7 Best Digital Signature Solutions for Small Businesses

Do you ever feel buried under stacks of paper, endlessly printing, signing, and scanning documents? 

For many small businesses, traditional paper-based signatures can be a real headache. They take up valuable time, cost money for printing and postage, and can even be a security risk. In fact, studies show that managing paper documents costs US businesses $8 billion every year.

So, if you’re searching for the best digital signature for your business, we’ve got you covered. We’ve done the legwork and rounded up the top digital signature solutions for small businesses. We’ll break down their features, pros, cons, and pricing to help you make an informed decision. 

Top Digital Signature Software for Small Businesses

Choosing the right digital signature software can feel overwhelming with so many options available. To help you out, we’ve reviewed some of the top choices for small businesses. We’ll cover what makes each one stand out and where it might not fit everyone.

1. FillFaster

For small businesses looking for a straightforward, powerful, and budget-friendly digital signature solution, FillFaster is our top recommendation. It’s designed with your needs in mind, focusing on making the signing process as simple as possible without cutting corners on important features or security.

FillFaster truly shines with its easy-to-use interface. You don’t need to be tech-savvy to send out documents for signature or sign them yourself. This means you and your team can start using it quickly with minimal training, saving you time and hassle.

Key Features:

• User-friendly interface: Easy to learn and use for everyone in your team.
• Affordable pricing plans: Designed to fit the budget of small to medium-sized businesses. The Basic plan starts at $9.99 per month (billed annually), offering 40 submissions and 5 templates. A free plan is also available for testing with 5 submissions.
• Strong security: FillFaster uses advanced encryption and security measures to protect your documents. 
• Excellent customer support: Help is available when you need it, ensuring smooth operations.
• Template creation: Easily create reusable templates for your most common documents, like contracts or onboarding forms. This saves a lot of time. FillFaster also has its own Template Library for some of the most common documents. 
• Integrations with common business tools: Connects with popular tools you already use, such as Monday and Make.

Best Used For: Small to medium-sized businesses looking for a complete and affordable solution that prioritizes ease of use and has all the necessary features to streamline document signing.

Things to Consider: While FillFaster offers comprehensive features for small businesses, huge enterprises with highly complex, niche integration needs might look at options with broader enterprise-level offerings. However, for most small and medium businesses, FillFaster provides exceptional value and functionality.

2. DocuSign

DocuSign is a household name in the digital signature space. It’s often seen as the industry standard due to its extensive features and long-standing presence.

Key Features:

• Market leader: DocuSign has a huge user base and is widely recognized.
• Extensive feature set: It offers a vast array of tools, from basic signing to complex workflow automation.
• Robust security: Provides strong security and compliance features for highly sensitive documents.

Best Used For: Businesses of all sizes, especially those that need advanced features, highly customized workflows, and a wide range of integrations.

Things to Consider: For small businesses, DocuSign’s pricing can be significantly higher than other options, especially when you need access to its more advanced features. Its vast array of features can also feel overwhelming if you only need basic signing capabilities.

3. Adobe Sign

Adobe Acrobat Sign is part of the larger Adobe ecosystem, which makes it a natural choice for businesses already using other Adobe products like Acrobat Pro or Creative Cloud.

Key Features:

• Seamless integration with the Adobe ecosystem: Works perfectly with other Adobe products, simplifying workflows if you’re already an Adobe user.
• Strong security: Offers enterprise-grade security and compliance.
• Wide range of features: Includes tools for preparing documents, sending for signature, and managing agreements.

Best Used For: Businesses heavily invested in Adobe software. If your team already uses Adobe Acrobat for PDFs, this integration can be a big plus.

Things to Consider: While powerful, Adobe Acrobat Sign can be more complex to navigate for new users compared to simpler platforms. Its pricing can also be on the higher side, especially if you don’t fully utilize its integration with other Adobe products.

4. PandaDoc

PandaDoc stands out because it combines document creation and e-signature capabilities into one platform. This is particularly useful if you frequently create proposals, quotes, or contracts that need to be signed.

