Business Plan Pro vs. LivePlan: definitive summary of 2022
Planning your business is a difficult process, whether your business is small, medium or large. There are so many processes that need to be managed that it can be difficult for us humans to keep everything under control!
That's why Palo Alto Software has created two very powerful business planning tools for entrepreneurs around the world. Both come with sophisticated mechanisms to generate daily, weekly, monthly and yearly financial reports for your business.
Included templates and video tutorials will help you understand how these reports are generated. With that being said, you can learn how to become the best entrepreneur as you go!
In this review, we take an in-depth look at both programs and come to our conclusion about their functionality and performance.
Based on our review, we believe that LivePlan is more advanced and functional organizational planning software as compared to Business Plan Pro in terms of customer service, supported languages, reporting features, step by step instructions, received awards, import file management, operating system file compatibility, and platform design.
Do you want to judge the truth for yourself? So let's get through this latest review together!
Key software features
When we talk about the key features of business planning software, we think about ease of use, easy instructions, privacy protection, proper content management, accurate data generation, language preferences, and ongoing support. to the client.
Do you think Business Plan Pro or LivePlan can meet all these criteria to help business owners succeed in the industry? We can only find out by going through the main features that have been mentioned here in each software.
Business Plan Pro - Resources
price since$ 99
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- different plans
- lesson tutorials
- money back guarantee
- language settings
- improvement areas
Business Plan Pro is business planning software designed to help entrepreneurs run their businesses by creating and following marketing plans. This is software every entrepreneur should have to conduct key industry research, analyze market trends, and strategize to achieve business goals.
- different plans
The standard version of Business Plan Pro can create financial forecasts, industry profiles, exportable business plans and comprehensive financial reports. On the other hand, the Premier version includes all the features of the Standard version plus financing tools, management panel and cash flow scenarios.
- lesson tutorials
There are currently no specific tutorials available for data entry and reporting in Business Plan Pro. In the past, the software had a customer support team to help customers, but now even that feature is gone.
As a result, you have to rely on third-party tutorials to find out how to use the tool. However, the software offers advice on using the platform after purchase. However, you will not receive ongoing developer support.
- money back guarantee
Even if you're not quite ready to commit to this business management tool, it's backed by a 60-day money-back guarantee! If the software doesn't work for you, feel free to return it to the developer.
- language settings
Business Plan Pro is best suited for graphing and forecasting and is available in 5 languages including English, German, French, Spanish and Italian.
- improvement areas
Still, this software can improve some of its features to compete with other business planning tools in the market. It may include a step-by-step wizard, investor management, social sharing, customer support and other collaboration tools.
live plan
price since$ 15
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- lesson tutorials
- money back guarantee
- language settings
- improvement areas
- Customer service
Developed by Palo Alto Software, LivePlan is yet another management development tool built on a cloud platform. The tool promises to help you write a solid business plan in half the time and backs it up with video tutorials and examples.
In fact, the Palo Alto Software team is more willing to invest and expand in LivePlan than the Business Plan Pro team. This software has been awarded as:
- Most Powerful Budgeting Software From Capterra 2022 Shortlist
- Top Performing Financial Reporting Software on Capterra 2021 Shortlist
- Popular budgeting software on the rise in Capterra 2021 shortlist
main properties
However, the main features of LivePlan include fundraising management, social sharing, walkthrough assistant, pitch presentation, investor management, financial models, financial modeling, dashboard and collaboration tools.
As you enter data into the software, the step-by-step process makes it easy for newcomers to get started with organizational and financial management. Data entry can also interact with each other tracking all the information and showing the impacts in reports.
- lesson tutorials
In addition, a comprehensive instructional video tutorial is available on YouTube to freely learn how to use the tool within a period of 1 hour. Below is the video recorded by Tim Berry to watch.
- money back guarantee
LivePlan also offers a 35- or 60-day money-back guarantee to customers, depending on which site you purchased it from. Organizational management can be difficult for people who have never attended business school. For this reason, money back guarantee is available.
- language settings
You don't need to be a complete English speaker to use LivePlan. The software currently supports 6 languages i.e. US English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German and Italian. You can generate the report in your language and let the report generation software convert it to another language!
- improvement areas
Although LivePlan appears to be an invincible tool that can handle everything, it has its own limitations. Without a stable internet connection, you cannot use this tool on your PC. Without a mobile app installed, lack of portability is an issue.
Also, you cannot use this program for large companies. Therefore, as your organization grows, you must switch to other management planning software.
- Customer service
Customer support and step-by-step video tutorials are not available in Business Plan Pro, but they are available in LivePlan. There are documents, webinars and tutorials for entrepreneurs who want to learn how to use the administration tool correctly.
