Congratulations on taking the first step to starting your online business! As a new entrepreneur, you may feel overwhelmed by the number of tools, resources, and information available online. However, with the right guidance and support, you can build a successful business that fulfills your dreams and goals.
In this guide, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of tools and resources that can help you get started on a budget. We’ve organized them into three categories: Marketing Tools, Legal Tools, and Operations Tools. These tools can help you with everything from building your website and creating a social media strategy, to protecting your business with legal documents and automating your workflow.
Don’t be discouraged by the learning curve of starting an online business. With hard work, dedication, and the right resources, you can build a thriving business that allows you to live life on your own terms. We hope this guide provides you with the support and inspiration you need to get started on your entrepreneurial journey. Good luck!
Building a website is a crucial step in starting an online business. Here are some affordable options:
Website Building Tools
1. WordPress
One of the most popular website building platforms, WordPress offers a range of templates and themes that can be customized to create a unique website. It’s also user-friendly and has a large support community. Cost: Free, with optional upgrades and add-ons available.Link: https://wordpress.com/
2. Wix
Another popular website building tool, Wix offers a drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy to create a professional-looking website without coding skills. It also offers a range of templates and customizable features. Cost: Free, with optional upgrades and add-ons available.
Link: https://www.wix.com/
3. Squarespace
Squarespace is a website builder that offers a range of templates and design options to create a modern, sleek website. It’s also user-friendly and includes e-commerce features. Cost: Starts at $16/month.
Link: https://www.squarespace.com/
Marketing and Promotional Tools
Marketing and promotion are key to the success of any online business. Here are some cost-effective options:
1. Hootsuite
Hootsuite is a social media management platform that allows you to schedule posts, manage multiple social media accounts, and track your social media analytics. Cost: Free plan available, with optional upgrades starting at $19/month.
Link: https://hootsuite.com/
2. Mailchimp
Mailchimp is an email marketing platform that allows you to create and send newsletters, automated emails, and targeted campaigns. It also offers a range of customizable templates and analytics. Cost: Free plan available, with optional upgrades starting at $9.99/month.
Link: https://mailchimp.com/
3. Canva
Canva is a graphic design tool that allows you to create eye-catching graphics, social media posts, and other visual content. It’s user-friendly and offers a range of templates and design options. Cost: Free plan available, with optional upgrades starting at $9.95/month.
Link: https://www.canva.com/
Social Media Management Tools
Social media is a crucial component of any online business. It allows you to connect with your audience, build your brand, and drive traffic to your website. However, managing multiple social media accounts can be time-consuming and overwhelming. These tools can help you manage your social media presence more efficiently:
1. Buffer:
Buffer is a social media scheduling tool that allows you to schedule posts across multiple social media platforms. It also offers features such as analytics and collaboration, which can help you track your performance and work with team members. Cost: Free for basic features, with paid plans starting at $15/month for additional features.
Link: https://buffer.com/
2. Sprout Social:
Sprout Social is a social media management and optimization tool that allows you to manage all your social media accounts from a single dashboard. It also offers features such as scheduling, analytics, and team collaboration. Cost: Free trial available, with paid plans starting at $99/month per user for additional features.Link: https://sproutsocial.com/
3. Hopper HQ:
Hopper HQ is a social media scheduling and publishing tool that allows you to plan and publish your posts across multiple social media platforms. It also offers features such as analytics, hashtag suggestions, and team collaboration. Cost: Free trial available, with paid plans starting at $19/month for additional features.
Link: https://www.hopperhq.com/
4. Hootsuite
Hootsuite is a social media management tool that allows you to manage all of your social media accounts from a single dashboard. It offers features such as content scheduling, analytics, and team collaboration, making it easier to manage your social media presence. Cost: Free for basic features, with paid plans starting at $19/month for additional features.
Link: https://hootsuite.com/
Financial Management Tools
Managing your finances is crucial for the success of your online business. Here are some affordable options:
1. Wave
Wave is a free accounting software that allows you to track your income and expenses, create invoices, and manage your payroll. It also integrates with other financial tools. Cost: Free, with optional paid services available.
