Best Tools to Start & Grow Your Business
We researched each tool for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Recommendations based on features, pricing, and real-world usability.
We're currently researching the best business tools. Check back soon for our recommendations.
Business Tools Buying Guide
What to look for when choosing business software
1. E-commerce Platforms
Look for built-in payment processing, inventory management, and app ecosystem. Shopify is the leader; WooCommerce is the open-source alternative.
2. Email Marketing
Free tiers let you start small. Look for visual automation builders, landing pages, and good deliverability rates. ConvertKit excels for creators.
3. Project Management
Consider team size and workflow complexity. ClickUp and Notion offer free tiers that work for solopreneurs. Asana and Monday are alternatives for larger teams.
4. Free Tiers
Most SaaS tools offer free tiers. Start free and upgrade only when you hit limitations. Don't pay for features you don't use yet.
5. Integrations
Make sure your tools integrate with each other. Zapier and Make (Integromat) can connect almost anything.
How We Research Business Tools
We research each business tool by analyzing features, pricing, user reviews, and integration capabilities. We compare free tiers and long-term costs to identify the best value for entrepreneurs at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start a business with free tools?
Absolutely. Shopify offers a free trial, ConvertKit has a free tier, Notion and ClickUp are free for personal use. You can validate your idea before spending money.
Shopify vs WooCommerce — which is better?
Shopify is easier to set up but has monthly fees. WooCommerce is free but requires WordPress hosting and more technical knowledge. For most beginners, Shopify is the better starting point.
Do I need both Notion and ClickUp?
Not necessarily. Notion excels at documentation and wikis. ClickUp excels at task and project management. Many solopreneurs use just one. Start with whichever fits your primary need.
What's the ROI of email marketing?
Email marketing consistently delivers the highest ROI of any digital marketing channel — averaging $36-42 for every $1 spent. It's the first tool most creators should invest in.
What's the first tool I should invest in?
An email list. Start building it from day one, even before you have a product. ConvertKit's free tier makes this easy.