Unless you are a financial expert, it can be difficult to understand some of the terms commonly used in the market and industry. So be prepared to familiarize yourself with these terms; otherwise, you will struggle to use this valuable tool correctly.
price comparison
In this section, we look at the price comparison of Business Plan Pro and LivePlan, both developed by Palo Alto Software. Although they have the same developer, there are significant differences between them.
Let's see which pricing plan is right for your organization's needs!
Businessplan Pro
With Business Plan Pro, you only need to buy the software once and no subscription payments are required. If you already know the benefits of the Pro Business Plan, get the software now and you won't have to worry about anything later!
LivePlan
You can use LivePlan services if you pay $20 for the software each month. This might seem cheap at first glance. But when you compare the annual cost with Business Plan Pro, LivePlan is more expensive. The annual cost of LivePlan is $240.
LivePlan is a better plan for you if you want to test the waters by purchasing the monthly subscription plans. You can opt out if you believe the software is no longer working for you.
Software quality and cost-effectiveness
As Business Plan Pro and LivePlan were developed by the same developer, you will find many similar features in the tools. Regardless, the differences are also noticeable if you do your job correctly.
So we have to really look into the features of each software to be able to make a statement about the quality of the software and value for money.
Businessplan Pro
As updates and customer support are no longer available in Business Plan Pro, you must work with the elements and templates that are already present in the purchased software. It's a desktop program that runs on Windows only, but it can help you strategize, manage, and blast your way to the top.
Intended to guide new entrepreneurs, the software provides step-by-step instructions on how to create a business strategy. You can follow the management templates and get answers to the most important questions about the software.
However, one of the best features of organizational planning software is its easy-to-use platform. The software has over 500 sample business plans from top companies in the industry, so you can follow suit when you run into sticky situations!
In addition, the software includes marketing tools to help you analyze different industry profiles so that you can compare your company's performance in a target market.
[Professional market analysis business plan]
[Pro Profit and Loss Business Plan]
LivePlan
LivePlan also has the same background and features as Business Plan Pro. However, there are additional advantages to using this organizational planning tool over others.
If you are a budding entrepreneur, this is the software to help you create professional organization strategies that remain 100% safe and accessible at all times.
The software will help you create your perfect proposal from 10 fully customizable templates. You can also import your financial information from QuickBooks and Xero!
Also, the lock feature of the management planning software is very useful as it instantly saves all the data you are working on to prevent information loss. This feature also prevents your employees from working in the same section.
[LivePlan financial data generation]
[LivePlan Finanzprognose]
Key benefits: Business Plan Pro and LivePlan
We learned a lot about the basic features, software quality, and pricing for Business Plan Pro and LivePlan. Now that you have a decent idea of these two programs, here is a list of the benefits of each to jog your memory.
Businessplan Pro
- Works on Windows PC and Mac.
- Being on the market since 1991, this program has more industry experience compared to LivePlan which is relatively new.
- With Business Plan Pro, there is no recurring payment. Just buy a cheap one and then you're set for life!
- Regardless of whether you purchase the standard version or the major version, you are eligible for a 60-day money-back guarantee offer.
- Get tons of educational content from business expert Tim Berry while using this program for business success!
- The program will help you create a strategic and marketing roadmap for your business.
- You save money because you don't have to hire expensive staff to create your strategy, marketing and financial reports.
- You can update previous business plans to keep up with changing times.
LivePlan
- You can create all kinds of reports for your business without hiring expensive employees.
- The program's default engine creates accurate forecasts and reports.
- Step by step instructions are provided through video tutorials so you don't get confused with the software.
- This tool is everything you need to finance, plan, manage and take your business to the next level.
- You can sync Xero, Quickbooks and Excel with LivePlan to extract actual accounting data without doing it manually.
- The presentations and reports generated by the program can be shared with investors, creditors and your team members for strategic planning.
Main cons: Business Plan Pro and LivePlan
Now let's see all the disadvantages of using LivePlan and Business Plan Pro services.
Businessplan Pro
- Many new business owners can't answer the questions the software asks. Therefore, the business plan remains incomplete.
- Software jargon such as investment proposal and break-even analysis are very difficult for some inexperienced entrepreneurs to understand.
- Unlike LivePlan, Business Plan Pro is not cloud based and cannot be accessed from anywhere.
- This business planning software is Windows compatible only. So if you are using another operating system then you will not be able to use its services.
- The software's design is not as modern and simple as LivePlan's design.
- There are currently no apps available for this software.
- Updates and customer support are no longer available for Business Plan Pro.
