Starting a small business is like embarking on a grand adventure: exciting, a little overwhelming, and full of unknowns. Keeping costs down while planning a path to success is no easy feat. For the savvy entrepreneur, every penny saved is a treasure chest found.
Fortunately, the digital age has brought with it a wealth of free tools that can help new business owners manage their startup expenses without feeling like they’re skimping on quality.
Here’s a simple guide to five essential tools that are not only inexpensive, but can also save you occasional headaches in your business. Whether you’re a one-person business or managing a growing team, these tools are like finding a map where the “X” marks the place of value and efficiency.
1. Canva: Unleash the artist within you
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 its drag-and-drop interface and library of over 250,000 free templates, creating professional-looking designs is a snap. Logos, flyers, social media posts, brochures—you name it, Canva helps you create it effortlessly and inexpensively.
And while the premium version offers more features, the free version is usually enough when you’re just starting out and spending cautiously.
Business Credit Card Comparison
Consider these business credit cards that offer a convenient and efficient way to separate personal and business expenses, simplifying accounting and tax reporting.
Additionally, business cards can provide valuable benefits like reward points, cash back, and expense tracking tools, improving financial management and potentially helping save money in the long run.
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card |
Earn $750 cash back bonus Earn a $750 cash back bonus after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. |
Earn unlimited 1.5% cashback on every purchase Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business |
0% Introductory Annual Percentage Rate (APR) on Purchases Purchases: 0% Introductory Annual Percentage Rate (APR) on Purchases, 12 Months Balance Transfers: N/A
Regular: |
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Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card |
Earn 120,000 bonus points Earn 120,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. |
Earn 3 points for every $1 in select business categories Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on combined travel purchases, shipping purchases, internet, cable and phone services, advertising 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. |
N/A Shopping: N/A Balance Transfers: N/A
Regular: |
Social media management It doesn’t have to be like herding cats. Later simplifies the chaos by allowing you to control all of your social media platforms from one dashboard. Schedule posts, track engagement, and breathe easier—all without having to flip through a dozen tabs.
The free plan lets you schedule 10 posts per month per social profile, which is a godsend for those who don’t prefer to live with their phone on. Plus, think of all the extra time you’ll have to spend on a coffee!
3. LegalZoom: Navigate the legal jungle
Diving into the legal complexities of starting a business can be as overwhelming as opening a puzzle box. But with LegalZoom’s Basic plan, you get just what you need. Form your LLC officially registered in your state – all for $0 plus state filing fees (which can range from $35-$500).
This plan includes crucial first steps like Articles of Organization, a name verification service, and a step-by-step incorporation checklist to guide you through the process. As an added 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 on your entrepreneurial career without the usual high price tag.
4. Wix: Create a website that surprises
Only 51% of small businesses use a website to attract customers, perhaps because their owners are concerned about creating and maintaining one. Wix It’s like a friendly neighborhood website builder that offers a platform so intuitive even your grandma could master it.
Drag-and-drop tools, beautiful templates, and the freedom to customize give you the power to create a professional website without having to learn a single line of code. For startups, the free version does a good job of delivering a delicious, homemade website that can make your competitors’ sites look like fast food.
5. Mailchimp: Manage email marketing like a pro
Junk mail Mailchimp is like having a megaphone at a whispering contest: it helps your message stand out. Get started with a free plan that manages 500 contacts and lets you send 1,000 emails per month, with a daily send limit of 500. That’s a lot of shout-outs!
Mailchimp It also helps you design emails that people actually want to read, track their performance, and automate the entire process so you can focus on running your business. It’s email marketing, not rocket science, and Mailchimp makes sure of that.
Embarking on your Small business The journey may feel like setting sail on the high seas. But with these free tools, you won’t just drift aimlessly—you’ll head confidently toward success. By embracing these resources, you can save money, improve your productivity, and maybe enjoy the entrepreneurial journey a little more. After all, who says starting a business can’t be a little fun?
Alert: Our top-rated cash back card now has a 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR) through 2025
Not only is this credit card good, it’s so great that our experts personally use it. It offers an extended 0% introductory APR period, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and somehow, all with no annual fee! Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.