Small Business Management Tools Every Business Owner Should Know About!

If you want to take your business from 0 to 1, you need hustle and vision. But to grow from 1 to 10, you need solid systems and smart processes.

How do you achieve it?

You need to automate your business with the right tools and software.

To be specific, you need systems that run even when you’re offline, and processes that make your day feel less chaotic and more purposeful.

Here are the top small business management tools for business owners and solopreneurs in all aspects of business. 

I’ve categorized them based on their function. Feel free to skip to the section that interests you.

Project Management and Team Collaboration Tools For Small Businesses

When you’re juggling tasks, teams, deadlines (and daily life, in general), the right project management tool can feel like a lifesaver. If you’re working solo or with a remote team, having everything organized in one place keeps your work flowing smoothly.

Things to keep in mind while selecting project management and team collaboration tools:

Task Management: Create, assign, and track tasks easily with checklists, due dates, and priorities.

Project Timelines: Look for timeline or Gantt chart views that help you map out progress visually.

Team Communication: Built-in chat, comments, or integrations with tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams are super helpful.

File Sharing & Collaboration: Ability to attach documents, leave feedback, and edit together in real-time.

Custom Workflows: Whether you’re using Kanban boards or simple to-do lists, choose a tool that fits your work style.

Time Tracking: Great for freelancers or teams billing by the hour—track how much time is spent on each task.

Integrations: Ensure it works seamlessly with your existing tools, such as Google Drive, Zoom, Notion, or email.

Mobile Access: You want a tool that lets you check in or update tasks from your phone on the go.

User Permissions: Control who can see or edit what, especially important if you work with clients or external collaborators.

Scalability & Pricing: Select a tool that scales with your business, offering sufficient features at a price that aligns with your current stage.

Before we look at the project management tools, you should know that a simple Excel sheet or Google Sheets can do the work if you want something bare minimum. If you want to amp up your project management, here are the right tools for you. 

1. Trello

Trello is a super user-friendly project management tool built around boards, lists, and cards. It’s visually intuitive and great for individuals and teams looking to stay organized without a steep learning curve. You can manage tasks, track progress, and collaborate—all in a clean drag-and-drop layout. The free version works if you’re just starting out.

Key Features:

• Kanban-style boards and cards
  
• Due dates, checklists, and file attachments
  
• Power-Ups to add calendar views, automation, integrations, etc.
  
• Team collaboration with comments and notifications
  
• Sync across web and mobile apps
  

Best for:
Solo entrepreneurs, freelancers, or small teams who want a simple, visual way to manage their tasks and workflows.

2. Asana

Asana helps you manage projects with clarity and structure. Whether you’re running a marketing campaign or planning a product launch, Asana offers task lists, timelines, and collaborative features that make it easy to break work into manageable steps.

Key Features:

• Multiple project views: list, board, calendar, timeline
  
• Task dependencies and milestones
  
• Project templates and recurring tasks
  
• Built-in automation and rule-based workflows
  
• Integration with Slack, Google Workspace, Zoom, and more
  

Best for:
Small business teams managing ongoing or complex projects that require planning, deadlines, and collaboration.

3. ClickUp

ClickUp is a great project management tool. It’s highly customizable and packed with essential features for both individuals and teams. It combines task management, docs, time tracking, goal setting, and team chat in one place.

Key Features:

• Task views (List, Kanban, Gantt, Calendar, and more)
  
• Custom fields, statuses, and templates
  
• Docs, goals, whiteboards, and dashboards
  
• In-app time tracking and workload views
  
• Automations and integrations with 1,000+ apps
  

Best for:
Businesses that want everything in one tool, from project planning to documentation and team performance tracking.

4. Notion

Notion is an all-in-one workspace for notes, tasks, databases, wikis, and more. It’s perfect for planning content, managing projects, or building an internal knowledge base, all with a minimalist interface.

Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop page builder
  
• Custom databases, tables, and kanban boards
  
• Embed calendars, docs, media, and widgets
  
• Real-time collaboration and comments
  
• Templates for CRM, project planning, habit tracking, and more
  

Best for:
Solopreneurs, creative people, and small teams who want a flexible, aesthetic space to organize both personal and professional projects.

5. Basecamp

Basecamp is a straightforward, no-fluff collaboration tool. It’s designed to reduce email chains and consolidate all communication, planning, and files into a single shared space.

Key Features:

• To-do lists, message boards, schedules, and file storage
  
• Group chat (Campfire) and direct messaging (Pings)
  
• Client access and dedicated project spaces
  
• Hill Charts to visualize progress
  
• Flat-rate pricing regardless of team size
  

Best for:
Small businesses or agencies that want to simplify team communication and project coordination without juggling multiple apps.

6. Monday.com

This tool doesn’t need much introduction. Monday.com lets you manage everything from tasks and timelines to leads and content calendars. You can build dashboards that fit your workflow rather than the other way around.

Key Features:

• Multiple project views: Kanban, Gantt, Calendar, Table
  
• Custom automations and workflow rules
  
• Team communication and file sharing within tasks
  
• Dashboard analytics for workload and progress tracking
  
• Loads of integrations—Slack, Gmail, Zoom, Shopify, and more
  

Best for:
Teams that want a colorful, customizable, and powerful platform to manage complex workflows with minimal manual tracking.