- You can use this program in 5 languages.
LivePlan
- No matter how efficient LivePlan is, being a cloud-based platform, it has one big drawback. You cannot use it without a good internet connection.
- You must create a new business plan using the provided templates as you cannot replicate existing organizational strategies.
- You may not be able to unsubscribe after logging into the business management software.
- The software mechanism can be too complex for ordinary business people to understand.
- No mobile apps were developed for this software.
- Unlike Business Plan Pro, large companies cannot use LivePlan services.
- It is available in 6 languages.
General comparison between BusinessPlanPro and LivePlan
Despite all the similarities between the two business planning programs, there are also differences that cannot be ignored. If you want an in-depth look at the features of these two programs, this comparison chart can give you an instant idea of which one to buy!
| Businessplan Pro | LivePlan | |
|---|---|---|
| price fixing | $159 single payment | $20 per month |
| $240 per year | ||
| cloud base | NO | Y |
| easy to use | Simply | Difficult |
| application | NO | NO |
| money back guarantee | 60 ceilings | 60 ceilings |
| Operating system compatibility | only windows | Windows e Mac |
| Suitable for large companies. | Y | NO |
| Project | Old school | Modern |
| import files | MS Excel e QuickBooks | QuickBooks, MS Excel e Xero |
| language available | English, Spanish, Italian, French and German | American English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German and Italian |
| Step by step video tutorials | Not available | Accessible |
Conclusion: So, LivePlan or Business Plan Pro?
So our final verdict is that LivePlan is a better business planning software than Business Plan Pro, especially in terms of customer service via live chat or phone number, more languages supported, reporting features, importing files, platform design, step by step . Step-by-step wizard for tutorials, operating system compatibility and number of awards received.
In short, LivePlan trumps Business Plan Pro in terms of pricing structure, functionality, customer support, and guides. Also, you must have at least some business knowledge if you want to use any of these software. Otherwise, this software is not designed for fools!
common questions
Is LivePlan better than Business Plan Pro when it comes to security?
In terms of security, both LivePlan and Business Plan Pro are excellent. With all these tools, chances of losing your data are minimal if you save it correctly. Also, LivePlan has a better mechanism to save the data immediately after entering it.
Which is better: Business Plan Pro or LivePlan?
After conducting a thorough analysis of the performance of these tools, we believe that LivePlan is a better organizational planning software because it offers supportive customer service, step-by-step tutorials on how to use the software, and it keeps all your data in a cloud. the platform saves. and supports more languages than Business Plan Pro.
Is there other business planning software like LivePlan and Business Plan Pro?
Yes, LivePlan and Business Plan Pro have a lot of competition in the strategic management software market. Its rivals are Planful, Vena, Causal, Jirav, Spendesk, Aha!, IdeaBuddy and many more.
What kind of businesses are Business Plan Pro and LivePlan suitable for?
Both Business Plan Pro and LivePlan are suitable for most types of businesses that require proper financial and strategic management to function. Business Plan Pro can be used for companies of any size. However, LivePlan can only be used for small and medium-sized organizations.
How many employees can access and use LivePlan at the same time?
LivePlan can be used by 2 collaborators and an unlimited number of guests. Due to this, you can share your data with your colleagues, collaborators and partners without blocking the system! Guests can view and comment, but collaborators can access and edit everything!
How do I find a sample plan in Business Plan Pro?
Business Plan Pro has a database of 500 sample plans that you can access by clicking the Sample Plans icon at the top of the window. For examples and brainstorming, you will surely find a sample offer close to your desired business project.
Vonjennifer broflowski
updatedSeptember 5, 2022
reviewed by Max Zabairatskii
Advertiser Disclosure
The article may contain sources that link to our partner services or blogs. And because we work with them, we can earn commissions when you buy one of their products or services. you can learn itHere.
FAQs
Is it worth paying for a business plan? ›
When you're starting or growing a business, it's important to have a clear plan in place. Writing a business plan can help you outline your goals and sales strategies, and it can be a valuable tool when seeking funding from potential investors such as venture capitalists or a bank loan.
What is a best business plan? ›Good business plans should include an executive summary and sections on products and services, marketing strategy and analysis, financial planning, and a budget.
Is business plan for new business? ›You'll use your business plan as a roadmap for how to structure, run, and grow your new business. It's a way to think through the key elements of your business. Business plans can help you get funding or bring on new business partners. Investors want to feel confident they'll see a return on their investment.
What is a disadvantage of a business plan? ›Your business plan can cause you to stop looking outward. Sometimes, especially in business, you need to be reactive to market conditions. If you focus too much on your original business plan, you might make mistakes that can be costly or miss golden opportunities because they weren't in the plan.
