlessly integrate with them, creating a cohesive workflow and increasing efficiency in document management.
Pricing
Adobe Acrobat Reader is free, but this version is quite limited for a small business. If you’re looking for more enhanced signature features and services, you’ll find reasonable plans:
- Acrobat Standard: $12.99/month;
- Acrobat Pro: $19.99/month;
- Acrobat for Teams: $23.99/month.
Adobe Acrobat DC
DocuSign
DocuSign is an electronic signature option emerging as the go-to software for small businesses on the fast track to success. This isn't just a tool for signing documents; it's a solution that redefines how agreements are managed, executed, and stored.
Ideal for small businesses that thrive on efficiency and speed, such as tech startups, consulting firms, or service-based enterprises, this software offers a streamlined, paperless solution. Whether you're closing deals, onboarding new staff, or managing supplier contracts, this software stands out with its ease of use and robust functionality.
Key Features and Benefits
- Offline signing capabilities enable you to sign documents even in areas with limited or no internet connectivity. This feature is handy for mobile professionals or businesses operating in remote locations. Once the connection is re-established, the signed documents automatically synchronize with the server, ensuring continuity in business processes and reducing delays due to connectivity issues.
- The user-friendly and detailed dashboard gives a comprehensive view of where each document is in the signing process, from sending to completion, including automatic reminders. This level of detail and automation in tracking provides businesses with a clear overview of workflow progress, ensuring timely completions.
- PowerForm allows businesses to create self-serve digital forms for various purposes. They can be easily distributed and filled out, streamlining the data collection process. It also reduces the time and resources spent on manual data entry, leading to a smoother, more efficient operational workflow.
- Adhering to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 508 standards, the software is accessible to a wider range of users, including those with disabilities. It fosters inclusivity, diversifying the potential customer base. This compliance also ensures businesses meet legal standards for accessibility.
Pricing
- Personal plan, for individuals with and sole proprietors with basic electronic signature needs: $10/month;
- Standard plan, for small to medium teams needing to send, sign and collaborate: $25/month;
- Business Pro, for automation and optimization with advanced features: $40/month;
Needing more features and services? They will provide you with a customized plan.
DocuSign
Dropbox Sign
DropBox Sign, formerly known as HelloSign is a good electronic signature software tailored to every small business. Its ease of use and straightforward approach make it a standout software for enterprises that prioritize efficiency and user-friendliness.
This software is an ideal match for a diverse range of small businesses, from tech startups to local retail stores, and especially for those without extensive technical support. It's particularly valuable for businesses requiring a reliable, quick, and legally bound digital signature process.
Key Features and Benefits
- Personalized signature workflow offers extensive customization options for your signature workflow. This includes the ability to attach documents, automatically send reminders to signers, change the type of signature required, and implement conditional logic within the signing process. This ensures that the signing process aligns perfectly with your business's specific needs, enhancing efficiency, and reducing the time to completion and the administrative burden of following up.
- Through the Out-of-the-box integrations with cloud storage providers, you can sign documents directly within the app, without having to switch between different applications. It is particularly beneficial for businesses that use multiple cloud services, as it ensures a seamless, secure, and efficient document signing experience across different platforms.
- You are provided with forms and templates optimized for mobile devices, ensuring a smooth and accessible signing process regardless of the device used. It’s convenient for clients and employees to sign documents from anywhere, using any device. This flexibility is especially beneficial for businesses with remote workers or those who frequently work in the field.
- DropBox Sign integrates seamlessly with popular storage solutions like Google Drive, Microsoft SharePoint, and OneDrive. It allows businesses dealing with a high volume of documents to manage and store them efficiently. It streamlines workflows by keeping all documents centralized and accessible, reducing the need for multiple storage solutions and simplifying document management.
Pricing
- Essentials, best for individuals: $174/year;
- Standard, best for small teams: $625/year.
Dropbox Sign
GetAccept
GetAccept is a good electronic signature software and CRM, tailored to meet the evolving needs of small businesses. It's more than just a software for signing documents; it's a comprehensive solution focusing on user engagement and sales enablement.
This option is ideal for businesses that engage in frequent contract negotiations, sales proposals, or any process where interactive communication is key. This software excels in not just capturing signatures but also in nurturing customer relationships through the process.
