{"id":16027,"date":"2024-12-04T14:40:16","date_gmt":"2024-12-04T14:40:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/?p=16027"},"modified":"2025-09-02T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T00:00:00","slug":"best-free-apps-for-small-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/best-free-apps-for-small-business\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Free Apps Every Small Business Owner Should Have"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Running a small business is tough enough without the added stress of expensive software.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The good news? <strong>You don\u2019t have to spend a dime to set up a functional, reliable tech stack<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019ve sifted through countless options and narrowed it down to <strong>10 genuinely free apps that help you manage your operations, stay organized, and keep things moving<\/strong> \u2014 without hidden fees or limited trials.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To make the cut, each app had to be:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Easy to use,&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Truly free (not just a short trial), and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Practical for everyday business needs \u2014 from communication to bookkeeping.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Think of this as your go-to guide for building a powerful business toolkit at zero cost.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s dive in.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1800\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/top-10-free-apps-cover.jpg\" alt=\"top 10 free apps-cover\" class=\"wp-image-19581\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/top-10-free-apps-cover.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/top-10-free-apps-cover-600x300.jpg 600w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/top-10-free-apps-cover-1110x555.jpg 1110w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/top-10-free-apps-cover-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/top-10-free-apps-cover-1536x768.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/top-10-free-apps-cover-18x9.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group pro-tip has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f9f5ff\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-cc33874368dce034e75a5191680fbf4f\" style=\"color:#1d272c\"><strong>Why trust us?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-eaa5c5b93180bdfa5ddb0a88e4f31268\" style=\"color:#1d272c\">The apps we talk about are selected, tested, and written about by human reviewers who follow strict review and editorial guidelines. We pick solutions that are practical, purposeful, and can offer real value for the specific use case or business context we\u2019re covering \u2014 while also being justified in their pricing. Our methodology is transparent, clear, and available to everyone:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-63e076551cb8a43d3e47e610234773dc\" style=\"color:#673ab7\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cake.com\/our-software-review-methodology\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more about our review methodology here \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"pumble-by-cake-com-best-for-all-around-communication\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pumble<\/a> by <a href=\"https:\/\/cake.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CAKE.com<\/a>\u2014 Best for all-around communication<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Clear and <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/learn\/communication\/effective-communication\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">effective communication<\/a> is the cornerstone of productivity and time management in business. Before you add any other tool to your stack, you need a <strong>reliable way to centralize all conversations<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s where Pumble comes in. Not just another free app, Pumble is the <strong>foundational <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/hq-digital\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>digital headquarters<\/strong><\/a> your business will build on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While other communication apps restrict free plans with limited users or capped message history, Pumble stands out by offering <strong>unlimited users<\/strong> and <strong>unlimited message history<\/strong> forever.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pumble is simple enough for non-technical teams to start using instantly, yet powerful enough to support your business as it grows.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With its intuitive interface, you can keep every discussion, file, and idea in one place without training or setup hassles.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"custom-btn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/register\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Start using Pumble for free<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s what you get with Pumble\u2019s free plan:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/features\/direct-messages\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Direct messages<\/strong><\/a><strong> <\/strong>for private 1-on-1 or group conversations,&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/features\/channels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Channels<\/strong><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/features\/threads\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>threaded replies<\/strong><\/a> to keep discussions organized and on-topic,&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cross-device functionality so you\u2019re <strong>connected from anywhere<\/strong>,&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/document-sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>File sharing<\/strong><\/a> to send and receive documents with ease,&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/features\/voice-messages\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Voice<\/strong><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/features\/video-messages\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>video messages<\/strong><\/a> for fast, personal communication,&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>1-on-1 <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/voice-calls\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>voice<\/strong><\/a><strong> <\/strong>and <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/video-conferencing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>video calls<\/strong><\/a> for urgent discussions, and more!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2224\" height=\"1312\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1.-Pumble.png\" alt=\"Channels, threads, and DMs in Pumble\" class=\"wp-image-19582\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1.