Starting and running a business is expensive, but fortunately, there are plenty of free or low-cost software options for entrepreneurs looking to keep operating expenses to a minimum.
In this article, we’ll show you 8 of the best.
1: Google Drive
Microsoft Office 365 for Business can be expensive for an emerging enterprise. An excellent alternative is the office suite from Google. There are equivalents for all major Office programs; Docs is comparable to Word, Sheets to Excel, and Slides to PowerPoint.
Microsoft documents can be opened and edited in their Google equivalents, and the cloud-based nature of the platform means that documents can be shared and edited collaboratively. As long as you have an internet connection and a free Google account, you’re ready to use Google Drive.
2: Wix
A website is essential for any business, and Wix allows you to get started for free. You’ll be able to use the easy drag-and-drop design tool, secure hosting, 500MB storage, and a mobile-optimized site for free, and if your needs change, you can upgrade to one of five pricing bands.
3: Trello
If you’re a sole trader and only need to organize your own tasks, Trello is a great choice. It combines a calendar, sticky notes, task lists, and project boards, with a straightforward interface that’s really fun to use. It’s also fantastic for personal projects like holidays, renovations, and party planning. An excellent multi-purpose tool!
4: Softphone Pro
Landline and mobile business phones are expensive, and small enterprises simply don’t use the phone as much as they used to, thanks to email and other online communication options. A softphone is an ideal alternative, and we enjoy using Softphone Pro. To find out more, check out this Digital Software Products review.
5: Slack
Communicating with a remote team can be a challenge. It’s difficult to replicate the collaborative spirit of a meeting room, but Slack provides the functionality to make communication work. As well as communal discussion spaces, you can contact individual team members, via a simple interface that works perfectly.
6: HubSpot CRM
Customer relationship management is an important aspect of keeping a fledgling business afloat. There’s no need to spend heaps of money on expensive software; HubSpot offers their CRM for free. It’s easy to use, insightful, and – most importantly – helps you to deliver a positive experience to all of your prospective and current customers.
7: Zoho People
Whether you have a team of 2, 10, or 20, it’s easy and free to manage your staff using Zoho People. As well as contact information, you’ll be able to see skills, training, experience, and position within the team for each staff member, all from one page.
8: Wave
Accounting can be a daunting prospect! Using free software from Wave, you can keep track of receipts, invoices, expenses, and tax information, within the same screen. There’s also payroll integration to help you manage payments to staff.
Which software do you love to use? Tell us in the comments below!
