Small businesses are often short-handed yet never short of work. Check out my list of the 19 best small business tools of 2024 to find the best options for you.
Running a small business requires you to wear multiple hats. Between managing your employees and finances, there’s a lot to stay on top of.
Fortunately, small business tools can make your life much easier, In this article, I’m going over my top 19 picks of the best apps and software to make your small business run as efficiently as possible.
If you don’t have the time to read through our research, jump down to our quick comparison table.
Our Top Picks
-
Connecteam is a cost-effective, easy-to-use, and customizable management tool for small businesses.
-
Good for creating virtual whiteboards
-
Good for time tracking
Why trust us?
Our team of unbiased software reviewers follows strict editorial guidelines, and our methodology is clear and open to everyone.
See our complete methodology
73
Tools considered
52
Tools reviewed
19
Best tools
chosen
How I Chose the Best Small Business Tools
There are a ton of small business tools and software on the market, all of which may have vastly different functionalities. Here’s how I chose the tools on this list:
- Best in their category: I’ve broken down my list into categories based on different business needs. To make this list, I chose the tools that functioned the best in each category.
- Affordability: The software needs to be affordable and suit the budget of a small business.
- Scalable: The software on this list is designed to grow with small businesses as they scale.
- Not too technical: The majority of tools on this list can be learned without extensive training. However, some of the analytics tools may require tutorials or training to understand and use properly.
- Support: The software comes with good customer support to help you with any issues.
- Security: Strong security features are important to protect your business data. This includes data encryption, secure login processes, and regular security updates.
- Compliance and regulations: It’s important that tools for small businesses comply with any relevant industry regulations, especially concerning data protection and privacy laws.
Best Tools for Employee and Project Management
-
Connecteam — Best all-in-one employee management app
When it comes to managing your team, Connecteam is the best go-to solution.
Why I chose Connecteam: Connecteam has all the features you need to manage your staff right from your phone: create and share schedules, track employee hours, create and monitor tasks, communicate in real time, store important documents, and much more.
Here are some of the key features:
Easy-to-use employee scheduling tools
With Connecteam’s employee scheduling app, employees can submit time-off requests and their scheduling preferences directly on the app, and you get a complete overview of your team’s availability so you can prevent scheduling conflicts.
Connecteam also comes with employee scheduling templates so you don’t have to start from scratch every time. All employees receive immediate notifications on their mobile devices once the schedule is published. I also really like that Connecteam integrates directly with Google Calendar so employees can transfer their schedules to their personal calendars.
Track employee hours with a GPS-enabled time clock
With Connecteam’s time clock app, employees can all clock in and out of work right from their phones. The time clock is also enabled with GPS so you can see exactly where your employees are while they are working, making sure they only get paid while they’re on the job.
The app automatically creates employee timesheets and then sends them to you for approval at the end of the pay period by Connecteam’s timesheets app, saving you time on payroll and reducing the risk of costly errors.
Streamline employee communication
With Connecteam’s online team chat, you can communicate easily with your entire team from your phone with 1:1 and group chats.
Share company updates on the company newsfeed and provide easy access to everyone’s contact information with the company employee directory. You can also store important documents and training materials in the company knowledge base, ensuring that all important company information is at everyone’s fingertips.
Easy task and project management
Allocate one-time and recurring tasks in just a few clicks with Connecteam’s task management app. Then, set built-in reminders to make sure your employees perform their tasks on time.
Easily add detailed descriptions and subtasks, or attach images, files, and due dates. You’ll automatically receive progress updates in real-time as tasks are completed.
Ensure business success on the go
Besides these features, Connecteam comes with employee training software, digital forms and checklists to organize tasks and ensure compliance, time off management features, and more. It’s incredibly customizable and easy to learn how to use.
Connecteam’s paid plan starts at just $29 per month for up to 30 users, and small businesses with fewer than 10 users can access the app completely free.
Connecteam also offers a free for life plan – Try Connecteam here!
Pricing
Free-for-life plan availablePremium plans start at $29/month for 30 users
Streamline your small business operations with Connecteam!
Let’s Get Started -
ClickUp — Good for creating virtual whiteboards
ClickUp stands out as an exceptional employee management app due to its versatile task management features that allow teams to easily customize workflows and track progress.