7. Airtable

Airtable blends the simplicity of spreadsheets with the functionality of databases. It’s great for organizing content, product info, customer data, or just about anything that benefits from sorting and filtering.

Key Features:

• Spreadsheet-style interface with customizable fields
  
• Multiple views: grid, calendar, Kanban, gallery, Gantt
  
• Automations and scripting for workflow efficiency
  
• Rich templates for content calendars, CRMs, project tracking
  
• Sync and integrations with Google Workspace, Slack, Notion, etc.
  

Best for:
Creative businesses, marketing teams, and solopreneurs managing lots of data with visual organization needs.

8. Wrike

Wrike is a work management powerhouse that excels particularly in task dependencies, resource management, and team collaboration, especially when multiple departments are involved.

Key Features:

• Gantt charts, time tracking, and request forms
  
• Real-time activity streams and document collaboration
  
• Role-based access control and workload management
  
• Reports and analytics for project visibility
  
• Integration with 400+ apps, including CRM and email tools
  

Best for:
Growing teams or service-based businesses that need high-level project visibility, planning, and tracking.

9. Teamwork

Teamwork is built specifically with client work in mind—it’s perfect for freelancers, consultants, or agencies that need to manage multiple projects, client communications, and billable hours.

Key Features:

• Time tracking, invoicing, and task templates
  
• Client permissions and project dashboards
  
• Built-in chat and document sharing
  
• Project health and resource reports
  
• Integrates with QuickBooks, Harvest, Zapier, and more
  

Best for:
Client-based businesses, such as marketing agencies, designers, or virtual assistant teams, that are juggling multiple deliverables.

10. Todoist

Todoist is a simple but mighty task management app that helps you break down projects into manageable to-do lists—ideal if you’re looking for clarity over complexity.

Key Features:

• Task lists with priorities, labels, and due dates
  
• Project and section organization with drag-and-drop
  
• Daily and weekly productivity stats
  
• Natural language input (“email client tomorrow at 10 am”)
  
• Integrations with Google Calendar, Slack, Alexa, and more
  

Best for:
Busy solopreneurs and small teams that want a lightweight but effective tool to manage their everyday work and personal tasks.

Marketing Tools and Software For Small Businesses and Solopreneurs

What to Look For in Marketing Tools as a Small Business Owner

Ease of use: You don’t need a steep learning curve—you want tools that are intuitive and quick to pick up so you can focus more on execution than figuring things out.

Affordability: Free plans, low-cost tiers, or all-in-one tools that offer more value for your budget are essential when working with limited resources.

Multi-functionality: Choose tools that do more than one thing, like handling email and automation, or social media scheduling and analytics, to reduce your tool stack and simplify workflows.

Integrations: Your marketing tools should play nice with other tools you already use—whether that’s your CRM, website, email service, or design tools.

Scalability: Even if you’re starting solo, pick tools that can grow with your business, letting you upgrade or add team members without switching platforms entirely.

Templates & Automation: Built-in templates (for emails, landing pages, social posts) and automation features can save hours of work and boost consistency in your brand messaging.

Analytics & Reporting: Data plays a crucial role in every business function, particularly in marketing. Tracking what works (and what doesn’t) is key. Look for tools that offer clear, digestible analytics—even better if they recommend actions or A/B testing.

Support & Learning Resources: Access to tutorials, support chats, or communities can be a lifesaver when you encounter a roadblock or want to enhance your tool usage.

I’ve divided marketing tools further into SEO & Content, Email Marketing, Social Media, and Videos

SEO & Content Marketing Tools For Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses

1. Ahrefs

One of the most powerful SEO tools available, Ahrefs is known for its robust backlink analysis and accurate keyword tracking.

Key Features:

• Keyword Explorer – Discover thousands of keyword ideas with search volume and difficulty data.
  
• Site Audit – Analyze your website for SEO issues and get suggestions to fix them.
  
• Backlink Checker – Explore who’s linking to you (or your competitors) and assess domain authority.
  
• Content Gap Analysis – Find keywords your competitors rank for that you don’t.
  
• Rank Tracker – Monitor keyword positions across different search engines.
  

Best for:
Business owners who want reliable, in-depth SEO tools for competitor research, backlinks, and ranking improvement.

2. SEMrush

A comprehensive marketing suite that goes beyond SEO, offering tools for paid search, content, and social media.

Key Features:

• Keyword Magic Tool – Uncover millions of keyword ideas based on your seed term.
  
• Backlink Audit – Clean up toxic backlinks and build strong link-building strategies.
  
• SEO Content Template – Generate SEO-optimized content outlines based on top-ranking content.
  
• Position Tracking – Track your keyword rankings with daily updates.
  
• Social Media Tracker & Poster – Analyze competitors and post directly to platforms.
  

Best for:
Solopreneurs and marketing teams who need an all-in-one SEO, PPC, and content suite that also supports social marketing and ad management.

3. Moz

Moz makes SEO accessible with an intuitive platform and helpful community, ideal for those new to the space.

