Must-Have Tools for Running Your Small Business Online
Running a small business online can feel like a lot—especially when you’re wearing all the hats. From marketing to invoicing to keeping your brand looking professional, the right tools can save you time, money, and plenty of headaches.
Whether you’re just getting started or leveling up, here are the essential tools every small business owner should have in their toolkit.
1. A Reliable Website Platform
Your website is your online storefront. It’s where people learn about you, trust you, and buy from you.
Look for a platform that’s:
Easy to update yourself (like Squarespace, Shopify, or WordPress)
Mobile-friendly
SEO-ready
If you don’t have a website yet, make it your top priority—it builds credibility fast.
2. An Email Marketing Service
Social media is great, but you don’t own those platforms. An email list is something you do own—and it can drive repeat sales and build loyalty.
Consider:
Mailerlite (user-friendly and affordable)
Flodesk (beautiful templates)
ConvertKit (great for creators and segmenting your audience)
3. Scheduling and Booking Software
If you offer appointments, coaching, or services, an online booking tool is a must. It saves time and helps you look professional.
Popular options:
Calendly
Acuity Scheduling
Square Appointments
4. A Social Media Scheduler
Showing up consistently on social media helps people remember you. A scheduler saves hours each month and makes posting feel less overwhelming.
Consider:
Later
Buffer
Planoly
Batch your posts ahead of time so you can focus on your clients and products.
5. Beautiful, On-Brand Graphics
✨ Make Your Brand Look as Professional as It Feels
Struggling to create polished graphics for your website, emails, or social media?
💡 My done-for-you Canva templates make it easy to stay consistent and look credible—even if you’re not a designer.
6. A Payment Processor
Make it simple for customers to pay you online. Choose a secure, trusted payment processor like:
Stripe
Square
PayPal
Look for options that integrate with your website and accounting tools.
7. Project Management Software
Keep your projects, ideas, and client work organized. Even solopreneurs can benefit from simple project management tools.
Try:
Trello (visual boards)
Asana (detailed task lists)
ClickUp (customizable workflows)
8. Cloud Storage and File Sharing
No more losing files or digging through emails. Keep everything in one place with:
Google Drive
Dropbox
OneDrive
Cloud storage also makes it easy to collaborate with contractors and clients.
Final Thoughts
Running a business online doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right tools, you’ll save time, stay organized, and look like the professional you are.
✨ Remember, you don’t have to build everything from scratch. Smart systems and beautiful visuals help you grow with confidence.
✅ Ready to elevate your brand visuals without overthinking it?
👉 Check out my Canva templates and get back to doing what you love.
