5 Free Tools to Start a Small Business

5 Free Tools to Start a Small Business

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Starting a small business is like embarking on a big adventure: it’s exciting, a little daunting, and full of unknowns. Keeping costs low while charting a course for success is no easy feat. For the smart entrepreneur, every penny saved is a treasure trove found.

Fortunately, the digital age has brought about a plethora of free tools that help new entrepreneurs manage their startup costs without feeling like they’re sacrificing quality.

Here’s a friendly guide to five essential tools that are not only wallet-friendly, but can also save you from the occasional entrepreneurial headache. Whether you’re a one-man operation or managing a growing team, these tools are like finding a map where “X” marks the spot for value and efficiency.

1. Canva: Unleash your inner artist

Canva is the Swiss Army Knife of graphic design. Even if your most significant artistic achievement to date is a stick figure (and a questionable one at that), Canva has you covered.

With a drag-and-drop interface and a library of over 250,000 free templates, creating professional-looking designs is a breeze. Logos, flyers, social media posts, brochures — you name it, Canva can help you create it without breaking the bank.

While the premium version offers more bells and whistles, the free version is usually sufficient if you’re just starting out and want to be careful with your spending.

Business credit card comparison

Consider these business credit cards. They provide a convenient and efficient way to separate personal and business expenses, simplifying accounting and tax filing.

Additionally, business cards can provide valuable benefits such as loyalty points, cashback, and expense tracking tools, improving financial management and saving you money in the long run.
Earn $750 Bonus Cashback


Circle with the letter I in it.

Get $750 bonus cash back after you make $6,000 in purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.



 Earn unlimited 1.5% cashback on every purchase


Circle with the letter I in it.

Earn unlimited 1.5% cashback on every purchase you make for your business


Introduction:


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0% Intro APR on purchases



Purchases: 0% Intro APR on purchases, 12 months

Balance transfers: n/a

Normal:
18.49% – 24.49% Variable

Earn 120,000 bonus points


Circle with the letter I in it.

Earn 120,000 bonus points after you make $8,000 in purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.



 Earn 3 points per $1 in select business categories


Circle with the letter I in it.

Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 you spend on combined purchases for travel, shipping, internet, cable and phone service, ad purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases, with no limit on the amount you can earn.


Introduction:


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n/a



Purchases: N/A

Balance transfers: n/a

Normal:
21.24%-26.24% Variable

Managing social media doesn’t have to feel like herding cats. Later simplifies the chaos by letting you manage all of your social media platforms from a single dashboard. Schedule posts, track interactions, and breathe easy—all without having to sift through a dozen tabs.

The free plan lets you schedule 10 posts per month per social profile, which is great for anyone who prefers to live away from their phone. And think of the extra time you’ll have for coffee breaks!

Delving into the legal complexities of starting a business can be as daunting as opening a puzzle box. But with LegalZoom’s Basic plan, you get exactly what you need to officially form your LLC in your state — all for $0 plus state fees (which can range from $35 to $500).

This plan includes crucial first steps like the Articles of Organization, a name check service, and a step-by-step incorporation checklist to guide you through the process. As a bonus, you’ll also get a customizable website powered by LegalZoom, giving you a digital presence from day one. It’s like getting a head start in the business race without the usual hefty price tag.

4. Wix: Build a website that impresses

Only 51% of small businesses use a website to attract customers, perhaps because their owners worry about building and maintaining one. Wix is ​​​​like your friendly neighborhood website builder, offering a platform so intuitive that even your grandma could figure it out.

Drag-and-drop tools, beautiful templates, and the freedom to customize give you the power to create a professional website without ever learning a line of code. For startups, the free version is a great option for serving up a delicious, custom-made website that can make your competitors look like fast food.

5. Mailchimp: Run Email Marketing Like a Boss

Email marketing with Mailchimp is like a megaphone in a whispering contest: it helps your message stand out. Start with a free plan that manages 500 contacts and lets you send 1,000 emails per month, with a daily sending limit of 500. That’s a lot of hellos!

Mailchimp also helps you design emails that people actually want to read, track how well they’re doing, and automate the whole thing so you can focus on running your business. It’s email marketing, not rocket science, and Mailchimp makes it happen.

Starting your own small business can feel like sailing the high seas. But with these free tools, you won’t just be drifting aimlessly—you’ll be steering confidently toward success. By embracing these tools, you can save money, improve your productivity, and maybe even enjoy the entrepreneurial ride a little more. After all, who says starting a business can’t be a little fun?

Please note: Our top-rated cashback card now has a 0% introductory APR until 2025

This credit card isn’t just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It has a long 0% intro APR period, up to 5% cashback, and all with no annual fees! Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.