Why I chose ClickUp: I love the Whiteboard feature, an interactive visual space for teams to brainstorm, plan, and collaborate on projects in real-time.
This business tool also has a document creator where you can create, edit, and share documents with your team from your phone. You can add them to tasks and workflows, too, providing a creative way to share information with your team.
Learn more about ClickUpPricing
Starts at $7/member/month Trial: No Free Plan: Yes
-
Deputy — Good for time tracking
Deputy has lots of great features, but one of its standout features is its time-tracking capabilities.
Why I chose Deputy: Deputy allows you to effortlessly monitor employee hours and schedules, and track how long tasks take to complete.
The app is user-friendly and simplifies the process of shift planning and staff organization, making it a go-to tool for managers in various industries. Additionally, Deputy’s communication features and integrations with payroll systems help teams stay aligned, on track, and ensures everyone gets paid on time.
Learn more about DeputyPricing
Starts at $4.5/user/month, for Scheduling or Time & Attendance Trial: Yes — 31-day Free Plan: No
-
Wrike — Good for project management
Wrike is a top free small business tool that allows you to analyze performance insights with clunky spreadsheets.
Why I chose Wrike: This software helps small businesses organize, plan, and track their projects and workflows. Its key features include customizable dashboards, real-time collaboration tools, and detailed reporting, which enable small teams to stay aligned, work efficiently, and meet their project goals effectively.
Learn more about WrikePricing
Starts at $9.80/user/month, for 2-25 users Trial: Yes Free Plan: Yes
-
Proofhub — Good for creating project templates
ProofHub is a comprehensive project management and team collaboration software.
Why I chose ProofHub: ProofHub is well-suited for small businesses looking to centralize their project planning and communication. It offers a range of features including task management, time tracking, file sharing, and an integrated proofing tool, which streamline workflow and enhance team productivity.
The simplicity of its interface, combined with flat-rate pricing, makes ProofHub an attractive choice for small businesses seeking an all-in-one solution to manage projects efficiently without worrying about user-based fees.
Learn more about ProofhubPricing
Starts at $45/month Trial: Yes — 14-day Free Plan: No
-
Asana — Good for tracking deadlines
Asana offers detailed task assignments that allow managers to delegate work clearly, set priorities, and establish deadlines.
Learn more about Asana
Why I chose Asana: The platform’s timeline view provides a visual representation of project schedules so teams can track progress and adjust plans in real-time. I also like how Asana’s project boards, which are reminiscent of Kanban boards, offer a flexible and interactive way to manage workflows.
It also offers integrations with other business tools like Slack, Google Drive, and Zoom, so it’s easy to incorporate into your business.Pricing
Starts at $10.99/user/month Trial: No Free Plan: Yes — Up to 15 people
-
Zapier — Good for automation workflows
Available on
- Web
Zapier stands out because of its unique platform that automates tasks by connecting various apps.
Learn more about Zapier
Why I chose Zapier: Its primary feature, the creation of ‘Zaps’, allows users to set up triggers in one app that initiate actions in another, seamlessly linking over 3,000 apps like Gmail, Slack, and QuickBooks.
This automation extends from simple tasks, like sending email notifications based on specific triggers, to more complex workflows, such as updating databases or syncing calendars across different platforms.
For small businesses, this means significant time savings, reduced manual data entry, and improved efficiency. Zapier handles repetitive tasks, allowing teams to focus on business operations and strategy, instead.
Pricing
Starts at $19.99/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: Yes
-
Best Tools for Marketing
Hubspot — Good for its CRM
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
HubSpot offers an all-in-one platform for marketing, sales, and customer service under 6 hubs: operations, sales, CMS, marketing, commerce, and service.
Why I chose HubSpot: Hubspot’s main features include powerful CRM capabilities, email marketing tools, and analytics, which help businesses attract and retain customers. The user-friendly interface and scalable solutions make HubSpot ideal for small businesses looking to streamline their operations and grow their customer base without having to manage multiple systems.