Key Features:

• Combines document generation and e-signature: Create professional documents and get them signed, all within the same tool.
• Template library: Offers a rich library of templates for various business documents.
• Workflow automation: Helps automate the approval and signing process for documents.

Best Used For: Sales-driven businesses, marketing teams, or any business that needs to create, send, and get signatures on proposals, quotes, and contracts regularly.

Things to Consider: PandaDoc’s strength is its document generation, which might mean a higher cost if you only need a basic e-signature solution. Its interface might also feel more geared towards sales and document creation rather than just simple signing.

5. HelloSign (Dropbox Sign)

HelloSign, now known as Dropbox Sign, is recognized for its user-friendly interface and its strong integration with Dropbox. If your business already relies on Dropbox for file storage, this solution might be a good fit.

Key Features:

• User-friendly interface: Known for being very intuitive and easy to use.
• Seamless integration with Dropbox: Allows you to sign documents directly from your Dropbox account.
• Focus on simplicity: Designed for a straightforward signing experience.

Best Used For: Businesses that prioritize ease of use and are already using Dropbox for file storage. It’s great for quick, simple signing needs.

Things to Consider: While simple and easy to use, HelloSign might lack some of the more advanced features or deep integrations that larger or more complex businesses might require compared to some of its competitors. Its features can be more limited in its lower-tier plans.

6. SignNow

SignNow offers a solid set of features at a competitive price point, making it an attractive option for small businesses looking for value. It focuses on speed and efficiency in the signing process.

Key Features:

• Affordable pricing: Generally more budget-friendly than some of the market leaders.
• Good feature set for the price: Provides essential e-signature tools without unnecessary complexity.
• Focus on speed and efficiency: Designed to make sending and signing documents quick.

Best Used For: Small businesses and individuals looking for a cost-effective digital signature solution that still delivers on core features and efficiency.

Things to Consider: While it offers good value, SignNow’s user interface might not be as polished or intuitive as some of its higher-priced competitors. Some advanced features might require higher-tier plans.

7. Zoho Sign

Zoho Sign is part of the extensive Zoho suite of business applications, which includes CRM, accounting, and project management tools. If your business already uses other Zoho products, Zoho Sign offers a tightly integrated experience.

Key Features:

• Integration with the Zoho suite: Works seamlessly with other Zoho apps, creating a unified business ecosystem.
• Affordable pricing: Offers competitive pricing plans, especially when bundled with other Zoho services.
• Range of features: Provides standard e-signature features like audit trails, templates, and mobile access.

Best Used For: Businesses that are already invested in the Zoho ecosystem and want a digital signature solution that integrates perfectly with their existing tools.

Things to Consider: If you’re not already a Zoho user, the benefits of its integrations might not apply as strongly. While it’s a good all-around solution, businesses needing highly specialized or unique features might look elsewhere. Also, some advanced features like bulk sending might require additional “credits” or higher-tier plans.

Key Features to Look for in a Digital Signature Solution for Small Businesses

When you’re choosing a digital signature solution for your small business, it’s easy to get lost in all the options out there. 

How do you know what truly matters for your business? 

This section will help you understand the most important things to keep an eye on. Think of this as your personal checklist to find that perfect fit!

Ease of Use and User Interface

Have you ever tried to get your team to use a new software that was just plain complicated? It’s a tough sell, right? 

That’s why an intuitive, user-friendly interface is super important. 

The best digital signature tools are so simple that anyone, even if they’re not a tech wizard, can quickly figure out how to send documents for signing or sign them themselves. This means less head-scratching, quicker adoption for your team, and more time saved. Look for clear buttons, simple steps, and a clean, uncluttered look.

Security and Compliance

When you’re dealing with important papers, like contracts or agreements, keeping them safe is a big deal. You want to be sure your signatures are the real deal and that no one can mess with your documents after they’re signed.

