Running a small business can be both costly and time consuming. It’s important, especially in the early days to cut back on expenses as much as possible. After freelancing the last couple of years, and recently starting my own business, I have come across some pretty amazing tools I now cannot live without.
What’s great is that a majority of these tools are free at the very basic level but for a small monthly fee, can be upgraded as your business grows.
Here are some useful online tools that you can be utilizing in your business.
Canva
Perhaps one of my favorite business and blogging tools EVER. Canva allows you to create beautiful designs quickly and easily regardless of your design skills!
In fact, prior to using canva, I knew nothing about design. I now am able to create gorgeous graphics to be used both personally and for business.
Although Canva is free to use, I highly suggest getting the paid version as it allows you to seamlessly change sizes of any design that you’re working on without having to start over. It also allows you to customize colors and themes based on your business.
Loom
loom is an awesome free tool that captures your screen and allows you to instantly record, narrate and share videos to communicate with others.
I have used it to record software and various online program training videos to send out to my clients and colleagues. Best part? it has a Chrome extension which means that you can begin using it with just one click.
Basecamp
This real-time communication tool helps members of your team stay on the same page with projects and allows simple communication and file sharing between members.
In Basecamp, you can assign work to others including yourself complete with due dates and notifications. I find that Basecamp is a super simple way to communicate with subcontractors on my team!
Mail Chimp
This marketing automation platform allows you to easily build a list of leads and communicate with them using custom designed marketing emails.
I love that I can send out a monthly newsletter with all of my latest blog posts as well as communicate relevant information to my subscribers, virtually on autopilot.
It’s a great tool for small business owners and allows for showcasing products and/or services easily. The best part is that if you have a list under 2,000 subscribers, you can send out up to 12,000 emails per month, all free.
Calendly
One of the most simplest scheduling tools I’ve ever used, Calendly allows you embed your calendar and availability on your website helping customers easily schedule time to speak or meet with you.
This helps to eliminate emails back and forth between you and your customers. Think of it as a personal scheduling assistant if you will. The basic version is free but for a small monthly fee, you can unlock many exciting features that allow for customization and further integration.
Hello Sign
Do you have contracts that you need signed electronically? then you need Hello Sign. This cloud-based signature tools allows you add a text box, signature line, initial, and/or date box to any section of the contract.
I have been using Hello Sign in my freelancing business and I love that it integrates with various Google based platforms including email or, can be sent directly from the Hello Sign platform itself. It allows reminders to be sent out to clients and keeps track of how many contracts you have sent out weekly.
The free version allows for 2 contracts to be sent out so if your business is growing, I highly suggest paying the small monthly fee.
Izenda
This business intelligence platform is useful for companies of all sizes and offers features such as data analytics and budgeting/forecasting. Data reports obtained through Izenda are customozible, streamlined, and detailed.
In addition, Izenda reports contain detailed visuals and can be modified as needed. I haven’t personally used Izenda for my business but have previously worked with clients who used it frequently and enjoyed it.
Although by no means is this list exhaustive, these tools are a few of my very favorites and in my opinion, absolute must-haves for when you’re just beginning to embark this beautiful journey of entrepreneurship.