-Pumble.png 2224w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1.-Pumble-509x300.png 509w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1.-Pumble-1110x655.png 1110w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1.-Pumble-768x453.png 768w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1.-Pumble-1536x906.png 1536w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1.-Pumble-2048x1208.png 2048w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1.-Pumble-18x12.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2224px) 100vw, 2224px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Channels, threads, and DMs in Pumble<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>I use Pumble by CAKE.com daily, and one of the features I rely on the most is the <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/knowledge-sharing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">search functionality<\/a>. It has made finding important conversations or shared files incredibly quick and easy, especially when I\u2019m deep into writing or researching. Over time, our team\u2019s archive of messages and files has become a true <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/knowledge-base-best-practices\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">knowledge base<\/a> \u2014 a resource we return to again and again.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Unlimited message history<\/strong> \u2014 an extensive archive for your team\u2019s discussion, allowing you to revisit important information anytime.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>24\/7, 100% human support, even on the free plan <\/strong>\u2014 which ensures that, if you need help, you get it quickly and efficiently.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strong <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/secure-messaging-app\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>security protocols<\/strong><\/a><strong> <\/strong>\u2014 to keep your communication safe and private.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cons:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No read receipts.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/help\/whats-new\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>What\u2019s new<\/strong><\/a><strong>: <\/strong>You can now create and publish custom Pumble add-ons directly through the <a href=\"https:\/\/marketplace.cake.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CAKE.com Marketplace<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Available for: <\/strong>Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pricing<\/strong>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Free plan available; <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Paid plans start at $2.49 per user per month, billed annually<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"custom-btn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/register\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Make your team communication effortless \u2014 try Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"plaky-best-for-project-management\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Plaky<\/a> \u2014 Best for project management<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>No matter the size of your business, keeping projects and tasks in order (even if you\u2019re a one-person team) will help you <strong>avoid missed deadlines and client dissatisfaction<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of writing things down or struggling to stay on top of all your ongoing projects, <strong>use a project management tool to delegate tasks<\/strong> in your team and have a clear and easily accessible view of all ongoing and future assignments.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regarding project management, I didn\u2019t have to look far to find my favorite tool for the job.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Plaky is my go-to task management app that helps me work together with my team, plan and track task progress, and execute projects <strong>all on one collaborative platform<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Plaky\u2019s features allow you to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Organize to-dos<\/strong> and keep all information in one place,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Create dedicated spaces<\/strong> for each project,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Organize tasks<\/strong> into sections,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Create items<\/strong> for each task,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Set task information<\/strong> such as title, status, assignee, due date, links, etc, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Attach files<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1163\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2.-Plaky-scaled.png\" alt=\"Task breakdown board in Plaky\" class=\"wp-image-19583\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2.-Plaky-scaled.png 2560w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2.-Plaky-660x300.png 660w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2.-Plaky-1110x504.png 1110w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2.-Plaky-768x349.png 768w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2.-Plaky-1536x698.png 1536w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2.-Plaky-2048x930.png 2048w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/2.-Plaky-18x8.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Task breakdown board in Plaky<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>My team and I use Plaky for all assignments, but I also use it privately to break down my writing tasks for better time management and productivity. This helps me ensure I\u2019m on top of all segments of writing a blog post, from research to edits.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Unlimited users, spaces, boards, and items<\/strong> \u2014 You can add as many people, projects, and tasks as you need without worrying about limits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ready-made templates<\/strong> for easy setup.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Effortless collaboration<\/strong> through comments and the activity log.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Quick access to crucial data<\/strong> through intuitive design.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cons:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Limited integrations.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/roadmap\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>What\u2019s new<\/strong><\/a><strong>: <\/strong>The new Plaky + Pumble integration delivers Plaky task notifications directly to your Pumble chat, so you never miss an important update.