Key Features:

• Keyword Explorer – Identify relevant keywords with monthly volume and difficulty scores.
  
• On-Page Grader – Get recommendations for improving specific pages.
  
• Link Explorer – Discover inbound links and domain authority metrics.
  
• Site Crawl – Weekly reports on crawl issues and technical SEO health.
  
• Page Optimization Score – Get a score and tips for each page you want to improve.
  

Best for:
Small businesses starting with SEO who want a simple, educational platform with solid features and excellent support.

4. Surfer SEO

A relatively AI-driven tool that combines on-page optimization with content strategy recommendations.

Key Features:

Content Editor – Real-time SEO optimization suggestions as you write.

Audit Tool – Quickly analyze and improve existing content.

SERP Analyzer – Understand what top-ranking pages have in common.

Keyword Research – Find niche keyword clusters and questions people are asking.

Content Planner – Build a full content strategy based on your domain.

Best for:
Bloggers, freelancers, and small businesses who want precise, AI-powered insights to improve content relevance and visibility.

5. WriteSonic

An AI content generation platform that helps you create high-quality content for various needs.

Key Features:

• AI Blog Writer – Generate full-length blog posts with structured outlines.
  
• Content Rewriter – Instantly rewrite or enhance existing content.
  
• Product Descriptions – Generate engaging copy for e-commerce listings.
  
• Social Media Captions – AI-created captions for Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.
  
• Landing Page Generator – Create high-converting landing page copy in minutes.
  

Best for:
Solopreneurs and marketers who need quick, compelling content for blogs, websites, or social media without starting from scratch.

6. Jasper (formerly Jarvis)

A leading AI-powered writing assistant known for its ability to generate high-converting long-form and marketing content.

Key Features:

Long-form Assistant – Generate blog posts, stories, or product guides in your voice.

50+ Templates – From blog intros and product descriptions to Facebook ad copy and email subject lines.

Tone Customization – Adjust tone (professional, witty, etc.) to match your brand.

Boss Mode – Gives you commands to control the AI and speed up content writing.

SEO Mode (with Surfer SEO integration) – Optimize content as you write.

Best for:
Content marketers, solopreneurs, and creative teams who are looking to scale content production quickly with consistent quality and tone.

7. Ubersuggest

An easy-to-use, affordable SEO tool created by Neil Patel, offering key insights for growing organic traffic.

Key Features:

• Keyword Suggestions – Discover keywords based on volume, SEO difficulty, and CPC.
  
• Site Audit – Get a health score and fix critical technical SEO issues.
  
• Backlink Data – See referring domains and get link-building ideas.
  
• Content Ideas Tool – Find blog and article topics with traffic estimates.
  
• Competitive Analysis – Spy on your competitors’ top-performing pages and strategies.
  

Best for:
Small business owners and budget-conscious marketers who want reliable SEO insights without the cost of premium tools.

8. Yoast SEO

A must-have WordPress plugin that helps optimize pages and posts for search engines in real time.

Key Features:

On-Page SEO Analysis – Real-time feedback on content, meta descriptions, and keyword usage.

Readability Check – Improve sentence structure, transition words, and passive voice usage.

Meta Title & Description Templates – Pre-fill fields to stay consistent and save time.

XML Sitemaps – Automatically generated to help search engines crawl your site.

Internal Linking Suggestions – Help structure your content better for SEO.

Best for:
WordPress users looking for a seamless, beginner-friendly way to implement on-page SEO best practices.

9. Frase

An AI-powered content research and writing tool designed to create SEO-optimized content briefs and assist with writing.

Key Features:

Content Brief Generator – Analyze SERPs and create article outlines in minutes.

AI Content Writer – Generate intros, paragraphs, and entire sections automatically.

Question Research – Pulls commonly asked questions related to your topic.

Topic Clustering – Helps you build a pillar + cluster content strategy.

Content Scoring – Rates your content against competitors based on keywords used.

Best for:
Content marketers, agencies, and freelancers who want to research, plan, and write SEO content efficiently and data-backed.

10. Grammarly

A digital writing assistant that goes beyond spelling and grammar to help you write clearly and confidently.

Key Features:

Grammar & Spelling Checker – Fixes typos, punctuation, and grammar mistakes.

Tone Detection – Gives feedback on how your message may come across to readers.

Clarity & Conciseness Suggestions – Improve sentence structure and cut unnecessary words.

Plagiarism Checker – Ensure originality in all your content.

Multiplatform Use – Browser extension, desktop app, Google Docs, and Word integrations.

Best for:
Everyone who writes—whether it’s blog content, emails, social captions, or product descriptions and wants it to sound polished and professional.

These SEO and content tools will help you craft high-quality content while ensuring your website ranks well on search engines. 

Social Media Marketing Tools for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses

1. Buffer
A simple and reliable social media scheduler that helps you plan, publish, and analyze content across platforms.

Key Features:

• Post scheduling
  
• Analytics
  
• Link shortener
  
• Team collaboration
  
• First comment feature (great for Instagram)

 Best for: Solopreneurs and small teams who want a clean and user-friendly scheduling experience without the fluff.

