Tools and Resources for Small Businesses: The Ultimate Guide to Surviving and Thriving
Tools and Resources for Small Businesses: Thrive Without Breaking the Bank.
Welcome to the world of small businesses, where you’re juggling more balls than a circus performer and praying that none of them hit you in the face. With so many tasks to manage and limited resources, finding the right tools can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
There is no shortage of tools and resources for small businesses. An average business uses a whopping 371 SaaS tools, not to mention other resources.
Do you need that many? Probably not!
In fact, when your small business uses too many tools, your data is siloed among them and, thus, mostly useless.
So we’ve compiled a handy list of tools and resources for small businesses that don’t clutter your tools stack needlessly. Plus, they are affordable and easy to use.
Quick note before you dig in: you don’t need all these either. We’ve grouped them by use case, so you can choose one, two at most, in each section.
Why Do Small Businesses Need These Tools and Resources?
Small businesses don’t have bottomless budgets, so they have to choose their tools and resources carefully. Moreover, it’s not just about money — with smaller teams, it’s impossible to use that many tools and stay productive.
This is why tools and resources specifically tailored for small businesses can streamline processes, enhance productivity, and ultimately drive growth. Here’s why they’re essential:
- Time savings: small business owners wear multiple hats, often juggling roles like sales, marketing, finance, and customer service. By implementing the right tools, time-consuming tasks can be automated or streamlined, allowing business owners to focus on strategic growth rather than getting bogged down in daily operations.
- Cost efficiency: many tools are designed with small budgets in mind. Leveraging affordable tools allows businesses to get the functionalities they need without the hefty price tags associated with enterprise solutions. This helps small businesses to maximize their ROI.
- Data-driven decision-making: with the right analytics tools, small businesses can gather insights into customer behavior, market trends, and operational efficiency. This data enables informed decision-making, leading to smarter strategies and improved outcomes.
- Improved customer relationships: tools that enhance customer service and relationship management ensure that small businesses can nurture leads, respond promptly to inquiries, and maintain long-term customer loyalty. After all, happy customers are repeat customers.
- Scalability: as a small business grows, its needs will evolve. Having scalable tools allows businesses to adapt quickly to changes, whether that’s expanding product lines, entering new markets, or ramping up marketing efforts.
In short, the right tools and resources can transform a small business from struggling to successful, providing the foundation for sustainable growth and long-term viability.
Top 33 Tools and Resources for Small Businesses
Looking for a new CRM? Or perhaps an integration platform? A better way to use social media? We’ve got a little bit of everything below.
The Sales Squad: Tools and Resources for Small Businesses that Make Selling Less Painful
First up on our list of tools and resources for small businesses is SyncApps. Shocking, I know.
Other than our obvious bias, we’re starting this list with our own integration solution for small businesses because that’s precisely whom we’ve built it for: SMEs that don’t have enterprise-level budgets but still need integration/iPaaS.
Because who doesn’t these days, right?
With SyncApps:
- You can forget about manual data entry and data migration between platforms — all of it is handled automatically.
- Your data flows bidirectionally and seamlessly between your CRM or ERP and your marketing automation platforms.
- You have at-a-glance data from two platforms. For instance, you’ll know exactly which lead clicked on a Mailchimp campaign and the change will be automatically updated in Salesforce too.
- You get 24/7 support with real humans, on all plans, including ongoing consulting calls, so you can leverage our integration solution to the fullest.
- You get a better ROI out of your marketing and sales efforts because you know exactly whom to target and when. Say hello to hyper-targeted campaigns on a tiny budget and with a tiny team.
Want all of the above and more? Find your integration here and get started for free.
Next, we have Salesforce, the popular CRM that’s like the Swiss Army knife of customer relationship management. With features that allow you to track leads, manage customer interactions, and analyze sales performance, Salesforce is a must-have tool for any small business looking to up their sales game.
Just remember to keep your data clean; otherwise, your CRM will become more of a “Can’t Remember Anything” tool than a sales powerhouse.
Too much data in your Salesforce account and you don’t know how to properly use it? Integrate Salesforce with your marketing automation platform and make sense of all your data — and money out of it.
Explore available integrations for Salesforce here.
Not quite ready to dive into the depths of Salesforce? Enter HubSpot, the user-friendly alternative that’ll have you managing leads like a pro without overwhelming you.
With features like email tracking, meeting scheduling, and a pipeline management tool that’s as easy to use as grandma’s recipes, HubSpot is perfect for small businesses looking to grow their sales without the usual stress.
Marketing Magic: Tools and Resources for Small Businesses that Make Your Brand Shine
Let’s talk about Mailchimp. You probably know it as the go-to email marketing platform, but it’s so much more than that!
With Mailchimp, you can create stunning email campaigns, automate your marketing efforts, deliver SMS campaigns, and track engagement metrics without needing a degree in rocket science.
See how Mailchimp compares to Constant Contact here.
It’s like having a marketing assistant who never sleeps and doesn’t mind if you send them 100 emails at once.
Explore available integrations for Mailchimp here.