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Available for: <\/strong>Web, iOS, and Android&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pricing: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Free plan available; <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Paid plans start at $3.99 per user per month, billed annually<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"clockify-best-for-time-tracking\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Clockify<\/a> \u2014 Best for time tracking&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The last thing you want to do when working, especially when running a business, is waste time. Whether it\u2019s your own or your employees\u2019, the workday can easily slip away, leaving you with much to do and no time left to do it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s why <strong>keeping track of your working hours is crucial for productivity<\/strong> in multiple ways. Not only is it useful to assess if time is being used valuably, but it\u2019s also a great way to see how much time certain tasks take and determine if you should shift responsibilities to maximize efficiency.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Using a time tracker will help you stay focused, improve task management, and ensure you&#8217;re making the most out of every hour<\/strong>, and Clockify does this best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Clockify is the perfect tool to track time, streamline billing, and generate insightful reports \u2014 all with a user-friendly interface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Clockify\u2019s free plan provides:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Time tracking<\/strong> \u2014 to monitor how much time is spent on tasks and projects,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reporting<\/strong> \u2014 to analyze your time usage and productivity trends,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Kiosk<\/strong> \u2014 to clock in and out.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1273\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/3.-Clockify-scaled.png\" alt=\"Tracking work hours in Clockify\" class=\"wp-image-19584\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/3.-Clockify-scaled.png 2560w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/3.-Clockify-603x300.png 603w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/3.-Clockify-1110x552.png 1110w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/3.-Clockify-768x382.png 768w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/3.-Clockify-1536x764.png 1536w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/3.-Clockify-2048x1018.png 2048w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/3.-Clockify-18x9.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tracking work hours in Clockify<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>While working, I like to keep Clockify\u2019s timer running in another tab. Watching the minutes pass helps me stay focused and productive, keeping me away from <a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/how-to-reduce-workplace-distractions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">distractions<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes, when stuck on an idea, I\u2019m tempted to pause and walk away. But then I glance at the timer and realize I haven\u2019t spent enough time working through the problem. More often than not, I push myself to give it another go. This simple habit has helped me build resilience and improve my work ethic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Simple and intuitive interface <\/strong>\u2014 makes tracking time effortless, even for beginners.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Accurate reporting<\/strong> \u2014 provides detailed insights to improve your workflow.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unlimited users and projects<\/strong> \u2014 perfect for teams of any size.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Clockify is packed with features, but smaller teams might only use a fraction of its capabilities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/clockify.me\/roadmap\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>What\u2019s new<\/strong><\/a><strong>: <\/strong>Flexible invoice taxes \u2014&nbsp;choose between simple or compound tax calculations and apply them to each invoice individually for accurate billing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Available for: <\/strong>Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pricing: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Free plan available; <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Paid plans start at $3.99 per user per month, billed annually<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"banner banner-dark pumble-gradient-bundle\">\n    <div class=\"banner-text lg:pr-[6rem]\">\n        <span class=\"h4 text-lg translation-block mb-0\">Make work easy with CAKE.com<\/span>\n        <p class=\"translation-block mt-1 mb-3\">Improve collaboration and cut down on emails by moving your team communication to Pumble.<\/p>\n\n        <div class=\"banner-buttons d-flex gap-4 align-items-center translation-block justify-content-center justify-content-sm-start\">\n            <a class=\"bg-white rounded px-3 py-1 text-gray-dark\" href=\"https:\/\/cake.com\/try\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up<\/a>\n\n                            <a class=\"button-2\" href=\"https:\/\/cake.com\/bundle\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"banner-image banner-image-bottom \">\n        <picture>\n            <source srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/bundle@2x.png 2x\" alt=\"Illustration\"  media=\"(min-width: 1022px)\" \/>\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/bundle.png\"  alt=\"Illustration\" \/>\n        <\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n    \n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"wix-best-for-website-building\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wix.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wix<\/a> \u2014 Best for website building<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>No matter your field of work, having a website is essential for showcasing your business and services.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While the thought of building a website might make you think of complicated coding, plenty of website-building platforms don\u2019t require any programming knowledge. As long as you <strong>choose a reliable option that lets you customize your online presence and drive more business<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My go-to platform for this is Wix. It\u2019s an intuitive and easy-to-use tool, perfect for beginners and small business owners who want to <strong>create a professional site without technical skills<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While creating a website is free, you need to upgrade to a paid plan in Wix for things such as a custom domain, more storage, payment processing, and e-commerce.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1444\" height=\"715\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/4.-Wix.png\" alt=\"Editing a website design template in Wix\" class=\"wp-image-19585\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/4.