Learn more about HubspotPricing
Contact vendor for price Trial: Yes Free Plan: Yes
-
Omnisend — Good for SMS marketing
Available on
- Web
- Windows
- Mac
Omnisend is a highly effective marketing automation platform tailored for small businesses, particularly those in e-commerce.
Why I chose Omnisend: Omnisend’s standout features include advanced email marketing tools, SMS marketing capabilities, and easy-to-use automation, which allow businesses to create personalized and targeted campaigns.
The platform’s user-friendly interface and integration with popular e-commerce platforms make it an excellent choice for small businesses that want to boost their marketing efforts without needing extensive technical expertise.
Learn more about OmnisendPricing
Starts at $16/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: Yes
-
MailChimp — Good for email marketing
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
- Windows
- Mac
Mailchimp makes email marketing much easier.
Why I chose Mailchimp: Mailchimp offers user-friendly email marketing capabilities, with a range of features including customizable email templates, audience segmentation, and detailed analytics, which help businesses tailor their marketing efforts effectively.
Additionally, Mailchimp’s affordability and scalability, combined with its additional offerings like landing pages and social media ad management, make it a great and manageable marketing solution.
Learn more about MailChimpPricing
Starts at $11/month, for up to 3 users Trial: Yes Free Plan: Yes
-
Best Tools for Payroll Processing
Gusto — Good for payroll automation
Gusto’s full-service payroll software aims to help small businesses take care of their teams.
Why I chose Gusto: It’s easy to run payroll each month for salaried employees and contractors. It also allows you to automatically file payroll taxes, manage healthcare and other employee benefits, perform next-day, 2-day, and 4-day direct deposits, and more.
Gusto is a good choice for business owners and entrepreneurs looking to minimize administrative hires.
Learn more about GustoPricing
Starts at $40/month + $6/person/month Trial: No Free Plan: No
-
QuickBooks Time — Good for automating state and federal tax filings
QuickBooks Time is a great accounting software solution that offers a range of features like invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting.
Why I chose QuickBooks Time: The user-friendly interface and cloud-based system allow for easy access and management of financial data from anywhere, enhancing flexibility for business owners. This small business tool integrates seamlessly with various business applications and provides real-time insights into cash flow, making it a valuable tool for small businesses looking to enhance financial management and strategic planning.
Learn more about QuickBooks TimePricing
Starts at $20/month + $10/user/month Trial: Yes — 30-day Free Plan: No
-
Sage Payroll — Good for real-time reporting
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
Sage simplifies your payroll process and provides accurate reports for quicker decision-making.
Why I chose Sage: Sage has a full suite of accounting and financial management tools, ideal for small businesses that want to streamline their financial processes. The app’s main features include invoicing, cash flow management, and real-time reporting.
This business tool provides financial oversight and helps small businesses manage their finances more efficiently.
Learn more about Sage PayrollPricing
Starts at $8/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: No
-
Best Tools for Data Analytics
Google Analytics — Good for analyzing website behavior
Available on
- Web
- Android
Google shows up on our list once again because its capabilities are wide in scope, not to mention, free.
Why I chose Google Analytics: Google Analytics is an indispensable tool for small businesses that want to gain insight into their website performance and customer behavior. It offers detailed data analysis features, including tracking user interactions, understanding traffic sources, and measuring conversion rates, which are crucial for optimizing online presence.
Learn more about Google Analytics
Specifically beneficial for small businesses, Google Analytics provides real-time reporting, audience segmentation, and goal tracking.
Pricing
Contact vendor for price Trial: No Free Plan: Yes
-
Tableau — Good for data visualization
Tableau is a powerful data visualization tool that excels in transforming complex data sets into intuitive and interactive visual representations.
Learn more about Tableau
Why I chose Tableau: Tableau analyzes a wide range of data that are crucial for small businesses. It can track sales data, inventory levels, identify trends, and forecast future sales. Customer data can be analyzed to understand buying patterns, preferences, and demographics, which is important for targeted marketing and improving customer experiences.
Financial data such as expenses, revenues, and profits can be visualized for better financial planning and management. Additionally, Tableau can integrate web analytics data, providing insights into website traffic, user behavior, and online marketing campaign effectiveness.Pricing
Starts at $15/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: Yes
-
GoodData — Good for creating analytic dashboards with AI
GoodData is a cloud-based analytics platform specifically designed for the unique needs of small businesses.
