What you need to know when choosing e-signature software

Chloe Bennet

With so many options to choose from, choosing the right one can be a path littered with potential pitfalls and setbacks. Given that you are likely trying to traverse that path, it’s useful to know some of the problems you might run into when looking for your e-signature software ahead of time, so you know what to look out for.

Here are 7 tips when choosing e-signature software:

1. Don’t skip over free trials

For some reason, free trials often come across as ‘scammy’ or suspicious. I suppose it’s the nature of the idea of it being free which instantly spreads doubt in the mind of the user. It also generally creates the fear that you will sign up for the free trial and be sucked into the paid-for full version. However, trying free software can be useful and if you’re even a tiny bit vigilant, cancelling the trial should be easy. So, take advantage of the trials.

2. Choosing low-level security options

Cybersecurity is often a very much overlooked element to all software systems. Software advances at a speed, which often outclasses software security systems. The result is some very flashy, very risky software options. Make sure that the software you choose is well secured, since, with e-signatures, taking a risk isn’t worth it.

3. Don't ignore industry standards

This is uniquely important for e-signature software and therefore can be a serious pitfall. There are local, national and global regulations for signature technology, which, if you fail to consider, will leave you with software that is pretty well useless. Example of such regulations is The Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (ECTA). Stay on top of this.

4. Select software for integration purposes

You can get yourself the slickest most effective e-signature software in the world, but if it isn’t compatible with your current software then there’s really no point in it. Discovering if your e-signature software is going to work with the other software you are already running is going to be a far easier and a less painful task than having to change other software to the e-signature software you’ve just invested in. Other applications to be aware of when making your choice include Google Suite, Dropbox, Microsoft Suite (including OneDrive) and more.

5. Consider long term

Being up-to-date in today’s market means looking ten years ahead, particularly when it comes to technology. You’re not going to be able to effectively get e-signature software without considering its potential for technologies which are only just being introduced in the mainstream, like virtual reality for an example.

6. Underestimating the breadth of range

In beginning your search, you’ll likely come across some very affordable options. Don’t always jump at the cheaper options. These inexpensive solutions won’t last and may not even work in the short term. Make a well informed, cost-benefit balanced decision.

7. Consider usability

If you are employing the use of e-signature software, you must consider the user experience. However, in some cases, this is all that matters. One of the biggest elements to ‘usability’ in today’s industry is mobile compatibility. So much is done through smartphones, tablets and even touch screen laptops that not optimising for mobile is software suicide. Failing to consider this could be lethal.

Conclusion

There is a whole wealth of options in this industry to choose from, which, whilst creating a problem of its own, gives you an opportunity to make the best possible choice. By checking this list in advance you should find yourself well on the way to successfully tracking down the best software for you.