Key Features and Benefits
- The structured and efficient signing workflow allows you to define the signatories for a document. Once set, the entire process, including reminders and document sending, is automated. This feature streamlines the signing process, reducing manual intervention and minimizing errors. For small businesses, this means saving time and resources.
- Notifications are automatically sent to signers, ensuring that they complete their part of the signing process in time. It helps reduce the burden of following up on pending signatures and maintaining the momentum of business transactions. Deals and contracts are completed on time due to oversight or forgetfulness.
- Because GetAccept is a CRM, you’ll find various sales tools, enabling you to manage the entire deal process from a single interface, including digital signature, document tracking, engagement monitoring and direct communication. Deal closures are faster, no need to switch between different software, saving time and simplifying the management of sales activities.
- You can create and manage documents directly, as well as add signature fields to existing documents, forms, or contracts without having to start from scratch. Overall, it saves time and streamlines the document preparation process, making it more convenient to send out contracts and agreements for signing.
Pricing
- Essential solution, best for small teams looking for efficient contracting experience: $15/month;
- Deal Room solution, best for growing companies looking for advanced deal management capabilities: $39/month;
- Contract Room solution, best for teams focusing on creating and sending contracts at scale: $49/month;
- Full Suite solution, best to level-up the sales game with a complete plan: $79/month.
GetAccept
PandaDoc
PandaDoc is a popular software for small businesses looking for a digital signature tool to enhance overall efficiency. Whether you're an innovative tech startup, a creative agency, or a customer-focused service provider, this tool is engineered to elevate your document management game.
It's a powerful tool for creating proposals, quotes, and agreements, integrating the convenience of electronic signatures with the complexity of document management. This software excels in situations where customization, professionalism, and speed are crucial.
Key Features and Benefits
- Workflows enhance user experience in the signature process. This is achieved through an intuitive interface and automation of routine tasks. These features simplify the transition, making the shift to digital signatures seamless and efficient. It reduces manual effort and accelerates the signing process.
- Payment functionalities are integrated within the signing process, clients can sign and pay in one go. It streamlines the payment collection process, making it faster and more convenient. It's particularly beneficial for businesses that require immediate payment upon contract signing, such as consultancies or service providers.
- You can upload unlimited signatures, perfect for any small business requiring multiple signatures on a variety of documents, enhancing scalability and flexibility.
- The collaborative tools enable team members to collaborate on documents. It is useful for teams working on complex documents that require input from multiple stakeholders. It ensures that the document creation and review process is transparent, efficient, and inclusive, reducing errors and improving the overall quality.
Pricing
- Essentials solution, best for creating impressive documents that generate results: $228/year;
- Business solution, best for seamless integrations and document sending in bulk: $588/year;
Need more features and services? PandaDoc provides you with a customized plan.
PandaDoc
PDFfiller
PDFfiller is well-known as a PDF and Form editor tool, but did you know that you could also digitally sign documents? It becomes an all-in-one solution, blending simplicity with the power of comprehensive document handling, without having to download the software: it’s available on your browser!
This tool adapts to varied business needs with precision. Its ease of use and simplicity make it a perfect match for small businesses seeking to upgrade document workflows without sacrificing functionality or budget.
Key Features and Benefits
- You can sign any document with a legally binding signature, through a simple drag-and-drop feature, directly from your browser. You can The platform provides various options for creating a signature, including typing, drawing, or uploading a scanned image of a handwritten signature. It streamlines the process for small businesses, reducing the time and resources typically required for manual signing and document handling.
- As a PDF editor, PDFfiller allows for extensive editing of documents. You can add text, images, annotate, and even rearrange or delete pages within a document before signing. For small businesses, the ability to edit and manage documents at once is a significant time-saver. No need for multiple tools, enhancing productivity, especially when dealing with contracts
- Secure sharing options allow you to send documents to others for signing or review, making it easy to work together on documents. This feature fosters better collaboration and communication within teams and with external partners.
- If you need to work faster, you will benefit from integration features, as PDFfiller integrates with Google Drive, OneDrive, and even Dropbox. You can export and import directly from your preferred platform, and even sign directly from them. This ability offers small businesses flexibility and convenience in how to access and store documents.