Link: https://www.waveapps.com/
2. Freshbooks
Freshbooks is an accounting software that allows you to track your time, send invoices, and manage your expenses. It also includes e-commerce features and integrates with other financial tools. Cost: Starts at $15/month. Link: https://www.freshbooks.com/
3. QuickBooks
QuickBooks is an accounting software that offers a range of features, including invoicing, inventory management, and payroll. It’s also user-friendly and integrates with other financial tools. Cost: Starts at $25/month.
Link: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/
Legal Tools
Starting an online business involves a number of legal considerations, from setting up your business structure to protecting your intellectual property. Here are some affordable legal tools to help you navigate the legal aspects of your business:
1. LegalZoom
LegalZoom is an online legal service that provides legal forms, templates, and documents to help you start and run your business. It also offers business formation services, registered agent services, and trademark registration. Cost: Starts at $79 plus state fees for business formation services. Other legal services priced per service.
Link: https://www.legalzoom.com/
2. Rocket Lawyer
Rocket Lawyer is a legal service that provides legal advice, documents, and support to help you with your business legal needs. It also offers business formation services, registered agent services, and document review services. Cost: Starts at $39.99/month for access to legal documents and attorney consultations. Other legal services priced per service.
Link: https://www.rocketlawyer.com/
3. TermsFeed
TermsFeed is a legal service that provides templates and documents for creating legal agreements, such as privacy policies, terms of service, and disclaimers. It also offers custom document creation and legal consultations. Cost: Starts at $14.99 for a single document, with bundle and custom pricing available.
Link: https://www.termsfeed.com/
4. Docracy
Docracy is an open-source legal document repository that offers a range of legal templates and documents that you can customize for your business needs. It also offers a platform for collaborative document creation and sharing. Cost: Free for access to the document repository, with optional paid services available.
Link: https://www.docracy.com/
Operations Tools
Running an online business can be complex, with many moving parts to keep track of. These tools can help you streamline your operations and keep everything running smoothly:
1. Trello
Trello is a project management tool that allows you to create boards, lists, and cards to organize and prioritize your tasks and projects. It also has collaboration features, so you can work with team members and track progress in real-time. Cost: Free for basic features, with paid plans starting at $9.99/month for additional features.
Link: https://trello.com/
2. Asana
Asana is a project management and collaboration tool that allows you to track tasks, projects, and deadlines in a visual format. It also offers integrations with other tools, such as Google Drive and Slack, to streamline your workflow. Cost: Free for basic features, with paid plans starting at $10.99/month per user for additional features.
Link: https://asana.com/
3. Zapier
Zapier is a tool that allows you to automate repetitive tasks by creating “Zaps” that connect different apps and services. It can help you streamline your workflow and save time by automating tasks such as data entry, file management, and social media posting. Cost: Free for basic features, with paid plans starting at $19.99/month for additional features.
Link: https://zapier.com/
Free Small Business Resources for Entrepreneurs
Starting an online business on a budget can be challenging, but fortunately, there are many free resources available to help you along the way. These resources can provide you with the guidance and support you need to build a successful business.
1. SCORE
SCORE is a nonprofit organization that provides free business mentoring services to entrepreneurs. SCORE mentors are experienced business professionals who can offer guidance on everything from creating a business plan to marketing your products and services. They also offer free webinars, workshops, and other resources to help you build your business. Cost: Free
Link: https://www.score.org/
2. Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
SBDCs are a network of centers across the United States that offer free consulting, training, and resources to small business owners and entrepreneurs. They provide guidance on a variety of topics, including business planning, marketing, and financial management. Cost: Free
Link: https://americassbdc.org/
3. Google Analytics
Google Analytics is a free web analytics tool that allows you to track and analyze your website traffic. It offers features such as audience insights, behavior tracking, and conversion tracking, which can help you optimize your website and marketing strategies. Cost: Free
Link: https://analytics.google.com/
4. Planet Small Business
Steve Strauss’ comprehensive site for all things small business is an entrepreneur’s home away from home. We get you, and you got this! Cost: Free