Here’s what to look for:

• Strong Encryption: This sounds techy, but it just means your documents are locked up tight with a super-secret code. Look for something called “AES-256” encryption. It’s like putting your documents in a digital Fort Knox, both when they’re sitting there and when they’re being sent.
• Legal Compliance: Your digital signatures need to be legally valid. Make sure the solution complies with key legal standards such as the ESIGN Act and UETA in the United States, and eIDAS in the European Union. These laws ensure digital signatures have the same legal weight as traditional paper signatures.
• Audit Trails: An audit trail is a detailed record of every action taken on a document, including who viewed it, who signed it, and when. This provides a clear history, which is important for legal proof.
• Tamper-Evident Documents: This feature ensures that once a document is signed, any changes made afterward are immediately noticeable. It’s like having a seal on your document that breaks if someone tries to alter it.
• Identity Verification: How does the software confirm who is signing? Look for options like email verification, two-factor authentication (where you need a code from your phone, for example), or even more advanced methods for very sensitive documents.

Cost-Effectiveness and Pricing Models

Budget is always a big concern for small businesses, right? Digital signature solutions come with different pricing structures, and understanding them helps you choose wisely.

• How They Charge (Per User vs. Per Document vs. Tiered Plans): Some services charge you per person per month, while others might charge based on how many documents you send out. Then there are “tiered plans” where you pay more for more features.
• Finding Scalability: Choose a solution that can grow with your business. You don’t want to switch platforms in a year because your needs outgrew your current one, nor do you want to pay for features you don’t need right now. Look for plans that offer flexibility as your business expands. How many documents do you expect to sign in a month or a year? This will help you pick a plan that doesn’t hit you with unexpected costs.

Integrations with Existing Software

Your business probably uses other software everyday, maybe a CRM system to manage customer information, an accounting program for invoices, or cloud storage for all your files. A great digital signature solution should connect easily with these tools.

Why are integrations important? They create a smooth workflow. Imagine creating a contract in your CRM, sending it for signature directly from there, and then having the signed document automatically saved back to your cloud storage. This saves you time, reduces manual steps, and helps prevent errors. 

Mobile Accessibility

In today’s world, business doesn’t just happen at a desk. You, your team, and your clients might need to sign documents while on the go, from a phone or tablet. So, mobile accessibility is a must-have feature. Does the solution offer a mobile app, or is its website easy to use on a mobile browser? Being able to sign documents from anywhere, at any time, can significantly speed up your business processes.

Template Creation and Workflow Automation

Do you find yourself sending the same types of documents again and again? Think new client agreements, employee onboarding forms, or standard contracts. If so, you’ll absolutely love template creation and workflow automation features.

• Templates: Create pre-built templates for your most common documents. This means you just fill in the unique details, and the rest of the document is ready to go. No more copying and pasting or recreating documents from scratch.
• Workflow Automation: Some solutions let you set up automated steps for your documents. For example, after a person signs a contract, it automatically gets stored in the CRM. This saves a lot of manual effort and makes sure nothing falls through the cracks.

Customer Support

Even with the easiest software, you might have a question or need a little help now and then. That’s when having good customer support becomes a true lifesaver. Look for companies that offer quick and helpful support through different ways, like online chat, email, or even by phone. Knowing that friendly help is just a click or call away can really give you peace of mind.

Comparison Table: Digital Signature Solutions for Small Businesses

To help you quickly compare some of the top digital signature solutions we’ve discussed, here’s a handy table. It breaks down how FillFaster and a few other strong contenders stack up against each other based on key features important to small businesses.

Feature / Solution	FillFaster	DocuSign	Adobe Acrobat Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign (Dropbox Sign)
Ease of Use	Excellent	Very Good	Good	Very Good	Excellent
Pricing (SMB Focus)	Highly Competitive (Starts $9.99/month, Free plan available)	Higher (Starts $10/month, higher for teams)	Mid-High (Starts $12.99/month for individuals)	Competitive (Free eSign, $19/user/month for Starter)	Competitive (Starts $15/user/month)
Security & Compliance	High	High	High	High	High
Integrations	Extensive	Extensive	Extensive	Good	Good
Mobile App	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Template Library	Extensive	Extensive	Good	Extensive	Good
Unique Selling Point	Optimized for SMB workflow & value	Market Leader, broad features	Seamless Adobe Ecosystem Integration	Document Generation & eSign	User-Friendly, Dropbox Integration

How to Implement a Digital Signature Solution in Your Small Business

So, you’ve picked out the perfect digital signature solution. That’s a great step. But how do you actually get it up and running in your small business smoothly? It’s not as complicated as it might seem. Here’s a simple guide to help you integrate your new tool.