Pricing
PDFfiller is a completely free option. 🎉
PDFfiller
SignEasy
SignEasy is an easy and efficient electronic signature tool, tailor-made for small businesses. It's an end-to-end solution for businesses that prioritize speed, simplicity, and legal compliance in the document workflows.
It’s particularly well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses across various sectors. Its intuitive design and easy-to-use functionalities make it a prime software for businesses looking for a no-frills, reliable digital signature solution.
Key Features and Benefits
- With a streamlined process for document signing, you can effortlessly upload, prepare, and send documents for electronic signatures. You can easily add signature, date, and text fields on any document. This seamless approach significantly simplifies the signing process, making it quick and efficient. You can even sign offline.
- Automated reminders are sent for unsigned documents, ensuring that signatories complete their part of the process promptly. This feature is invaluable for businesses that require timely actions on agreements and contracts, ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks.
- You can securely store and organize all electronically signed documents. This centralized system enhances organizational efficiency by keeping all important documents in one accessible place. It's especially useful for businesses looking to maintain order and accessibility in document workflows, reducing clutter and improving document retrieval times.
- SignEasy is accessible on a wide range of devices including phones, tablets, and computers, allowing signature anytime and anywhere. The app also integrates with popular cloud storage platforms and business applications, such as Dropbox, Google Drive, Gmail or Slack, allowing effortless access and management of documents and easier signature process.
Pricing
- Business Plan, best for large teams that need to streamline contract workflows at scale: $30/month;
- Business Plus Plan, if you need advanced contract workflows: $50/month.
Needing more features and services? They will provide you with a customized plan.
SignEasy
SignNow
SignNow is a reference of efficiency and security for electronic signature software, specifically engineered to enhance how companies sign documents. It's a comprehensive solution for document management tailored to the needs of small businesses.
It’s particularly advantageous for teams that require a straightforward yet robust solution for handling document signatures. The platform excels in making the signature process as simple and efficient as possible, while still upholding the highest standards of legality.
Key Features and Benefits
- Through a comprehensive toolkit, SignNow includes unlimited signers, specified role assignments, detailed signing history, and mobile-app signing capabilities. Manage every aspect of the document signing process and integrate it smoothly into existing workflows. Businesses can ensure a streamlined and efficient signing process, enhancing productivity and operational agility.
- Features like organizational dashboards provide detailed insights into the steps of the signing process and facilitate contract and agreement negotiations. It enhances team collaboration and transparency in document handling. You can easily track and manage the signing process, improving collaboration and enabling more effective communication during negotiations.
- Payment features are integrated alongside legally binding esignatures, allowing for seamless financial transactions within the document signing process. This feature gives a streamlined experience for clients and stakeholders. It's particularly beneficial for companies requiring prompt payment, thereby improving cash flow and reducing administrative workload!
- SignNow prioritizes the security of user data and documents. The platform employs mobile authentication, dual-factor authentication, and conforms to various standards, including GDPR, SOC 2 Type II, and HIPAA. This high level of security and compliance ensures that sensitive information is protected, which is crucial for maintaining trust and safeguarding business operations.
Pricing
SignNow offers 4 plans according to your business needs and budget:
- Business Plan, featuring essential digital signature functionalities: $8/month/user;
- Business Premium Plan, best for improving collaboration and electronic signature process: $15/month/user;
- Enterprise Plan, featuring advanced functionalities and workflows: $30/month/user;
- Site License Plan, the most comprehensive plan, designed for the whole company with services such as automation, integration, and flexibility: $250/month/company.
SignNow
SignWell
SignWell is known as an easy-to-use electronic signature solution, specifically made for small businesses looking for simplicity, versatility and hassle-free options.
This tool excels in environments where a streamlined and quick signing process is critical. It's designed to remove the complexities often associated with digital signatures, offering a platform that is both user-friendly and highly effective.
Key Features and Benefits
- Advanced document workflow capabilities enable you to establish complex signing workflows, complete with automatic reminders, prioritization of documents, and setting expiration dates for signatures. It’s especially beneficial for managing time-sensitive documents or coordinating multi-stage signing processes, reducing delays and improving overall workflow efficiency.
- Collaborative tools such as shared templates or real-time updates on document status facilitate teamwork and enhance coordination in document handling. It ensures consistency across company documents while keeping all team members informed about the process. This is particularly useful for teams working together on projects, ensuring everyone is on the same page and reducing the need for constant follow-ups.
