Starting a small business or side hustle can feel overwhelming, especially when you're just getting familiar with all the tools and tech that can help. The good news? You don't need to be a computer expert to set yourself up for success. Whether you're trying to organize your ideas, manage your finances, design content, or grow your audience, there are simple, powerful apps out there made just for you.
In this guide, I’ve pulled together 12 beginner-friendly tools that will make running your business easier, smoother, and way less stressful. Let’s dive in!
Adobe Express
Description: Adobe Express is a user-friendly design tool that lets you create beautiful graphics, social media posts, flyers, and more, even if you have zero design experience. It comes with pre-made templates, fonts, and stock images, so you can just drag, drop, and go. You can use it on both desktop and mobile, making it great for on-the-fly content creation.Pros: Clean interface, modern templates, works on web and mobile
Cons: Some features locked behind a paywall
Link: https://express.adobe.com
Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Drive)
Description: Google Workspace gives you everything you need to run a business online, including professional email, word processing, spreadsheets, file storage, and more. Everything is cloud-based, so your files are always saved and accessible from any device. Collaboration is super simple, letting you share and edit documents with clients or team members in real time.Pros: Free (basic), autosaves, easy collaboration
Cons: Paid plans needed for custom business email
Link: https://workspace.google.com
Trello
Description: Trello is a visual project management tool that works like a digital bulletin board. You create “cards” for tasks or ideas and move them through stages like To-Do, Doing, and Done. It’s super easy to use and perfect for organizing content plans, product development, or your weekly to-do list.Pros: Easy to use, perfect for organizing ideas and to-dos
Cons: Limited functionality for large teams or complex needs
Link: https://www.trello.com
Notion
Description: Notion is an all-in-one workspace where you can take notes, manage tasks, build content calendars, and even track finances. Think of it as a combination of Google Docs, Trello, and Excel, fully customizable to match your style of working. Once you get the hang of it, it becomes an incredibly powerful tool for managing everything in one place.Pros: Flexible, great for planning and organization, free version is strong
Cons: Slight learning curve for complete beginners
Link: https://www.notion.so
Wave Accounting
Description: Wave is free accounting software that helps you track income, expenses, send invoices, and generate reports for tax season. It's designed specifically for small businesses and freelancers, so the interface is beginner-friendly. You can even connect your bank account to automate a lot of the work.Pros: Totally free, easy to use, designed for small businesses
Cons: Not ideal for inventory-heavy businesses
Link: https://www.waveapps.com
Mailchimp
Description: Mailchimp lets you send professional-looking emails to your customers, whether it’s a newsletter, promotion, or product launch update. You can build your email list, design emails with a drag-and-drop editor, and analyze how people interact with your content. It's a great way to stay connected with your audience and grow your brand.Pros: Free for small lists, easy templates, solid analytics
Cons: Can get pricey as your list grows
Link: https://www.mailchimp.com
Buffer
Description: Buffer helps you schedule and manage your social media posts across platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Instead of posting in real time every day, you can plan a whole week’s worth of content in one sitting. It also shows you basic stats so you can see what’s working and what’s not.Pros: Clean interface, saves time, works with Instagram, Twitter (X), etc
Cons: Free plan is limited to 3 accounts
Link: https://www.buffer.com
CapCut
Description: CapCut is a free video editing app designed for short-form content like Reels, TikToks, and YouTube Shorts. It has built-in effects, text overlays, and music tracks that make your videos look polished, even if you’re editing on your phone. It’s a favorite among creators and entrepreneurs alike for making quick, engaging content.Pros: Beginner-friendly, loads of effects and tools, no watermark
Cons: Mobile-focused, may not be ideal for long videos
Link: https://www.capcut.com
Shopify
Description: Shopify is a powerful e-commerce platform that lets you build your own online store without needing to know code. You can sell physical or digital products, manage inventory, take payments, and even link with your social media. It’s a great all-in-one solution if you want full control over your brand and shop.Pros: Easy to use, all-in-one solution, customizable
Cons: Monthly fees, some apps cost extra
Link: https://www.shopify.com
Square
Description: Square offers point-of-sale (POS) systems and payment solutions for both online and in-person sales. It's perfect for events, markets, or brick-and-mortar shops, letting you accept credit cards with just your phone or a simple card reader. You can also create a free online store or send payment links to customers.Pros: Free to start, clean dashboard, great for pop-ups or events
Cons: Transaction fees apply (like all processors)
Link: https://squareup.com
Linktree
Description: Linktree gives you a single link that holds all your important links, great for Instagram bios, business cards, or your email signature. You can include links to your shop, booking page, socials, newsletter signup, and more. It’s simple but incredibly useful for anyone doing business online.Pros: Super simple, quick to set up, free plan available
Cons: Limited customization unless you upgrade
Link: https://linktr.ee
LastPass
Description: LastPass is a password manager that securely stores all your login info in one place. You only need to remember one master password, and it takes care of the rest, saving time and protecting you from hacks. It works on phones and computers, so your logins are always handy.Pros: Saves all passwords, works across devices, strong encryption
Cons: Full cross-device syncing requires a paid plan
Link: https://www.lastpass.com
){kind=link}
0 Comments