2. Later
A visual planner built primarily for Instagram but now supports other platforms like Facebook, Pinterest, and TikTok.
Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop visual calendar
  
• Hashtag suggestions
  
• Auto-publishing
  
• Link in bio tool

Best for: Creators and visual brands who want to curate an aesthetic feed and simplify Instagram management.

3. Hootsuite
A robust social media management platform with more enterprise-level features, including monitoring and team roles.
Key Features:

• Multi-platform scheduling
  
• Inbox management
  
• Social listening
  
• Analytics
  
• Approval workflows 

Best for: Growing businesses or teams that manage multiple accounts and want deeper insights and controls.

4. Tailwind
A tool focused on Pinterest and Instagram, great for batch-scheduling pins and posts.
Key Features:

• Smart schedule
  
• Content discovery
  
• Board lists
  
• Tailwind Create for quick design
  
• Analytics

 Best for: Bloggers, Etsy sellers, or creators who rely heavily on Pinterest for traffic and sales.

5. Metricool
An all-in-one dashboard that lets you plan, track, and analyze social content – from posts to ads.
Key Features:

• Scheduling
  
• Content calendar
  
• Analytics
  
• Ad tracking
  
• Competitor benchmarking
  
• Blog analytics

Best for: Solopreneurs who want everything under one dashboard, including website performance + social insights.

Email Marketing Tools For Small Businesses and Solopreneurs

Now, let’s explore email marketing tools that are useful for small business owners and solopreneurs to engage with your audience, build relationships, and boost conversions.

1. Mailchimp

A widely-used, beginner-friendly platform that offers everything you need to launch, automate, and track email campaigns.

Key Features:

• Pre-designed Email Templates – Create visually appealing emails quickly.
  
• Marketing Automation – Set up welcome series, product follow-ups, and more.
  
• Audience Segmentation – Personalize messaging based on user behavior or demographics.
  
• A/B Testing – Optimize subject lines, content, and send times.
  
• Analytics Dashboard – Track open rates, clicks, conversions.
  
• App Integrations – Works with Shopify, WordPress, Canva, and more.
  

Best for:
Small businesses or solopreneurs starting out and looking for a user-friendly platform with a solid free plan.

2. ConvertKit

Built specifically for creators, this tool makes it easy to grow and engage your audience through personalized email flows.

Key Features:

• Email Sequences – Automate nurture emails and campaigns.
  
• Visual Automation Builder – Drag-and-drop editor to plan and map user journeys.
  
• Subscriber Tagging – Organize subscribers by behavior or interests.
  
• Landing Pages & Forms – Built-in tools to grow your list without needing a website.
  
• Broadcast Emails – Send one-off announcements or newsletters.
  

Best for:
Bloggers, creators, and educators looking for simple yet powerful automation and personalization.

3. ActiveCampaign

A premium marketing automation and CRM platform that helps personalize emails at scale with advanced workflows.

Key Features:

• Advanced Automation Workflows – Triggered emails based on user actions.
  
• Integrated CRM – Manage sales pipelines and customer relationships.
  
• Segmentation & Personalization – Send hyper-targeted messages.
  
• Split Testing – Test entire automation flows or single elements.
  
• In-depth Reporting – Track performance down to contact behavior.
  

Best for:
Small businesses or solopreneurs ready to level up their email and customer engagement strategy with smart automations.

4. Sendinblue (now Brevo)

An affordable, all-in-one marketing tool combining email, SMS, and automation.

Key Features:

• Email & SMS Campaigns – Communicate across channels.
  
• Marketing Automation – Build workflows with conditions and triggers.
  
• Transactional Emails – Send order updates, invoices, and account alerts.
  
• Segmentation – Target customers based on behavior or demographics.
  
• Real-time Reporting – Monitor campaign performance and optimize.
  

Best for:
Entrepreneurs or small businesses looking to manage email and SMS campaigns from one platform on a budget.

5. Moosend

A feature-rich, budget-friendly email automation platform that uses AI for personalization and campaign optimization.

Key Features:

• Email Automation – Triggered workflows based on user behavior.
  
• AI-powered Recommendations – Personalize based on past actions.
  
• Advanced Reporting – Analyze performance with visual reports.
  
• Pre-made Templates – Easy drag-and-drop editor.
  
• List Segmentation – Group subscribers for targeted messages.
  

Best for:
Small businesses seeking powerful automation and personalization without a high price tag.

6. AWeber

A long-established email tool known for reliability and simplicity, offering robust features for growing and nurturing your list.

Key Features:

• Autoresponders – Easily set up welcome or drip campaigns.
  
• Drag-and-Drop Builder – Build mobile-responsive emails with ease.
  
• List Management – Import contacts, manage unsubscribes, tag subscribers.
  
• Analytics Dashboard – Monitor opens, clicks, and conversions.
  
• Customer Support – Live chat, phone, and email support available.
  

Best for:
Small businesses that want a trusted, no-fuss platform with strong customer support.

7. Benchmark Email

Offers a balance of simplicity and sophistication with tools to design, automate, and analyze email campaigns.

Key Features:

• Drag-and-Drop Email Builder – Create mobile-friendly emails effortlessly.
  
• Email Automation – Build workflows for engagement and follow-ups.
  
