Best Software for Small Businesses

Starting and running a small business means you're probably wearing many hats, acting as a bookkeeper, human resources manager, content creator, sales department, and so much more. Luckily, several (if not way too many) software tools are available to business owners, from sole proprietors to small businesses with a few employees. Unfortunately, there are so many options that navigating what will work best for your needs can be a job in itself. Well, we're here to help with that. These are our top picks for the best software for small businesses. 

Accounting Software

Our fave: QuickBooks

QuickBooks is king for accounting and financing. Yes, even for small businesses. We even know some freelancers who use it for their sole proprietorship. You'll love all the various tiers for services and pricing, from bookkeeping to accounting to tax preparation. The Simple Start tier is only $17.50 a month and includes tracking income and expenses, invoicing and accepting payments, managing cash flow, and more. 

Other solutions:

• Wave: Includes a free starter plan for estimates, invoices, bills, and bookkeeping records.
• Xero: Track inventories, pay bills, and claim expenses. Multiple pricing tiers. 
• FreshBooks: Great for freelancers through businesses with employees and contractors. 

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software

Our fave: HubSpot CRM

Don't be intimidated by the HubSpot's vast capabilities. The CRM software works just fine for small businesses; it offers the ​​HubSpot Starter Bundle Built for Startups & Small Businesses. The bundle includes an AI-powered CRM database, CRM data import, contact management, and so much more. And, it goes beyond CRM, with marketing, sales, and customer service tools. Plus — they have a giant library of learning resources to use as your business grows. 

Other solutions:

• Zoho CRM: Offers a 15-day free trial. 
• Pipedrive: Offers automated lead nurturing.
• Salesforce: Offers a Starter Suite for small businesses.

Project Management Software

Our fave: Trello

We love Trello and use it daily! It's visually pleasing, and the drag-and-drop interface makes project management flow nicely. We use it to manage workflows, track progress, and collaborate with teams. Everything can be customized with features like due dates, checklists, and attachments to keep tasks organized and on track. Plus, it integrates with Slack, Google Drive, Asana, and more. The basics are free! 

Other solutions:

• Asana: Works across departments like IT, marketing, operations, and more. 
• Monday.com: Offers a free version for individuals. 
• ClickUp: An all-in-one workspace with free options. 

Marketing, Social Media, and Content Creation Software

Our fave: Canva

If you're managing content creation on your own for your small business, Canva is a godsend. There's no need for graphic design experience; Canva helps you create designs that look like a professional made them. It has a huge library of templates, fonts, and stock images to create social media posts, presentations, marketing materials, and anything you need. We especially love the brand kits, where you can save your brand's logos, icons, colors, and fonts.  

Other solutions:

• Hootsuite: Includes social media scheduling and analytics.
• Mailchimp: Email marketing platform with automation and campaign tracking.
• Later: Social media management with scheduling, analytics, and link in bio capabilities.

E-commerce Software 

Our fave: Shopify

This all-in-one e-commerce software and website program allows merchants to sell online, in person, locally through globally, direct or wholesale, and on desktop or mobile. They have commerce solutions for every business size, from entrepreneurs (like solo artists selling their creations) to enterprises (like toy giant Mattel). Tiered pricing ranges from $29 a month all the way to $2,300 a month, so it's ideal if you're planning to scale — no need to change platforms as you grow. Plus, the Shopify app store boasts over 13,000 (!) commerce apps for specialized features that meet your unique business needs. 

Other solutions:

• WooCommerce: WordPress plugin for e-commerce businesses.
• Square: Point-of-sale (POS) and e-commerce tools in one.
• BigCommerce: Scalable e-commerce solution with strong SEO features.

Software to Help You Communicate With Teams 

Our fave: Slack

Slack will keep your email inbox clean when you have a team, creating a space for organized channels based on topic. Features include file sharing and integration with tools like Google Drive, Zoom, and Trello. In fact, Slack can connect with over 2,600 apps, so you can set it up to work with your team as you please. Plus, like most business software, it's using AI to save you time — you can search your entire company history for answers, catch up on conversations, and get daily recaps of missed messages.

Other solutions:

• Microsoft Teams: Integrated with Office 365 for communication and file sharing.
• Zoom: Video conferencing and webinar hosting.
• Google Workspace: Communication (Gmail, Chat) and collaboration (Docs, Sheets).

Human Resources and Payroll Software

Our fave: Gusto

Starting at just $46 a month, Gusto is an all-on-one human resources and payroll platform that helps hire, pay, insure, and support your employees, from regular staff to contractors. Its smart technology will automatically file your taxes, help with compliance, and identify tax credits. It even helps with employee financial benefits, like 401(k) retirement savings, workers' comp, and Gusto employee finance tools.

Other solutions:

• BambooHR: HR management, including onboarding and time-off tracking.
• Zoho People Plus: Affordable HR management system.
• Paychex: Payroll, HR, and benefits management.

Payment Processing Software

Our fave: Square

A point-of-sale (POS) system for retail, restaurants, beauty, services, and products. They're a favorite for businesses, with 4 million users annually. Whether you have a brick-and-mortar, are mobile, or online, Square has a terminal to fit your business needs. They even have a solution that works with your phone, especially popular for pop-up businesses. Its free plan allows you to sell in person, online, over the phone, at the farmers market, fair, or wherever. You only pay when you take a payment.

Other solutions:

• PayPal: Online payment processing for e-commerce and invoices.
• Stripe: Payment processing for online businesses.
• Venmo for Business: Peer-to-peer payments with a business option.

Best Website Builders

Our fave: Webflow
Webflow is an advanced and powerful website builder that we use ourselves! It combines a visual design interface with code-based customization, allowing users to create responsive, visually pleasing, and SEO-friendly websites. Features include advanced design control, a built-in CMS, reliable hosting, e-commerce functionality, and custom animations. While it can be used by both beginners and developers, it does have a steep learning curve, which may pose challenges for small business owners with limited web experience. We specialize in using Webflow’s tools to deliver tailored, high-performing websites that meet diverse business needs. Reach out to work with us!  

Other solutions:

• Squarespace: Use their templates and customize with code. 
• Wix: User-friendly drag-and-drop website builder.
• WordPress: Highly customizable with extensive plugins. We also develop and maintain clients sites in WordPress if you ever need help with this platform.
• Weebly: Simple builder with integrated e-commerce options.

This should get you started in finding the right software for your small business. Each platform has its pros and cons, so make sure and do your due diligence by researching the various plans and integrations available for each. Whatever your business goals, there is incredible technology out there to help streamline your operations so that you can spend more time planning, growing, and fitting in some relaxation, too.