If you’re running a small business, chances are you’re wasting your money.
Small business owners are responsible for organizing all the little things that keep their team on track. And sometimes, this requires the help of tools and apps.
But if you’re paying for more apps than you can count on one hand, you’re likely overpaying. There are several startup-friendly apps that are completely free to use.
Here are some of the best free apps for small business owners.
Table of Contents
Google Drive
Google Drive is one of the best apps for small business, making it easy to create a variety of files.
Whether you need to create a sharable document that can be viewed and edited by others or you’re looking for an easy way to make your own presentations, Google Drive has you covered.
And while you can access Google Drive through your browser, downloading the free app makes it easy to stay organized, even when you’re offline. Learn how to add Google Drive to Mac here.
Slack
During the pandemic, Slack exploded as one of the new go-to small business tools (though it was first crowned Company of the Year in 2015).
If you’re managing a team online, Slack makes it easy to stay connected. It’s best for communicating with remote employees, but many offices have also utilized Slack as a way to streamline communications and announcements.
The free Slack plan offers chat functions, one-on-one video calls, file sharing, and more. For most small businesses, these features are enough, but if you find your company expanding later, you can always upgrade to the paid version.
Dropbox
Dropbox is one of the most well-known cloud-based file sharing apps around.
With Dropbox’s free plan, you get two gigabytes of storage for documents, photos, and other types of files. You can then easily share these files with others on your team.
Dropbox makes it easy to store important files and even recover them later if you accidentally delete them. But if you want to backup more than two gigabytes worth of files, expect to pay for the service.
Stripe
If your business sends out invoices regularly, or if you receive mobile or online payments, Stripe is an invaluable tool.
The app is free to use and allows you to track sales and payments with a user-friendly interface. And Stripe allows a variety of payment options sure to make your customers happy. It’s even compatible with international payment systems, accepting credit cards from around the world.
Zoom
After working from home became the norm, the word “zoom” has taken on a whole new meaning. Now, millions of people use Zoom for all their video and audio call needs.
To connect with team members or clients easily, download the Zoom app to your desktop. Then, you can host your own calls and meetings using the app’s scheduling system.
Note that some Zoom plans aren’t free, depending on your business. But unless you’re inviting hundreds of people to your calls, the no-cost basic plan is typically sufficient.
Wave
If you’re looking for free accounting small business software, Wave is one of the top contenders. It allows you to manage payroll, sales, and other bookkeeping needs all in one place.
If you have a brick-and-mortar store, Wave can also connect to cash drawers and barcode scanners to keep inventory and sales information organized.
Business owners love how mighty this one app is and how much it offers for not even a single cent.
Google Calendar
Google Calendar is a free calendar that connects with other apps and systems, such as your email, to help you organize all your important appointments and deadlines.
It’s a basic tool yet offers everything you need, including color-coded reminders and tasks. You can also use Google Calendar to allow others to book time in your calendar using a sharable booking page, but this feature is only part of the paid premium plan.
Trello
Trello is an app that makes your team’s to-do lists and tasks easy to organize with its simple visual interface.
With Trello, you can manage projects and assignments, adding due dates and sharing files where needed. The app’s drag and drop function makes it easy to see where different tasks fall in the schedule and who’s responsible for what.
For small businesses managing creative work and other time-sensitive projects, Trello is worth a try. It’s free to use, with some limitations.
When I Work
Just as the name suggests, When I Work is an app designed to schedule and track your employees’ work hours. You can create a sharable digital schedule for your entire team, as well as allow remote workers to track their hours seamlessly. It also includes communication tools in the app.
Basic features are free, but there’s a charge for each additional user you add to the app.
Mailchimp
Mailchimp is one of the original email marketing services, and many small businesses still love it today for its free plan. Create an email mailing list, send newsletters using customizable templates, and even create landing pages.
The app also offers a variety of marketing resources to help you spread the word about your business online.
Most features are free for email lists up to 2,000 contacts.
Free Apps for Small Business
To grow your small business without breaking your budget, swap expensive tools for free apps. Try these free apps for small businesses to keep you and your team organized and productive at work.
Learn more about tech tools and tips your business needs in our latest technology articles!