-Wix.png 1444w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/4.-Wix-606x300.png 606w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/4.-Wix-1110x550.png 1110w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/4.-Wix-768x380.png 768w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/4.-Wix-18x9.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1444px) 100vw, 1444px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Editing a website design template in Wix<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>While testing Wix, I found that editing templates and building a website was very straightforward. I appreciated the pre-built templates, but also how much customization is offered to fit your brand and create a professional site quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wide range of customizable templates<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lots of integrations<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cons:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Limiting free plan.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>At times, the platform can be a bit slow.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What\u2019s new: <\/strong>Wix has recently launched their new AI-powered Vibe platform, currently in beta, which allows you to create and edit your website using simple prompts.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Available for: <\/strong>Web, Android, and iOS.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pricing: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Free plan available; <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Paid plans start at $17 per user per month, billed annually<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"ubersuggest-best-for-seo\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/neilpatel.com\/ubersuggest\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ubersuggest<\/a> \u2014 Best for SEO<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once your website is set up, you want it to appear in search results for people to find and learn about your business. Search engine optimization (SEO) is what\u2019s going to make that happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Opt for a free tool that helps with keyword research and SEO analysis to <strong>strengthen your business\u2019s online presence, build credibility, and get discovered by the right people<\/strong> looking for solutions like yours \u2014 and for that I suggest Ubersuggest (no pun intended).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Ubersuggest, simply type in your desired keyword to quickly discover its search volume, SEO difficulty, content ideas, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, you can receive a:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Site audit<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Traffic estimation<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Backlinks overview and opportunities<\/strong>, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Other helpful SEO-related insights.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re new to SEO, the process might seem overwhelming initially, but tools like Ubersuggest make it <strong>simple and approachable, even for beginners<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1251\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5.-Ubersuggest-scaled.png\" alt=\"Keyword research in Ubersuggest\" class=\"wp-image-19586\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5.-Ubersuggest-scaled.png 2560w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5.-Ubersuggest-614x300.png 614w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5.-Ubersuggest-1110x543.png 1110w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5.-Ubersuggest-768x375.png 768w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5.-Ubersuggest-1536x751.png 1536w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5.-Ubersuggest-2048x1001.png 2048w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/5.-Ubersuggest-18x9.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Keyword research in Ubersuggest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>While testing Ubersuggest, I appreciated the clean layout and how easy it was to navigate. The tool made it simple to find key SEO insights and figure out what actions to take next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Easy to use<\/strong> \u2014 It\u2019s straightforward and easy to navigate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Great for beginners<\/strong> \u2014 The user-friendly interface makes it a great choice for those new to SEO.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Actionable insights<\/strong> \u2014 The app provides practical recommendations for improving your website\u2019s search engine performance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Limited features for free users.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keyword data may lack depth \u2014 results might not be as detailed as premium SEO tools.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Available for: <\/strong>Web<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pricing:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Free plan available;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Paid plans start at $12 per user per month, billed monthly;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lifetime payments available. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"banner banner-dark pumble-gradient-features\">\n    <div class=\"banner-text lg:pr-[6rem]\">\n        <span class=\"h4 text-lg translation-block mb-0\">All-in-one digital HQ<\/span>\n        <p class=\"translation-block mt-1 mb-3\">Improve collaboration and cut down on emails by moving your team communication to Pumble.<\/p>\n\n        <div class=\"banner-buttons d-flex gap-4 align-items-center translation-block justify-content-center justify-content-sm-start\">\n            <a class=\"bg-white rounded px-3 py-1 text-gray-dark\" href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/register\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up<\/a>\n\n                            <a class=\"button-2\" href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/hq-digital\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"banner-image banner-image-middle \">\n        <picture>\n            <source srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/features@2x.png 2x\" alt=\"Illustration\"  media=\"(min-width: 1022px)\" \/>\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/features.png\"  alt=\"Illustration\" \/>\n        <\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n    \n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"canva-best-for-design-and-marketing-content\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.canva.