If you’re looking for a way to create eye-catching graphics without hiring a designer, Canva is your best friend. This tool allows you to whip up social media posts, flyers, and infographics that look like a million bucks (even though they cost zero).
With its drag-and-drop interface and thousands of templates, you’ll be creating visual masterpieces in no time, all while avoiding the existential dread of Photoshop.
Next up is Buffer, the scheduling tool that makes social media management as easy as possible (or at least easier than doing your taxes).
With Buffer, you can schedule posts across various platforms, analyze performance, and engage with your audience — all from one central dashboard. Just think of it as your personal social media assistant but without the coffee runs.
Plus, it’s the perfect tool for small businesses because it has a free plan, among other things.
For those who want to go beyond Buffer’s capabilities, Hootsuite is a fantastic option. With Hootsuite, you can manage all your social media accounts from one dashboard, schedule posts, and monitor engagement—all while sipping your morning coffee.
It’s like having a command center for your social media, ensuring you never miss a beat (or a trending meme). While Hootsuite has no free plan, it’s worth paying for it if you rely heavily on social media.
Project Management Prowess: Tools and Resources for Small Businesses That Keep Your Team on Track
When it comes to project management, Trello is like a friendly neighborhood superhero. With its visual boards, lists, and cards, you can easily organize tasks and keep track of team progress.
Whether you’re managing a team of five or just trying to keep your own to-do list straight, Trello helps you stay organized without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, it’s free for basic use, which is a major win for small businesses!
If you want a more comprehensive project management tool, Asana is a fantastic choice. With features like task assignments, deadlines, and project timelines, Asana helps you keep everything organized and on track.
It’s like having a personal assistant — except it won’t go for coffee runs. Plus, its reporting features allow you to track team performance, so you can finally prove to your boss that you’re not just “working on it.”
Another project management tool worth mentioning is Monday.com. This platform offers customizable workflows, timelines, and team collaboration features.
It’s highly visual and user-friendly, making it easy for teams to stay aligned and focused. Plus, you can integrate it with other tools like Slack and Google Drive to keep everything in one place.
Monday.com is one of our favorite tools and resources for small businesses because it also has a free tier, which is ideal for small teams who only manage a few projects.
Financial Fitness: Tools and Resources for Small Businesses that Keep Your Money in Check
Managing your finances can be as daunting as trying to understand a cat’s emotions. Enter QuickBooks, the accounting software that simplifies bookkeeping for small businesses.
With features like expense tracking, invoicing, and tax preparation, QuickBooks makes sure you don’t drown in a sea of receipts. Plus, you can finally figure out if you’re making a profit or just spending money like a sailor on leave.
If you’re on a budget (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), Wave is an excellent free accounting software option. It offers invoicing, expense tracking, and even payroll features at no cost.
It’s perfect for small businesses that need to keep an eye on their finances without breaking the bank. Just remember, free doesn’t mean you can ignore your books entirely; it’s still a tool, not a magic wand!
For service-based businesses, FreshBooks is another great accounting tool. It’s user-friendly and focuses on invoicing, time tracking, and expense management.
With its intuitive interface, you’ll find it easy to manage your finances without losing your mind over complicated spreadsheets.
Customer Support Superstars: Tools and Resources for Small Businesses that Keep Your Clients Happy
Good customer service can be the difference between a loyal customer and a one-time buyer. Zendesk is a customer support platform that allows small businesses to manage support tickets, chat with customers, and track interactions all in one place.
With Zendesk, you can provide stellar support without hiring dozens of support reps, making it easier to keep customers happy and coming back for more.
Another great option for customer support is Freshdesk. This tool for small businesses provides ticketing, automation, and reporting features to help you manage customer inquiries effectively.
Plus, it integrates seamlessly with other tools like Slack and WhatsApp, making it easier to keep track of customer interactions across platforms. Who knew keeping customers happy could be so easy?
If you prefer a more email-centric approach to customer support, Help Scout is a fantastic choice. This tool allows you to manage customer inquiries through email while providing a shared inbox for your team.
It’s perfect for small businesses that want to deliver personalized support without overwhelming their team with chaos.
Collaboration Corner: Tools and Resources for Small Businesses that Boost Team Communication
When it comes to team communication, Slack is the reigning champion. This messaging platform allows teams to collaborate in real time, share files, and integrate with other tools.
Think of it as a digital water cooler, minus the awkward small talk. With Slack, your team can communicate effectively, which is essential for small businesses trying to make a big impact.
If you’re already using Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams is a natural fit. This collaboration tool allows you to chat, meet, and collaborate all in one place.
With video conferencing, file sharing, and integration with other Microsoft products, Teams is a powerhouse for small businesses. Just don’t forget to wear pants for those video calls.
Zoom has become the go-to platform for virtual meetings. It’s simple, reliable, and free for basic use.
With Zoom, you can host video calls, webinars, and even record meetings for future reference. It’s like having your own personal conference room, minus the awkward silence and the coffee stains on the carpet. Whether you’re catching up with a client or hosting a team meeting, Zoom makes remote communication seamless.