What should you avoid in a business plan? ›- Not making one. As an entrepreneur, surely you're more excited about doing the thing you want to do that writing a plan about it. ...
- Being unrealistic. ...
- Poor executive summary. ...
- Too long. ...
- Not backing up what you say. ...
- Not focusing on the team, and your role as the head. ...
- Sloppy mistakes.
- Start-Up or Refocusing Plan.
- The Annual Growth Plan.
- Scenario Planning.
A five-year plan should cover your business's current functions and practices, as well as its goals. This includes your goals for marketing, operations and finances. Review your past financial results and sales data, and use that help to predict future growth.
What is the most difficult business plan? ›“The most difficult part of writing a business plan is the financial section. It is difficult to project figures on a brand-new business with, possibly, a brand-new concept. There is not roadmap, no one to follow. The best you can do is find a similar company and try to gauge what they are making.”
What's the biggest mistake you can make when preparing a business plan? ›One of the biggest mistakes made in business plans are unrealistic financial projections. The assumption that a start-up business will immediately be profitable is often a naive mistake made by beginning entrepreneurs. Most start-up companies should anticipate being “in the red” for at least the first year of business.
What comes first business plan or LLC? ›Once you've decided that an LLC is a good fit for your business, you should start by creating a business plan (although it is not required), so that you have a roadmap for what you're going to do and how you're going to do it.
What comes after a business plan? ›
Market research analysis. Description of organisation and management. A description of service or product line. Sales and marketing strategy.
Why do business plans fail? ›The biggest reason that they fail is that the action elements are not applied, monitored regularly or refined when required. This results in lack of focus and direction. It also results in lack of energy…if actions aren't being completed then nothing can be achieved.”
Why do some most business plans fail? ›1 – Lack of planning – Businesses fail because of the lack of short-term and long-term planning. Your plan should include where your business will be in the next few months to the next few years. Include measurable goals and results. The right plan will include specific to-do lists with dates and deadlines.
Why do entrepreneurs fail to write a business plan? ›Some entrepreneurs fail to write business plans because they don't want to test their ideas too much, for fear they won't withstand the scrutiny. Taken seriously, a business plan will show that some businesses should not be started, a possibility some entrepreneurs don't want to confront.
Which 3 are the best C's to include in a business plan? ›These three C's include: (1) having a concept of what your business is all about; (2) identifying who your customer or client will be; and (3) figuring out how the cash flow in your business will actually work.
What are 10 common business mistakes? ›- Not Creating a Business Plan.
- Doing What You Love.
- Not Doing Market Research.
- Ignoring the Competition.
- Not Understanding Your Strengths and Weaknesses.
- Not Understanding What You're Actually Selling.
- Not Making Sure You Have Enough Money.
- Not Investing in Marketing.
- The executive summary.
- A description of the business.
- The market(s) the business will operate in.
- A SWOT analysis.
- Management team and personnel.
- The products or services offered.
- Marketing.
- A financial plan.
- Executive summary. This is your five-minute elevator pitch. ...
- Business description and structure. This is where you explain why you're in business and what you're selling. ...
- Market research and strategies. ...
- Management and personnel. ...
- Financial documents.
A good business plan guides you through each stage of starting and managing your business. You'll use your business plan like a GPS for how to structure, run, and grow your new business. It's a way to think through and detail all the key elements of how your business will run.
What are 5 business plans? ›At their core, business plans have 5 basic pieces of information. They include a description of your business, an analysis of your competitive environment, a marketing plan, a section on HR (people requirements) and key financial information. The following is an explanation of the 5 key elements to a business plan.
What are the 7 types of business plan? ›
- Start-Up Business Plans. ...
- Internal Business Plans. ...
- Strategic Business Plans. ...
- Feasibility Business Plans. ...
- Operations Business Plans. ...
- Growth Business Plans.
There are two main types of business plans: simple and traditional. Traditional business plans are long, detailed plans that expound on both short-term and long-term objectives. In comparison, a simple business plan focuses on a few key metrics in concise detail so as to quickly share data with investors.
What are the 7 steps of a business plan? ›- Executive Summary. ...
- Company Description. ...
- Products and Services. ...
- Market analysis: ...
- Strategy and Implementation: ...
- Organization and Management Team: ...
- Financial plan and projections:
- Best Overall: Square.
- Best Value: eHopper.
- Best for Restaurants: TouchBistro.
- Best for Retail: Vend.
- Best for E-Commerce: Shopify.
- Best for Inventory Management: ShopKeep by Lightspeed.