• A/B Testing – Optimize emails based on real user behavior.
  
• List Segmentation – Deliver relevant content to specific groups.
  
• Reporting & Insights – Understand subscriber engagement.
  

Best for:
Entrepreneurs and solopreneurs looking for a straightforward platform with essential features to run professional campaigns.

8. Drip

An advanced, eCommerce-focused email marketing platform that helps drive sales through deep personalization and automation.

Key Features:

• Ecommerce CRM – Track customer behavior across your store.
  
• Workflow Automation – Build complex sequences with visual builder.
  
• Segmentation & Personalization – Target users based on browsing and purchase data.
  
• Revenue Attribution – Track how emails influence sales.
  
• Integration with Shopify, WooCommerce, etc.
  

Best for:
E-commerce businesses and solo founders who want a sales-focused platform with high-level automation and tracking.

9. MailerLite

A clean, intuitive email platform with just the right features for startups and small businesses.

Key Features:

• Drag-and-Drop Editor – Create modern, engaging emails easily.
  
• Automation Builder – Design multi-step workflows.
  
• Landing Pages & Pop-ups – Convert visitors into subscribers.
  
• Email Campaign Tracking – Analyze click maps, opens, and conversions.
  
• Free Plan – Generous free tier with all core features.
  

Best for:
Startups and solopreneurs who want powerful features in an affordable, minimal interface.

10. GetResponse

A versatile marketing suite combining email marketing with landing pages, webinars, and automation.

Key Features:

• Email Marketing – Build campaigns with rich media support.
  
• Marketing Automation – Personalize workflows for user journeys.
  
• Webinar Hosting – Host, promote, and manage webinars inside the platform.
  
• Landing Page Builder – Create sales pages without a designer.
  
• E-commerce Integrations – Connect with your store and send abandoned cart emails.
  

Best for:
Entrepreneurs and small businesses who want a full-featured platform for email, automation, landing pages, and webinars in one place.

Sales & Customer Service Tools For Entrepreneurs

Whether you’re managing a single client or a growing customer base, having the right tools can help you streamline sales, boost conversions, and deliver exceptional customer support. Let’s look at what you need to keep in mind:

Things to Consider When Choosing Sales & Customer Support Tools

• Ease of use: You don’t want to waste time figuring out complex dashboards.
  
• Integration: Does it play well with your existing tools (like CRM, email, or website)?
  
• Automation options: Follow-ups, lead management, chatbots—can it help you save time?
  
• Multichannel support: Can you support customers on email, chat, social, etc.?
  
• Scalability: Will it grow with your business?
  
• Analytics: Insights into performance, conversions, and customer satisfaction.
  

1. HubSpot CRM

HubSpot offers a free CRM packed with features that help you manage contacts, track leads, and automate parts of your sales funnel.
Key Features:

• Contact and deal management
  
• Email tracking & templates
  
• Meeting scheduler
  
• Sales dashboard
  
• Integration with Gmail, Outlook, and other tools

Best for: Solopreneurs and small businesses that want a free, powerful CRM with optional paid upgrades as they grow.

2. Zoho CRM

Zoho CRM is known for its affordability and customization options. It helps you manage leads, sales pipelines, and customer interactions all in one place.
Key Features:

• Sales pipeline management
  
• Lead scoring
  
• AI-powered sales assistant
  
• Omnichannel support (email, phone, social)
  
• Marketing automation

Best for: Small teams or solo founders looking for an affordable, feature-rich CRM that scales.

3. Freshdesk

Freshdesk is a customer support platform that helps you handle customer tickets, chats, and support requests across different channels.

Key Features:

• Email ticketing system
  
• Live chat and chatbots
  
• Knowledge base creation
  
• Automation for workflows
  
• SLA tracking and reporting
   

Best for: Small businesses needing a professional, easy-to-use customer support system without breaking the bank.

4. Tidio

Tidio combines live chat, chatbots, and email into a single support platform that’s easy to install on your website. Great for fast-growing eCommerce stores or service businesses.
Key Features:

• Live chat and AI chatbot
  
• Messenger and Instagram integrations
  
• Visitor tracking
  
• Email marketing integration
  Best for: E-commerce sellers or solopreneurs looking to instantly connect with customers and offer fast support.
  

5. Intercom

Intercom is a powerful customer messaging platform that allows you to engage website visitors, onboard users, and support customers through bots, chat, and email.
Key Features:

• Business messenger with live chat
  
• Custom chatbots
  
• Automated workflows
  
• Product tours and onboarding tools
  
• Rich customer data and targeting
  Best for: SaaS businesses and startups focused on conversions, user engagement, and proactive support.
  

6. Pipedrive

Pipedrive is a sales-focused CRM that makes managing your deals and tracking leads simple and visual, perfect for those who want a pipeline-first approach.
Key Features:

• Visual sales pipeline
  
• Deal and activity tracking
  
• Email templates and sync
  
• Workflow automation
  
• AI sales assistant
  Best for: Solopreneurs or small sales teams who want an intuitive, no-fuss CRM to keep deals moving forward.
  