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Canva<\/a> \u2014 Best for design and marketing content<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As you know, businesses have many design requirements such as a logo, social media, flyers, and presentations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you\u2019re ready to hire a designer, try Canva for an <strong>easy way to express your brand\u2019s creative potential<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Canva is a versatile design platform that empowers anyone, regardless of experience, to create stunning visuals. Its intuitive tools and professionally designed templates make it <strong>an excellent choice for small businesses looking to create eye-catching content in no time<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1251\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/6.-Canva-scaled.png\" alt=\"Designing an image in Canva\" class=\"wp-image-19587\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/6.-Canva-scaled.png 2560w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/6.-Canva-614x300.png 614w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/6.-Canva-1110x543.png 1110w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/6.-Canva-768x375.png 768w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/6.-Canva-1536x751.png 1536w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/6.-Canva-2048x1001.png 2048w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/6.-Canva-18x9.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Designing an image in Canva<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>I\u2019ve been using Canva for all my design needs, and what stands out to me is how fast and simple it is. I love that I can find a template for almost any purpose, customize it, and have a polished design ready in minutes. It\u2019s my go-to when I need professional-looking graphics without spending hours designing them from scratch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Drag-and-drop interface<\/strong> \u2014 Easily create designs by simply dragging and dropping elements into place.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Extensive library of photos, icons, and fonts<\/strong> \u2014 to use for all of your creative projects.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Collaborative features for teams<\/strong> \u2014 Multiple people can contribute to a team design.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Some premium elements are watermarked on the free plan.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Limited customization compared to advanced design software.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What\u2019s new: <\/strong>Canva Sheets was recently introduced in Canva\u2019s Visual Suite 2.0. It\u2019s a visual, AI-powered spreadsheet tool that integrates with the rest of the Canva ecosystem. It enables users to create, edit, and analyze data directly within their designs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Available for: <\/strong>Web, Android, and iOS.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pricing:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Free plan available;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Paid plans start at $10 per user per month (requires at least 3 users, so $30\/month minimum) or $15 per month for a single user, billed monthly;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Yearly one-time payment plans available.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"later-best-for-social-media-management\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/later.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Later<\/a> \u2014 Best for social media management<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Social media is a must for any business to <strong>reach and engage with customers<\/strong>, so it\u2019s only fitting to look for a tool that can simplify your social media efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Later is a social media management platform that allows businesses to <strong>plan, schedule, and publish posts across various platforms<\/strong>, making it easier to maintain an active online presence and drive growth.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1251\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/7.-Later-scaled.png\" alt=\"Scheduling a social media post in Later\" class=\"wp-image-19588\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/7.-Later-scaled.png 2560w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/7.-Later-614x300.png 614w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/7.-Later-1110x543.png 1110w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/7.-Later-768x375.png 768w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/7.-Later-1536x751.png 1536w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/7.-Later-2048x1001.png 2048w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/7.-Later-18x9.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Scheduling a social media post in Later<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>When I tried it, I connected my LinkedIn profile and found the process of creating and scheduling posts to be quick and intuitive. The calendar view, offering options for weekly, monthly, and list views, was particularly useful for seeing my content plan at a glance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, Later\u2019s free plan limits you to managing only one account per platform and lets you schedule up to 12 posts per social profile each month, which may be restrictive for larger content strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Easy to use<\/strong>, making social media management less time-consuming.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Offers an <strong>Instagram visual planner<\/strong> that helps ensure your feed is visually appealing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Provides basic analytics<\/strong> on post performance, making it simple to refine your strategy over time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Limited features on the free plan.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can become restrictive as your social media needs grow.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What\u2019s new: <\/strong>With Later\u2019s new LinkedIn Analytics, you can monitor the performance of your personal posts and videos. This feature is included in all paid plans, but it only tracks content published through Later.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Available for: <\/strong>Web, Android, and iOS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pricing: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Free plan available; <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Paid plans start at $16.67 per user per month, billed annually<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"banner banner-light pumble-gradient-templates\">\n    <div class=\"banner-text lg:pr-[6rem]\">\n        <span class=\"h4 text-lg translation-block mb-0\">Simplify work with Pumble by CAKE.com<\/span>\n        <p class=\"translation-block mt-1 mb-3\">Improve collaboration and cut down on emails by moving your team communication to Pumble.