LinkedIn
With over 645 million users, LinkedIn is the world's leading professional networking platform. Since its mission is to connect professionals, the platform provides ample opportunities to network, find jobs, build your brand and even to upskill.
- Cloud Kitchen. ...
- Digital Marketing Agency. ...
- Investment Business. ...
- Courier Service. ...
- Outsourcing Business. ...
- Internet of Things (IoT) Business. ...
- Biometric Sensor Locks. ...
- Broadband Business.
But in general, a healthy profit margin for a small business tends to range anywhere between 7% to 10%. Keep in mind, though, that certain businesses may see lower margins, such as retail or food-related companies. That's because they tend to have higher overhead costs.
Which five-year plan is most successful? ›During the planning period, the highest growth rate was achieved during the 10th five years plan. Five Years Plan: The Indian economy has been focused on the concept of economic planning since 1947.
What type of business fails the most? ›| Industry | Business failure rate within 1 year | Business failure rate after 10 years |
|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 14.1% | 60.8% |
| Retail trade | 12.4% | 60.6% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 12.3% | 48.1% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 11.6% | 59.8% |
- Affiliate Marketing. ...
- Freelance Writing. ...
- Consulting. ...
- Career Coaching. ...
- Dropshipping. ...
- Social Media Marketing. ...
- Organization-Based Businesses.
How many years should a business plan cover? ›
A business plan is a document that outlines your business's financial goals and explains how you'll achieve them. A strong, detailed plan will provide a road map for the business's next three to five years, and you can share it with potential investors, lenders or other important partners.
What is more important than a business plan? ›Not only is the market feasibility study more important than the business plan, it's actually the essential first step towards starting a new business.
Can I start a business without a business plan? ›While a business plan is essential whether you start a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a simple sole proprietorship, not every entrepreneur sees the need for one.
How much should a business plan cost? ›Generally, a consulting firm or private consultants charge between $1,000 and $5,000 to have a comprehensive business plan written. However, a lengthy and complex plan can easily start at a few thousand dollars and stretch into the tens of thousands of dollars based on the needs of the business.
Should I have someone write my business plan? ›However, writing your own business plan is the best idea. While there's nothing wrong with asking a consultant to review it and make suggestions for changes, the process of putting the first draft together yourself is especially beneficial to your new business.
Should I hire a business plan writer? ›Hiring a professional to write your business plan can help you give you time to focus on the tasks that are critical to getting your business off the ground. You want to make sure it is done right, the first time. You only get one chance to make a first impression.
Do investors look at business plan? ›While your business plan alone won't be enough to convince investors to back you, no investor will offer you funding without one. If past performance data shows that you've historically succeeded, a business and financial plan will show that you will continue succeeding in the future.
How many hours does it take to write a business plan? ›Writing your business plan is likely to require two days if your mind and storytelling are crystal clear, up to a couple of months if you have to build things from scratch. Some do it themselves or with a team.
How many pages is a good business plan? ›Typically 15-20 pages long, a business plan is a document that explains what your business does, what you want to achieve in the business and the strategy you plan to use to get there. It details the opportunities you are going after, what resources you will need to achieve your goals and how you will define success.
Why do plans fail in business? ›The biggest reason that they fail is that the action elements are not applied, monitored regularly or refined when required. This results in lack of focus and direction. It also results in lack of energy…if actions aren't being completed then nothing can be achieved.”
Who to hire for a business plan? ›
- Here's a quick summary in video: Look for a coach, advisor, and confidante. ...
- Find someone who is in it for the long haul. Avoid hiring anybody that assumes a business plan is a one-time thing, to be used once and discarded. ...
- Find someone with useful industry experience. ...
- Ideally, find someone on your team.
A business coach or mentor
Getting a little advice from someone in the business world is also a good idea. Whether you're opening your first business or your fifth, talking with someone who can give you independent business advice will go a long way, Arney says.
Although it is common and often preferable to have someone help you write the business plan, the founders are ultimately responsible for creating the ideas and content of the business plan.
Do banks read business plans? ›The business plan is usually read in conjunction with the business loan application, and the lender uses the plan to help her judge whether your business represents a sound financial risk for the bank.
What should you not tell investors? ›- You Need to Sign This NDA. ...
- We Have No Competition. ...
- We Don't Really Know Our Unique Selling Proposition Yet. ...
- We Have No Weaknesses. ...
- This is Such a Sure Thing it Can't Fail. ...
- I Don't Have an Exit Strategy Yet. ...
- We Really Need the Money.
Generally, investors will lose all of their money, unless a small portion of their investment is redeemed through the sale of any company assets.