7. Monday CRM

Built on the Monday.com work OS, this CRM helps you manage customer relationships, sales pipelines, and team workflows with drag-and-drop ease.
Key Features:

• Customizable sales workflows
  
• Lead and contact management
  
• Email tracking & automations
  
• Visual dashboards and reports
  
• Integration with 40+ tools (Slack, Gmail, Zoom, etc.)
  Best for: Creative or non-traditional teams who want full control over how their CRM looks and works.
  

8. Crisp

Crisp is a modern all-in-one messaging platform with live chat, chatbot, shared inboxes, and a knowledge base—all geared toward improving your customer conversations.
Key Features:

• Live chat with chatbot automation
  
• Shared inbox for teams
  
• Real-time translation
  
• CRM integration
  
• Co-browsing & video chat
  Best for: Startups and small businesses wanting a sleek, multi-functional messaging tool without complexity.
  

9. Chatfuel

Chatfuel is a powerful and easy-to-use chatbot builder that lets you create Messenger and WhatsApp bots without coding.
Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop bot builder
  
• AI-powered conversations
  
• Lead generation templates
  
• Multichannel support (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp)
  
• Shopify and Google Sheets integrations

Best for: Small eCommerce or service businesses using Facebook/Instagram for lead gen or customer engagement.

Website & E-commerce Tools 

Technically, e-commerce and websites are part of selling and/or marketing. But I separated them so you can get a better picture.

Things to keep in mind when choosing website or e-commerce tools:

Ease of use: You shouldn’t need to be a tech wizard to build your site or online shop.

Customization options: Can you tweak the layout, design, and product display to match your brand vibe?

SEO & marketing tools: Are there built-in tools to help your site rank better and attract visitors?

Payment gateways & checkout experience: Make sure customers can pay easily and securely.

Mobile optimization: More people shop on their phones than on desktops—your site must look great on mobile.

Inventory & order management: Especially important if you sell physical products.

Integrations: Verify that the tool is compatible with your marketing stack, shipping providers, and print-on-demand platforms.

Scalability: Will it grow with your business, or will you need to migrate in 6 months?

1. Shopify

Shopify is one of the most popular all-in-one e-commerce platforms. It’s designed specifically for people who want to sell products online without needing advanced technical skills.

Key Features:

• Easy drag-and-drop store builder
  
• Over 100 payment gateways supported
  
• Powerful inventory & order management
  
• Built-in SEO tools and marketing features
  
• Mobile-optimized storefronts
  
• App marketplace for advanced features (like upsells, reviews, email, etc.)
  

Best for:
Product-based businesses, dropshippers, print-on-demand sellers, and anyone who wants to launch a pro-level online store fast.

2. Wix
Wix is a beginner-friendly website builder with flexible design features and an easy learning curve—perfect for those who want a blend of content and commerce.

Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop editor with hundreds of templates
  
• Wix eCommerce for product sales
  
• Built-in blogging, email marketing & SEO tools
  
• App store with integrations
  
• Mobile editing & optimization
  
• Great for small catalogs and service-based businesses as well.
  

Best for:
Creative businesses, personal brands, and anyone looking to build a beautiful website with e-commerce options.

3. Squarespace

Squarespace offers stunning design templates and a smooth content + store integration—ideal for visual-first brands.

Key Features:

• Gorgeous templates tailored for creatives
  
• Built-in blogging and portfolio sections
  
• E-commerce features like inventory, taxes, and shipping
  
• Digital product sales support
  
• Email campaigns & analytics
  
• Excellent mobile responsiveness
  

Best for:
Photographers, artists, coaches, service providers, and anyone who wants their site to look clean and premium.

4. BigCommerce

BigCommerce is a powerful e-commerce platform that supports larger product catalogs and offers advanced features right out of the box.

Key Features:

• No transaction fees
  
• Multi-channel selling (eBay, Amazon, Meta, etc.)
  
• Built-in SEO and advanced product filtering
  
• Headless commerce capability
  
• Robust analytics and reporting
  
• Enterprise features for scaling brands
  

Best for:
Businesses planning to scale quickly, manage large inventories, or sell on multiple marketplaces.

5. WooCommerce (on WordPress)

WooCommerce is a free plugin that turns any WordPress site into a fully functional online store—highly customizable and ideal for bloggers and content-driven sellers.

Key Features:

• Full control over site and design
  
• Sell physical, digital, or subscription products
  
• Huge library of extensions and themes
  
• Open-source with a large developer community
  
• Seamless content + commerce integration
  
• Requires hosting and basic WordPress knowledge
  

Best for:
Experienced users, bloggers, or those already using WordPress who want to add e-commerce.

6. Gumroad

Gumroad is a super simple platform designed for creators who want to sell digital products, memberships, or even physical goods with minimal setup.

Key Features:

• Sell eBooks, templates, music, videos, software, and more
  
• Clean, no-fuss checkout experience
  
• Offers pay-what-you-want pricing
  
• Built-in email marketing tools
  
• Instant product delivery for digital files
  
• Embeddable buttons for your website or blog
  

Best for:
Digital creators, writers, indie game developers, and anyone who wants to start selling fast without building a full store.

7. Webflow

Webflow is a no-code website builder with the power of custom design and full CMS flexibility—it’s like designing in Figma, but for live websites.

