Free Small Business Software for Your Organization

• Feb 20

Free small business software can make an immense difference for organizations looking to get ahead. Especially for startups that might not have as much funding as necessary to pay for more expensive tools and programs.

However, it isn’t always easy to know where to look. So, we’ve put together a short list of ten free small business software that can help meet your company’s needs.

Of course, there are plenty of options out there. And we’ve already discussed some of the best software options before – things like Canva and Trello. So, we’ll focus on some others instead. That way, you have a good starting point for figuring out what works for your specific organization.

Great Options for Free Small Business Software

1. Wix – Website Creator

In today’s digital landscape, it’s difficult if not impossible to prove trustworthiness and credibility without an online presence. Moreover, businesses which don’t have their own website often come across as insignificant and outdated – even if that’s not the case.

So, one of the first steps for a new company should be setting up some sort of site to help foster digital recognition. Wix, a website creation tool, helps you do so with intuitive tools and easy-to-follow steps. It features various templates and design features, so you don’t have to be an expert to end up with a great design.

Furthermore, their library of visual content helps boost your site’s visual appeal while making it unique and distinct.

Because mobile usability is becoming more and more important, Wix also offers full mobile experience. That way, your site looks good no matter the device or screen size.

Of course, after you design your site, if you decide you want to upgrade for more features like storage, marketing tools, and so on, you can. There are several payment tiers. However, creating and publishing your site costs nothing.

2. Zapier – Web Application Integrations

Work and app automation have become increasingly prevalent across the last decade, particularly when it comes to integrating different processes. And that’s exactly what Zapier does for your different critical software and programs. That way, you can accomplish more work with less effort.

This tool combines user interfaces, databases, and logic with more than 6,000 different apps. That way, you have the option of automating workflows with specific triggers. For example, you can integrate Slack with Gmail, so that you receive notifications any time specific types of emails come in. That way, you know which to answer quickly and which don’t matter.

But that’s just one of the nearly limitless ways you can use Zapier to connect different applications. In fact, you can even create Zaps from scratch. That way, the tool works to meet your specific needs.

3. VSDC – Video Content Editor

Did you know around 88% of marketers believe video content makes a noticeable difference in their results? Well, you do now. So, if your organization wants to stay up-to-date with your audience, you need to have some sort of video content.

Of course, SMBs don’t always have the budget to go out and hire a third-party company to handle that component. So, chances are you’ll need to do it in-house. Fortunately, there are plenty of free video editors out there. But the one we’re focusing on here is VSDC.

This free small business software comes with everything you need to produce marketable video content. You can splice different sections together, add audio and different overlay elements, and export to various formats.

Of course, if you have little to no experience with video editing, the tool can seem a bit daunting at first. However, once you get the hang of it, the content creation process is simple enough. VSDC is a great tool for startups, because it has all the capabilities you need to release captivating video content.

4. Wave Invoicing – Digital Payments and Bookkeeping Software

Digital invoicing is an essential part of business, particularly for B2B companies and digital retailers. After all, you don’t just want to get paid – you need to. Wave Invoicing offers a free solution for creating and sending professional invoices to clients and customers.

With this tool, you can track payments and communications, set up recurring bills for repeat customers, accept credit card payments, and more. Another great feature of this software is the ability to send invoices while on the go with the mobile interface. That way, if you’re away from the desk, you can still take care of your business’ needs with no hassle.

5. Reaper – Audio Engineering Tool

Depending on the type of business and marketing you prefer, you might find yourself needing to record audio at some point. Unfortunately, audio engineering can cost quite a bit when dealing with a third-party. So, it makes sense to try and handle as many aspects of this process as possible on your own.

Reaper, a digital audio workstation, allows you to record, edit, mix, and export your files in a professional application. And once you export the files, they can be added to videos, used as podcasts, or used in other ways to meet your business’ needs.

Technically, Reaper has a $225 commercial license. However, you can use it for free for up to 60 days. So, if you’re looking for a great option for audio engineering, check the tool out and give it a shot. Even if you end up paying for it, you’ll find it a cheaper option than turning to third-party providers.

6. Google Docs – Cloud-Based Word Processor

One of the simplest and most helpful free small business software available is Google Docs. This cloud-based tool allows you to create important documents and share them among team members, who can work on them simultaneously. This makes collaboration not only possible but seamless. And because it connects to other Google apps, it integrates easily.

The free plan has a 15 GB storage limit, so you aren’t able to create quite as much without paying. However, you can still save those files locally to create more space when needed.

So, if you’re looking for a professional word processor that costs you nothing, check out Google Docs.

7. Avast Endpoint Protection – Antivirus and Cyber Security Tool

Keeping your business secure is increasingly important in today’s world, since fraud costs organizations billions each year. And that’s why antivirus software is essential for any business with digital applications.

Fortunately, Avast believes everyone has the right to online safety, which is why they offer free antivirus software. This tool combines six layers of security to run scans on software, files, and apps that could potentially harm your devices. Furthermore, you can choose a VPN for online privacy, ensuring your network’s safety.

It’s simple to install and easy to use, so there’s no excuse to stay unsecured.

8. ActiveCollab – Project Management

ActiveCollab is a project management software that helps organize teams and collaboration. It includes different features focused around:

• Work Management
• Time Management
• Resource Management
• Client Management
• Business Profitability
  
  

That way, your team knows exactly what needs to happen in order to accomplish goals and complete a project. And since both team members and clients can be invited, both sides have access to project details and progress.

The tool also tracks the amount of time spent on each task. That way, team leaders gain a better idea of how to work around different obstacles and plan ahead.

The free plan has a limit of three users and 1 GB of storage. So, you’ll likely want to upgrade at some point. However, for the purpose of getting started, this free tool can help inspire and organize your organization’s teams.

9. Zoho Desk’s CRM – Customer Relationship Manager

Customer relationship management is a vital component of business in a world that values relationship and personal touch. And having CRM software can make that process exponentially simpler. Fortunately, Zoho Desk offers a free version of their platform for smaller businesses that can’t afford a significant investment.

This tool offers complete access, is free forever, and requires no eventual upgrade. It includes features such as contact information, email marketing, lead generation, analytics, and more. That way, you can invest in your relationship with customers and potential clients without a huge financial hit.

The idea behind the free plan is that it will help your business grow to the point that you’ll eventually need an upgrade. And at that point, your company should be secure enough to handle paying for a higher tier.

So, if you’re looking for a helpful CRM software that scales with you, check out Zoho Desk.

10. Moz Keyword Explorer – SEO Analytics Tool

Keyword analysis is vital to SEO and online visibility in content marketing. After all, if you don’t know what your audience is looking for, you’ll have a difficult time capturing their attention. That’s why free keyword analysis is such a beneficial part of the process, and Moz can help – to an extent.

Unfortunately, this tool keeps a limit of three analyses per day. So, if you’re hoping for a comprehensive analysis tool, you’ll probably find yourself needing to pay. But if you’re new to the topic of SEO and content marketing, then you can get a feel for what keyword analysis entails.

So, while this tool is free, it isn’t comprehensive. But you can at least dip your toe in the water and start learning.

Explore Other Free Small Business Software

Ultimately, our list of free small business software is far from exhaustive. There are plenty of options available that cover a wide range of important topics.

For instance, we offer several free courses that can help you understand key business concepts. Our online platform is easy to sign up for and use. And since business knowledge is key when forming a startup, finding no-cost instruction can be a game-changer.

Written by Braden Norwood

Last updated February 13, 2024

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