- This software provides a detailed audit report and tracks the history of each document, including time stamps and full visibility of when documents were signed. It’s crucial for maintaining transparency and accountability in document management. You have a clear detailed history of document interactions, which is essential for legal compliance, and maintaining a high level of security and trust in business transactions.
- SignWell integrates with popular business applications, such as Google Drive, Slack, Trello, or Dropbox. It simplifies the workflow by allowing you to manage and sign documents within applications you already use. This means less time spent switching between different software, leading to a more streamlined and efficient workflow.
Pricing
SignWell pricing depends on the number of API documents you wish to have:
- For up to 25 API documents per month: free;
- From 50 to 475 API documents per month: from $18.75 to $268/month;
- For more than 475, they will provide you with customizable plans.
SignWell
Smallpdf
Smallpdf is quite known as a PDF editor and converter solution, but it’s also pretty good as an electronic signature software. Tailored for individuals and small companies, its versatility and simplicity make it an ideal tool for companies requiring straightforward software, no-nonsense digital document solutions.
Whether you're a boutique creative agency, a small legal firm, or a burgeoning e-commerce store, this user-friendly electronic signature solution caters to your specific digital documentation needs precisely.
Key Features and Benefits
- With a simplified digital signature process, you can easily upload and sign documents, directly on the website. The signatures obtained are also legally binding. This straightforward approach is a major advantage for businesses seeking efficiency and compliance in document signing, no more complex procedures. Those with limited technical expertise will securely and quickly sign documents.
- Smallpdf provides a comprehensive suite of PDF tools. You can convert, merge, split, and edit PDF files directly within the platform, adding signatures and signing fields. This feature streamlines the document preparation process, enhancing overall productivity and document workflow efficiency.
- You can securely store your signed documents online alongside the document management features. Small businesses can safely keep important documents accessible from anywhere. This feature is particularly useful for small businesses needing to access documents remotely or do not have extensive on-site storage resources, ensuring document security and availability.
- Through cross-device compatibility, you can sign documents from multiple devices concurrently. This flexibility is crucial for businesses operating in a mobile and dynamic environment. Team members can sign documents from anywhere, on any device, providing convenience and ensuring business continuity.
Pricing
Smallpdf is a completely free solution. 🎉
Smallpdf
Xodo Sign
Xodo Sign (formerly known as eversign) is more than just an electronic signature tool; it’s a comprehensive solution tailored to meet the needs of small businesses seeking digital cost-effectiveness and security-based software without unnecessary complications.
It’s ideal for startups and small teams who value streamlined processes and straightforward functionality. From local service providers to emerging tech startups, this option caters to a variety of expectations, offering an efficient, no-nonsense approach to digital signature.
Key Features and Benefits
- You have the flexibility to sign documents across various devices, and the way you want—mobiles, computers, tablets, and even in-person. This feature accommodates a range of signing scenarios, from remote digital signings to face-to-face interactions. This means enhanced accessibility and convenience.
- Automated Internal and client-facing signature processes streamlines the signature process by allowing you to easily designate signers and recipients, who then receive secure links to the documents requiring signatures. It speeds up the approval process, which is crucial for small businesses willing to reduce manual effort and have a quicker turnaround.
- You can upload existing PDFs and edit them to add signature fields or make corrections to the document. This feature saves time and streamlines document preparation, particularly useful for small businesses that frequently deal with contracts or forms. It also reduces the need for multiple software tools.
- The audit trail is detailed, showing the past and present transactions. It provides complete visibility into the signing process. This feature offers small businesses a high level of transparency and traceability. It's invaluable for record-keeping and compliance purposes, which is essential for legal and administrative accuracy.
Pricing
Xodo Sign is a free plan solution, though it’s quite limited (5 documents only, no template, 3 API documents). If you need more, take a look at other plans:
- Basic Plan, featuring core eSignature features, which is ideal for small teams: $9.99/month/user;
- Professional Plan, with more advanced features and for up to 5 users: $39.99/month;
- Profession Plus Plan, the most comprehensive solution perfect to boost your company's workflow, for up to 15 users: $99.99/month.
Xodo Sign (formerly eversign)
Why is Using an Electronic Signature Important for Small Business?