Why I chose GoodData: This software offers powerful yet accessible business intelligence tools. It integrates with multiple data sources, such as CRM systems, financial software, and marketing platforms, so small businesses can analyze diverse data sets in one place.
Learn more about GoodData
The platform’s standout features include customizable, interactive dashboards that provide real-time, actionable insights into key performance indicators like customer behavior and sales trends.Pricing
Starts at $30/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: No
-
Best Website Builders
Wix — Good for drag-and-drop website building
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
Wix is a highly user-friendly website builder that’s ideal for small businesses looking to establish a strong online presence without extensive technical knowledge.
Learn more about Wix
Why I chose Wix: Wix offers a drag-and-drop interface, allowing you to easily customize website layouts, along with a large library of templates for various industries. Additionally, Wix includes features like SEO tools, e-commerce capabilities, and mobile optimization, which help small businesses reach a wider audience, sell products online, and ensure their websites are accessible on all devices.
Pricing
Contact vendor for price Trial: No Free Plan: Yes
-
Squarespace — Good for beginners
Squarespace is a website builder known for its sleek design templates and easy-to-use interface.
Why I chose Squarespace: Squarespace stands out for its high-quality, customizable design templates that cater to a variety of business niches, from restaurants to retail, making sure that each website can have a unique and industry-appropriate aesthetic.
Learn more about Squarespace
The platform is ideal for beginners with no technological background and it integrates with various third-party tools and applications, including social media platforms, marketing tools, and payment apps.
It also offers robust features such as responsive design for mobile compatibility, built-in SEO tools to enhance online visibility, and e-commerce functionality for seamless online selling.Pricing
Starts at $23/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: No
-
Shopify Logo — Good for scaling your e-commerce store
If you have an online store, then Shopify may be a great business tool for you.
Why I chose Shopify: Shopify is a leading e-commerce website builder specifically designed for small businesses looking to establish and grow their online stores. It offers a comprehensive set of features including a user-friendly interface for creating and customizing online storefronts, integrated payment processing with support for multiple payment gateways, and robust inventory management tools. Shopify also provides valuable marketing and SEO tools, along with access to a vast app marketplace.
Learn more about Shopify LogoPricing
Starts at $39/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: No
Compare the Best Small Business Tools
Topic | Start for free | ||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Reviews |
4.8
|
4.7
|
4.6
|
4.3
|
4.6
|
4.5
|
4.7
|
4.5
|
4.7
|
4.5
|
4.6
|
4.7
|
4.8
|
4.7
|
4.5
|
4.4
|
4.4
|
4.6
|
4.5
|
Pricing |
Starts at just $29/month for the first 30 users
|
Starts at $7/member/month
|
Starts at $4.5/user/month, for Scheduling or Time & Attendance
|
Starts at $9.80/user/month, for 2-25 users
|
Starts at $45/month
|
Starts at $10.99/user/month
|
Starts at $19.99/month
|
Contact vendor for price
|
Starts at $16/month
|
Starts at $11/month, for up to 3 users
|
Starts at $40/month + $6/person/month
|
Starts at $20/month + $10/user/month
|
Starts at $8/month
|
Contact vendor for price
|
Starts at $15/month
|
Starts at $30/month
|
Contact vendor for price
|
Starts at $23/month
|
Starts at $39/month
|
Free Trial |
yes
14-day
|
no
|
yes
31-day
|
yes
|
yes
14-day
|
no
|
yes
|
yes
|
yes
|
yes
|
no
|
yes
30-day
|
yes
|
no
|
yes
|
yes
|
no
|
yes
|
yes
|
Free Plan |
yes
Free Up to 10 users
|
yes
|
no
|
yes
|
no
|
yes
Up to 15 people
|
yes
|
yes
|
yes
|
yes
|
no
|
no
|
no
|
yes
|
yes
|
no
|
yes
|
no
|
no
|
Use cases |
Best all-in-one employee management app
|
Good for creating virtual whiteboards
|
Good for time tracking
|
Good for project management
|
Good for creating project templates
|
Good for tracking deadlines
|
Good for automation workflows
|
Good for its CRM
|
Good for SMS marketing
|
Good for email marketing
|
Good for payroll automation
|
Good for automating state and federal tax filings
|
Good for real-time reporting
|
Good for analyzing website behavior
|
Good for data visualization
|
Good for creating analytic dashboards with AI
|
Good for drag-and-drop website building
|
Good for beginners
|
Good for scaling your e-commerce store
|
Available on |
Web
|
Web, iOS, Android
|
Web, Windows, Mac
|
Web, iOS, Android, Windows, Mac
|
Web, iOS, Android
|
Web, Android
|
Web, iOS, Android
|
What are Small Business Tools?