Analytics and Insights: Tools and Resources for Small Businesses that Help You Make Data-Driven Decisions
You can’t improve what you don’t measure, which is why Google Analytics is an essential tool for small businesses. This free platform allows you to track website traffic, user behavior, and conversion rates.
With this data, you can make informed decisions about your marketing strategies and optimize your website for better performance. Plus, it’s free, which means you can afford to get a little nerdy about your data.
If you’re looking to up your SEO game, Semrush is the tool for you. With features that allow you to track keyword rankings, analyze competitors, and conduct site audits, Semrush is perfect for small businesses looking to improve their online visibility.
It’s a bit on the pricier side, but if you’re serious about SEO, you should give it a try.
Understanding user behavior on your website is crucial for making informed decisions. Hotjar provides heatmaps, session recordings, and surveys to help you understand how visitors interact with your site.
By identifying where users click, scroll, and drop off, you can make changes that enhance their experience and increase conversions.
Another excellent tool for understanding user behavior is Crazy Egg. This platform offers heatmaps, scroll maps, and A/B testing capabilities to help you optimize your website’s design and user experience.
With Crazy Egg, you can gain insights into what’s working (and what’s not) so you can fine-tune your site for maximum impact.
HR and Team Management: Tools for Small Businesses That Help You Building a Great Team
When it comes to payroll and HR management, Gusto is a great choice for small businesses. This platform simplifies the payroll process, handles employee benefits, and manages compliance—all in one place.
It’s like having a dedicated HR team without the overhead costs. Plus, Gusto’s user-friendly interface makes it easy for both employers and employees to navigate.
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive HR management solution, BambooHR is worth considering. This tool offers features like applicant tracking, employee self-service, and performance management.
With BambooHR, small businesses can streamline HR processes and improve employee engagement, making it a smart investment for growth.
eCommerce Essentials: Tools and Resources for Small Businesses that Boost Your Online Store
For small businesses venturing into e-commerce, Shopify is a top-tier platform that makes setting up an online store a breeze. With customizable templates, built-in payment processing, and inventory management features, Shopify takes the guesswork out of selling online.
It’s like having a storefront that never closes, allowing you to reach customers 24/7.
If you prefer to run your eCommerce site on WordPress, WooCommerce is a fantastic option. This plugin transforms your WordPress site into a fully functional online store, complete with product listings, shopping carts, and payment gateways.
WooCommerce is flexible and customizable, making it ideal for small businesses that want to maintain control over their online presence.
Another great option for small businesses is BigCommerce. This platform provides an all-in-one solution for building and managing an online store.
With powerful built-in features and easy integration with various payment processors, BigCommerce is a strong contender for any small business looking to tap into the eCommerce industry.
Content Creation Tools: Tools and Resources for Small Businesses that Help You Craft Compelling Narratives
Let’s face it: nobody wants to read content riddled with typos and grammatical errors. Grammarly is your writing assistant that helps you catch mistakes, improve your writing style, and even check for plagiarism.
With both free and premium versions, it’s a must-have for anyone looking to polish their written communication. Don’t tell anyone but we use Grammarly at SyncApps too. If you spot any typos in our content, blame it on Grammarly, not us. 🙂
BuzzSumo is an excellent tool for small businesses that want to take their content game to the next level. This platform allows you to discover trending topics, analyze content performance, and identify influencers in your industry.
By using BuzzSumo, you can create content that resonates with your audience and drives engagement. Plus, you can also connect to journalists and get media coverage for your small business.
Crafting catchy headlines is crucial for attracting readers. The CoSchedule Headline Analyzer helps you assess your headlines based on length, word choice, and overall appeal.
With its guidance, you can create headlines that not only grab attention but also improve your content’s SEO performance. Plus, it’s 100% free!
Email and Communication Tools for Small Businesses: Keeping Everyone in the Loop
For businesses looking to streamline communication and collaboration, Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) is an all-in-one solution. With tools like Gmail, Google Docs, Sheets, and Drive, your team can collaborate in real time, share files, and communicate effectively.
It’s like having a virtual office that you can access from anywhere — pajamas encouraged!
If security is a top concern, ProtonMail offers end-to-end encryption for your emails. This service is especially useful for small businesses dealing with sensitive information.
With ProtonMail, you can communicate securely without sacrificing usability. It’s the digital equivalent of a locked filing cabinet — keeping your secrets safe!
Conclusion: The Right Tools and Resources for Small Businesses Can Make All the Difference
From sales to marketing, project management to finance, these tools can help you streamline processes, improve efficiency, and ultimately grow your business without emptying your pockets.
Remember, you don’t need to spend a fortune to find effective solutions. With tools like SyncApps, Salesforce, Mailchimp, and many others on this list, you can keep your small business running smoothly and even enjoy the ride (most of the time).
Found a few favorites on our list of tools and resources for small businesses but don’t know where to start? Why not with SyncApps? It’s completely free to try and 25,000+ small businesses already use it. Join them for free!