Key Features:

• Visual, pixel-perfect design control
  
• Custom CMS without coding
  
• E-commerce features for digital and physical goods
  
• Supports animations and responsive layouts
  
• SEO-friendly structure
  
• Integrates with tools like Memberstack and Zapier
  

Best for:
Design-savvy entrepreneurs, agencies, and startups that want a unique and custom-feeling site without hiring a developer.

8. Ecwid by Lightspeed

Ecwid is a powerful e-commerce tool that can turn any existing website—WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, or even a social media page—into an online store.

Key Features:

• Add store widgets to any site
  
• Sell across multiple channels (Facebook, Instagram, Amazon)
  
• Supports digital and physical products
  
• No-code required setup
  
• Automatic tax and shipping calculations
  
• Free plan available
  

Best for:
Business owners who already have a website or blog and want to plug in e-commerce features without starting over.

9. Payhip

Payhip is a user-friendly platform for selling digital downloads, memberships, and courses, featuring intuitive tools and competitive fees. It’s very easy to set up, takes just a few minutes.

Key Features:

• Sell eBooks, software, courses, music, etc.
  
• Offer discounts, bundles, and affiliates
  
• EU VAT handling for digital goods
  
• Embed checkout anywhere
  
• Analytics and customer insights
  
• Free plan with a small transaction fee
  

Best for:
Solopreneurs and creators selling PDFs, courses, or coaching sessions directly to an audience.

10. Sellfy

Sellfy is a creator-friendly platform that allows you to sell physical goods, subscriptions, digital downloads, or print-on-demand items—all from a single storefront.

Key Features:

• No design or coding skills needed
  
• Built-in print-on-demand products
  
• Supports subscriptions and pay-what-you-want pricing
  
• Embed product widgets on your own site
  
• Built-in marketing tools (email, coupons, cart abandonment)
  
• Analytics dashboard to track sales
  

Best for:
Creative entrepreneurs who are looking for a minimalist store setup with flexible selling options.

11. Podia

Podia is built for creators and educators who want to sell courses, digital downloads, webinars, or memberships—all without tech headaches.

Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop course builder
  
• Sell digital downloads, bundles, webinars, and coaching
  
• Built-in email marketing and landing pages
  
• Community feature to connect with your audience
  
• No transaction fees on paid plans
  
• Simple, clean storefronts and checkouts
  

Best for:
Coaches, teachers, and digital creators who want an easy-to-use, affordable, all-in-one platform to start and scale.

12. Kajabi

Kajabi is a premium all-in-one business platform with robust features tailored for serious course creators, coaches, and online educators.

Key Features:

• Advanced course builder with drip content and automation
  
• High-converting sales funnels and landing pages
  
• Built-in CRM and powerful email marketing
  
• Membership site management
  
• Analytics dashboard and A/B testing
  
• Supports podcasts, coaching, and communities
  

Best for:
Professional creators and entrepreneurs are ready to invest in a powerful, all-in-one system with built-in marketing and scaling features.

Accounting and Finance Tools for Small Businesses

Keep these factors in mind while selecting accounting and finance tools for your small business:

When you’re a solopreneur or running a small business, you need tools that are easy to use, scalable, and won’t overwhelm you with enterprise-level features. Here’s what to consider:

Ease of Use: You shouldn’t need a finance degree to send invoices or track expenses.

Automation: Look for tools that handle recurring invoices, auto-categorize expenses, or even calculate taxes for you.

Integrations: Your accounting tool should easily connect with your e-commerce store, bank account, CRM, or payment processors.

Scalability: If you’re growing, ensure the tool can grow with you, adding payroll, inventory, or advanced reporting capabilities later on.

Tax Readiness: Whether you do it yourself or work with an accountant, ensure your tool supports tax season preparation (e.g., 1099s, VAT, GST).

Reports & Insights: You need clear reports to see where your money is coming from—and where it’s going.

Pricing: Free plans are great to start with, but check what features are locked behind paid plans.

1. Wave

Wave is a free, easy-to-use accounting tool designed for freelancers and solopreneurs who require basic invoicing, payment tracking, and financial reporting.
Key Features:

• Unlimited invoicing and receipt scanning
  
• Bank and credit card syncing
  
• Basic profit & loss and cash flow reports
  
• Optional add-ons like payroll and payment processing

Best suited for: Freelancers and small businesses seeking a completely free accounting solution.

2. QuickBooks Online

One of the most popular tools in the market, QuickBooks offers a comprehensive suite of features, including bookkeeping, payroll, and inventory management. It’s also great for small businesses and solopreneurs.

Key Features:

• Invoicing, billing, and expense tracking
  
• Automatic tax calculation and reports
  
• Mobile app with receipt capture
  
• Scalable plans for growing businesses
  Best for: Small to medium businesses wanting a well-rounded, scalable accounting platform.
  

3. Xero

Xero is cloud-based and designed for small businesses needing robust financial features without the overwhelm.
Key Features:

• Bank reconciliation and invoicing
  
• Real-time collaboration with your accountant
  
• Multi-currency support
  
• Inventory and payroll (depending on plan)
  Best for: Service businesses or online sellers that collaborate with accountants or have international clients.
  