Assess Your Needs

Before you even sign up for a trial, take a moment to think about how your business currently handles signatures.

• What documents do you sign most often? Are they contracts, invoices, HR forms, or something else?
• How many documents do you sign in a week or month? This helps you understand the volume you’ll be dealing with.
• Who needs to sign documents? Is it just you, your team, or mostly clients?
• What other software do you currently use? Think about your CRM, accounting tools, or cloud storage. Knowing this will help you pick a solution that plays well with your existing setup.

Understanding your current process will make it much easier to choose the right features and get everyone on board.

Trial and Evaluate

Almost every good digital signature provider offers a free trial. This is your chance to really test it out and see if it’s a good fit.

• Test the features: Don’t just look at the sales page; actually try sending a document for signature, creating a template, and seeing how the audit trail works.
• Get your team involved: Have a few key team members try it out. Their feedback on ease of use will be very valuable. Does it feel intuitive to them?
• Try signing from different devices: Test it on a computer, a tablet, and a smartphone to make sure it works well everywhere you need it to.
• Imagine your daily flow: Can you see how this tool would make your everyday tasks easier?

This trial period is your opportunity to make sure the solution you picked truly meets your needs before you commit.

Train Your Team

Once you’ve made your choice, clear communication and a little bit of training go a long way. Your team might be used to the old paper-based way, so a smooth transition is important. 

• Explain the “Why”: Help your team understand why the business is making this change. Talk about the benefits – saving time, reducing paper, improving security.
• Provide simple training: You don’t need a massive seminar. Often, a short online meeting, a quick “how-to” guide, or even a video tutorial from the software provider is enough.
• Be available for questions: Encourage your team to ask questions and provide quick answers. Show them how easy it is. Maybe even hold a brief Q&A session.

Making sure your team feels comfortable with the new system will help them adopt it quickly.

Update Workflows

Digital signatures will change some of your existing processes, usually for the better.

• Map out new steps: Think about how documents currently move through your business. Now, how will they move with digital signatures? For example, instead of printing a contract, will you now upload it and send it directly from the software?
• Identify bottlenecks: Are there any parts of your current process that slow things down? Digital signatures can often remove these hurdles.
• Simplify: Look for opportunities to streamline steps. Maybe a document that used to go through three different departments for physical signatures can now be signed by everyone in sequence online.

Adapting your workflows means you get the most out of your new digital signature solution.

Communicate with Clients/Partners

Finally, let your clients and partners know about the switch. This helps them know what to expect.

• Send a heads-up email: A simple email explaining that you’re moving to digital signatures and what that means for them can prevent confusion.
• Reassure them about security: Let them know that the new method is secure and and valid.
• Offer guidance: If they have questions about how to sign digitally, be ready to provide simple instructions or point them to the software’s help resources.

Most people are familiar with digital signatures these days, so this step is usually quite easy.

Streamline Your Operations with the Right Digital Signature

We’ve talked a lot about digital signatures, and hopefully, you now see just how much they can help a small business like yours. By moving away from endless paper trails, you can really boost your efficiency, save money, and make your document processes much more secure. 

Remember, the goal is to find a solution that fits your specific needs. Look for something that’s easy for everyone to use, keeps your documents super secure, and offers good value for your money. Think about how it will connect with the tools you already use every day.

For many small and medium-sized businesses, FillFaster stands out as a top choice. Its focus on being easy to use, its affordable pricing, and its solid set of features really make it a strong contender for simplifying your document workflows.

Ready to Transform Your Business?

Don’t let outdated paper processes slow you down. Experience the efficiency, security, and professionalism that a top-tier digital signature solution like FillFaster can bring to your small business.

Start Your Free Trial of FillFaster Today!