Small business tools help business owners manage their businesses efficiently. These tools have a wide range of functionalities, like financial management, customer relationship management (CRM), project management, marketing, employee scheduling, and communication.
They streamline processes, improve productivity, and facilitate the growth of small businesses by providing cost-effective, user-friendly, and scalable solutions tailored to the unique challenges and needs of smaller enterprises.
How Do Small Business Tools Work?
Small business tools are designed to make life easier for small business owners and their teams by automating and simplifying different parts of running a business. They usually come as easy-to-use apps or online platforms, letting you and your team handle things like finances, customer relationships, website building, employee management, projects, and marketing from anywhere.
They bring all your business tasks into one place, helping you stay organized, work smarter, and make better decisions without getting bogged down in the nitty-gritty details.
How Much Do Small Business Tools Cost?
The cost can vary widely depending on the software features and size of the business. Google Analytics, for instance, offers its basic services for free, which is ideal for small businesses looking to understand customer behavior without a significant investment.
Wix, a website builder, has various pricing tiers, starting from a basic free plan to more advanced plans that offer additional features like e-commerce capabilities, with prices increasing accordingly. Deputy, a workforce management tool, offers a free starter plan for up to 100 shifts per month, and its premium plans start at $4.50 per user per month, making it a scalable option for growing businesses.
Connecteam, known for its stellar employee management features, offers a unique small business plan that’s free for life for up to 10 users, with more advanced plans starting at only $29 per month for the first 30 users.
What are the Benefits of Small Business Tools?
Increased efficiency
Small business tools automate routine tasks, saving time and reducing the likelihood of errors, which leads to more efficient operations.
Improved organization
These tools help in organizing various aspects of business operations, from scheduling and task management to customer data and inventory, keeping everything streamlined and accessible.
Enhanced communication
Many small business tools facilitate better communication within teams and with customers, through features like integrated messaging, email marketing, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems.
📚 This may interest you: Check out Connecteam’s list of the best team communication apps.
Data-driven decision making
Tools like analytics and reporting software provide valuable insights into business performance, customer behavior, and market trends, aiding in informed decision-making.
Cost-effectiveness
By automating tasks and improving efficiency, these tools can reduce the need for additional staff and lower operational costs.
Scalability
As the business grows, these tools can adapt to changing needs, whether it’s handling more data, more customers, or more complex projects.
Enhanced customer experience
Tools that manage customer interactions, like CRMs and feedback systems, help in providing better service and understanding customer needs, leading to improved customer satisfaction.
Remote work capability
Many small business tools are cloud-based, allowing for remote access to business data and operations.
FAQs
What is the best small business tool?
The best business tool depends on your unique business needs, goals, and budget. If your goal is to better manage your team on the go, then Connecteam is a great option because it has tons of features built into one single app, like employee scheduling, time clock, HR capabilities, team communication, and more.
Why do you need small business tools?
Small business tools are essential for streamlining operations, automating repetitive tasks, and efficiently managing various aspects of a business, from finances to customer relations. They provide valuable insights, enhance productivity, and support scalable growth, which are crucial for the success and competitiveness of small businesses.
The Bottom Line on Small Business Tools
Technology is certainly here to stay, and your small business can suffer without the right tools. By handling many time-consuming tasks that can bog down a small team, they enable small businesses to operate more efficiently, stay competitive, and grow.
With the 19 top tools we’ve explored, you now have the resources at your fingertips to tackle challenges head-on and carve out your own success story for your business.