4. FreshBooks

FreshBooks is known for being super intuitive and freelancer-friendly, with a strong emphasis on invoicing and time tracking.
Key Features:

• Time tracking tied to client billing
  
• Recurring invoices and late fee reminders
  
• Expense categorization and tax summaries
  
• Client portals and project management
  Best for: Freelancers, coaches, and consultants who charge hourly or by project.
  

5. Zoho Books

As part of the Zoho ecosystem, Zoho Books offers a powerful yet affordable solution for businesses seeking detailed financial control.
Key Features:

• Client and vendor portals
  
• Inventory tracking and purchase orders
  
• Project-based accounting
  
• Tax compliance and automation
  Best suited for: Small businesses already using Zoho or seeking an affordable alternative to QuickBooks.
  

6. Bonsai

Bonsai is more than just an accounting tool—it’s an all-in-one freelance business suite covering proposals, contracts, invoicing, and taxes.
Key Features:

• Smart invoicing with auto reminders and recurring billing
  
• Built-in contracts and proposals
  
• Expense tracking and tax estimation
  
• Client CRM and project time tracking
  Best for: Freelancers and creatives who want to run everything from one dashboard—contracts to payments.
  

7. Lili

Lili is a mobile-friendly business banking app designed for freelancers, combining banking, budgeting, and tax tools in one place.
Key Features:

• Expense categorization and automatic tax savings
  
• Built-in invoicing and payment tracking
  
• Business debit card and banking features
  
• Real-time balance and cashflow insights
  Best for: Freelancers who want simple banking and accounting tools without switching apps.
  

8. GoDaddy Bookkeeping (formerly Outright)

Made for online sellers, GoDaddy Bookkeeping connects with platforms like Etsy, eBay, and Amazon to simplify your income and expense tracking.
Key Features:

• Auto-imports sales and expenses from major marketplaces
  
• Real-time profit tracking and Schedule C reports
  
• Invoicing and mileage tracking
  
• Tax-ready reporting for freelancers
  Best for: Crafters, makers, and online sellers who use e-commerce platforms like Etsy or Amazon.
  

9. AND.CO (by Fiverr)

A slick, simple tool for managing client-based work, with everything from proposals to payments under one roof.
Key Features:

• Invoicing, contracts, and time tracking
  
• Payment tracking and client reminders
  
• Expense logging and simple reports
  
• Integrates with Stripe and PayPal
  Best for: Fiverr sellers, creatives, or consultants working with multiple clients on short-term projects.
  

10. PayPal Invoicing

If you already use PayPal to get paid, their invoicing tool is super simple and doesn’t require setting up a whole accounting system.
Key Features:

• Easy invoice creation and recurring billing
  
• Tracks payments and sends reminders
  
• Accepts payments in multiple currencies
  
• Option to add taxes or discounts
  Best for: Newer solopreneurs or anyone already using PayPal as their main payment method.
  

Great! When it comes to pricing software for small businesses, you’re typically looking for tools that help you:

• Set competitive prices based on market trends or costs
  
• Track competitor pricing
  
• Manage discounts, bundling, and promotions
  
• Analyze profitability and margins
  
• Automate dynamic or tiered pricing
  

Pricing Tools for Small Business Owners

Here are some popular and helpful pricing tools for small business owners. In addition to these, you can also find different pricing tools if you’re managing an e-commerce or Amazon FBA business.

1. Prisync

Prisync is a competitor price tracking and dynamic pricing tool, great for e-commerce businesses that want to stay competitive without manually checking rival prices.

Key Features:

• Price tracking for unlimited competitors
  
• Dynamic pricing rules
  
• MAP (Minimum Advertised Price) violation alerts
  
• Price history and analytics
  
• Integrations with Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce
  

Best for:
E-commerce sellers who want automated price intelligence and competitive pricing insights.

2. ProfitWell (by Paddle)

ProfitWell is a free revenue and subscription analytics tool that offers features for optimizing pricing strategy, particularly well-suited for SaaS or digital businesses.

Key Features:

• Subscription and churn analytics
  
• Price sensitivity testing
  
• Customer segmentation and revenue recognition
  
• Recommendations based on market benchmarks
  

Best for:
SaaS businesses and digital product sellers that are looking to price smarter and reduce churn.

3. Pricefx

A powerful cloud-based pricing software offering comprehensive solutions from price optimization to CPQ (configure, price, quote) processes.

Key Features:

• Real-time pricing simulation
  
• Dynamic and personalized pricing
  
• Margin analysis and optimization
  
• CPQ and rebate management
  
• Integrates with CRM and ERP platforms
  

Best for:
Mid-to-large businesses with complex pricing models or multiple sales channels.

4. Omnia Retail

Designed for retailers, Omnia automates pricing decisions based on rules and competitive data, allowing flexible strategies at scale.

Key Features:

• Dynamic pricing engine
  
• Market-based pricing rules
  
• Real-time competitor analysis
  
• Price elasticity modeling
  
• Integrates with your existing systems
  

Best for:
Retailers and brands who want to fine-tune prices daily or hourly across marketplaces.