Time-Saving
Using electronic signature software drastically reduces the time involved in signing. Traditional methods require printing, hand-signing, and physical delivery or mailing of documents. Thanks to electronic signature tools, the process is faster and hassle-free, made possible through a few simple clicks.
It’s crucial for small businesses, as you need to focus more on core activities, client engagement, and business growth. Faster signing processes also mean quicker turnarounds on contracts and agreements, leading to accelerated business transactions and operations.
Signing Everywhere, at Anytime
Because you don’t need to be physically present, you can literally sign from anywhere, at any time, using any device with internet access. And some software allow you to sign offline! This mobility is a significant shift from the constraints of physical document signing. You could be signing from your office, your bed, or a remote beach. 🏖️
The flexibility is invaluable for small businesses, particularly when it comes to remote teams or clients. It ensures the continuity of business processes and enables swift decision-making and action, regardless of geographical constraints.
You should prioritize electronic signature software with this option.
Increased Security and Tracking
It’s legitimate to wonder if electronic signatures are safe and secured. Well, not only they are secured, but they also might be safer than traditional signatures.
Electronic signature software offers enhanced security features such as encryption and password-controlled access, ensuring the safety and confidentiality of documents. Most signatures are legally bound through the eIDAS certificate and the ESIGN Act.
Additionally, you can track signatures (who signed, when, and where). 🔐
Simplified Process
Overall, the process is simplified with the use of templates, automated reminders, integration and easy-to-follow signing steps. No matter what your level regarding technology is, it’s always quite easy to use.
It’s faster, cost-saving (because you don’t have to buy ink or papers), and adaptable to your needs. Some options don’t even require you to download software, you can either sign from your browser or other systems, like Google Drive.
How to Find the Best Electronic Signature Software? 6 Criteria
Ease of Use
First thing first! ☝️
You have to find the software tailored to your client’s and your capabilities. By prioritizing simplicity, the process will be accessible to everyone and go smoothly.
Integration
Most electronic signature software are to be integrated with other tools commonly used by small businesses, such as Trello, Google Drive, DropBox, and so on…
Take a look at compatibility regarding each software to match your working environment. Integration is the key to a smooth and easy process.
Cross Devices
Your electronic signature option should be cross-devices, so you will really be able to sign everywhere, at any time.
Look at the compatibility (iOS, Android) and the type of device supported, such as smartphones or tablets.
It’s best to sign on the go on your phone, without having to carry your laptop. I mean, who wants to use a computer on the beach? 🏄
Automation
Automation enhances efficiency by streamlining the whole signing process. No more mistakes and more consistency in document handling.
The time and effort saved are better used to grow your company, as you will be able to focus on core business activities.
With this kind of option included in your electronic signature software, say goodbye to administrative duties and off-putting tasks. 👋
Scalability and Customization
Brand identity is fundamental for any business, especially for small ones looking for visibility. You need to leave a good impression on people’s minds, right?
Through scalability and customization features, you will be able to adjust the scope of your needs as they grow, while developing your image as a company. How about customizing your documents with branding elements?
Once combined, those features ensure that your software will evolve with your business and adapt to unique operational requirements. Your clients will love dealing with you. 👨❤️👨
Pricing
No matter what you are looking for in an electronic signature solution, you need to look at your budget.
Pricing is a critical factor, especially for a cost-conscious small business. It’s important to find the right solution offering a balance between affordability and features.
Lucky you, we have plenty of free and budget-friendly solutions! 👛
Have you Chosen the Best Esignature Software for Your Small Business?
You might ask which of these electronic signature options is the best for you.
Well… The best electronic signature solution is the one tailored to your needs and your budget. Keep in mind the key criteria, these factors are crucial and will help you find the perfect software.
And if you’re still on the fence about which one is the best fit, don’t worry! We have plenty of other electronic signature options that will cater to the diverse needs of your small business.
After attaining a master's degree in translation and communication, Coralie stepped into the world of SEO and copywriting, drawn by the magic of words and the art of influencing. With her social media expertise, she effortlessly navigates digital communication. Fluent in English, Japanese and French, Coralie skillfully uses her understanding of cultural and linguistic nuances to engage a broad and diverse audience.
Fun fact: In her free time, Coralie swaps her keyboard for a game controller and an apron, indulging her passions for video games and food. She’s currently on a quest to find the best ramen in Paris. 🍜