Around here, we take pride in doing things ourselves. Whether it’s fixing a fence, running a business, or keeping the family schedule straight, country living has always meant being resourceful and making the most of what we’ve got.
But being self-sufficient doesn’t mean we have to do things the hard way all the time. While we still respect the way our parents and grandparents got things done, technology now gives us tools that make daily life smoother, safer, and a little less hectic.
Apps have become some of the most powerful tools in that toolbox, helping us monitor our property, keep an eye on livestock, manage small businesses, or just stay organized at home. And with a reliable fiber internet connection from Geneseo Communications, all those tools work exactly how they should: fast and dependable, without any snags or hangups.
Home and Smart Living
Your home is your command center, and smart apps make managing it easier than ever.
- Smart thermostat apps, like Google Nest or Ecobee, let you adjust heating and cooling remotely or on a schedule, helping you conserve energy and save on bills. That’s especially handy if you’re out following kids to sporting events or checking on livestock and want to come home to a warm house.
- Smart home appliance apps work with bulbs, plugs, and devices so you can automate routines, like turning lights on at sunset or shutting off the coffee maker after you’ve left for work.
- Security apps, such as Ring, Arlo, or Eufy, let you monitor the security camera feeds on doors, driveways, or barns right from your phone. While rural crime rates are lower than in big cities, it still brings peace of mind knowing you can check your property anytime, anywhere.
Farm and Property Management
Farmers have always been innovators, and today’s apps are just another way to make the work more efficient.
- Weather and soil monitoring apps including FarmLogs and Weather Underground, help you track rainfall, temperature, and field conditions in real time.
- Irrigation and livestock tracking apps such as Rachio Smart Sprinkler or RangeView simplify watering schedules or let you track grazing activity.
- Mapping and land management tools like OnX Hunt, LandGlide, and Regrid help visualize property lines, timber regions, crop zones, or hunting areas with GPS precision.
- And of course, Google Earth remains a favorite for reviewing your land from above, tracking changes over time, or spotting points of interest around your property.
Small Business
Many small-town entrepreneurs wear a lot of hats, including owner, manager, accountant, and marketer, often all from a laptop at the kitchen table. Apps help rural entrepreneurs save time, reach more customers, and manage operations efficiently, even in areas with limited tech infrastructure.
- Point-of-Sale and inventory apps like Square and Shopify POS help you process sales, manage stock, and track revenue wherever your customers are.
- Stay in touch with employees or contractors using communication and collaboration platforms, such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom.
- Tools like QuickBooks, Wave, and FreshBooks simplify bookkeeping, invoicing, and tax prep, all while keeping records accurate.
- Hootsuite, Buffer, Canva, and Mailchimp make it easy to manage marketing across multiple channels from social media to email campaigns.
Organization and Personal Productivity
Life doesn’t slow down just because you live a little farther from town. These apps help keep your household (and your sanity) running smoothly.
- Shared calendars and task apps, including Cozi and Google Calendar, keep everyone on the same page for practices, appointments, and projects.
- Reminders and habit trackers, such as Todoist and Focus Friend, help you remember what’s next and stay motivated and on task.
- Budget and expense trackers, like RocketMoney, YNAB, and Mint, make it easier to plan for big purchases or balance budgets.
- Health and wellness apps such as Fitbit, MyFitnessPal, Medisafe, or SleepCycle help you manage your fitness, diet, medications, or sleep. They can help motivate you to stay on top of personal goals (after all, taking care of yourself is part of taking care of your family!).
Our Favorite Apps
Some of our team members shared their go-to apps that make life simpler:
- Bridgett, Marketing: “Anything that has to do with baby! The Nanit and Hatch apps allow me to control the nursery without being in the room. Makes my mom heart settle while I’m away.”
- Ryan, Accounting: “I utilize Sport Engine the most. As a Volleyball Club Director, it makes it easier to communicate with parents and coaches, while being able to check schedules for each team I oversee. I wouldn’t have a successful Volleyball Club without it.”
- Allyson, Customer Service Rep: “Amazon. I can find the items I need for cheaper than some stores, and I like that I can get things quickly.”
There’s an App (and a Connection) for That
Even in rural areas, technology can make life a little easier, but apps are only as good as the connection that supports them. Whether you’re managing a household, running a business, or tending to your land, Geneseo Communications’ fiber internet gives you the speed and reliability you need to make the most of today’s tech tools.