<\/p>\n\n        <div class=\"banner-buttons d-flex gap-4 align-items-center translation-block justify-content-center justify-content-sm-start\">\n            <a class=\"bg-white rounded px-3 py-1 text-gray-dark\" href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/register\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up<\/a>\n\n                            <a class=\"button-2\" href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"banner-image banner-image-middle \">\n        <picture>\n            <source srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/templates@2x.png 2x\" alt=\"Illustration\"  media=\"(min-width: 1022px)\" \/>\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/templates.png\"  alt=\"Illustration\" \/>\n        <\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n    \n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"mailchimp-best-for-email-marketing\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mailchimp.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mailchimp<\/a> \u2014 Best for email marketing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Email marketing is next on the list for setting up your small business growth strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s one of the most cost-effective ways to engage with your audience and drive sales, using emails to:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reach potential customers,&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promote products or services,&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Raise brand awareness, and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Build customer loyalty.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>My top choice for this category is Mailchimp \u2014 an email marketing platform that helps you <strong>create personalized emails, target the right audience, and optimize your strategy<\/strong>. It\u2019s particularly great for small businesses because it offers <strong>user-friendly tools for automation and insights<\/strong>, even in the free plan.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1251\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/8.-MailChimp-scaled.png\" alt=\"Creating a newsletter email in MailChimp\" class=\"wp-image-19589\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/8.-MailChimp-scaled.png 2560w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/8.-MailChimp-614x300.png 614w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/8.-MailChimp-1110x543.png 1110w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/8.-MailChimp-768x375.png 768w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/8.-MailChimp-1536x751.png 1536w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/8.-MailChimp-2048x1001.png 2048w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/8.-MailChimp-18x9.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Creating a newsletter email in MailChimp<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>I enjoyed the easy drag-and-drop email editor that makes designing campaigns quick and straightforward, especially for someone without design experience. The pre-built templates were also a great starting point, although only basic ones are included in the free plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Lots of integrations \u2014 <\/strong>to connect with your favorite tools.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Surveys<\/strong> \u2014 to gather customer feedback directly through emails.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Marketing Calendar<\/strong> \u2014 to visualize your schedule and keep track of campaigns.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Creative Assistant<\/strong> \u2014 to AI generate designs to match your brand.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The free plan only allows you to add up to 500 contacts to your email list.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The analytics dashboard can be overwhelming for beginners.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What\u2019s new: <\/strong>Mailchimp&#8217;s updated email builder includes a mobile column orientation tool, giving you control over how multi-column layouts are stacked on mobile devices.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Available for: <\/strong>Web, Android, and iOS.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pricing: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Free plan available; <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Paid plans start at $11 per user per month, billed annually<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"custom-btn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/register\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Say goodbye to email chaos \u2014 try Pumble today<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"zoho-books-best-for-accounting-and-bookkeeping\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zoho.com\/books\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Zoho Books<\/a> \u2014 Best for accounting and bookkeeping<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Productivity and marketing tools are essential, but as a business owner, <strong>staying on top of your finances<\/strong> is just as crucial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s why having a reliable accounting and bookkeeping platform is non-negotiable for keeping everything in order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After researching various tools, my favorite was Zoho Books.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Zoho Books is a solid option for small businesses looking for an <strong>intuitive accounting solution<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Its free plan includes features like:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Invoicing,&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Expense tracking, <\/strong>and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bookkeeping<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1251\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/9.-Zoho-Books-scaled.png\" alt=\"Creating an invoice in Zoho Books\" class=\"wp-image-19590\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/9.-Zoho-Books-scaled.png 2560w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/9.-Zoho-Books-614x300.png 614w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/9.-Zoho-Books-1110x543.png 1110w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/9.-Zoho-Books-768x375.png 768w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/9.-Zoho-Books-1536x751.png 1536w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/9.-Zoho-Books-2048x1001.png 2048w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/9.-Zoho-Books-18x9.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Creating an invoice in Zoho Books<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>I appreciated how customizable the platform is, allowing you to add segments to match your business needs \u2014 whether it\u2019s customer notes, terms and conditions on invoices, or setting up tailored invoice features before creating your first one. The organization and categorization of items also stand out, making everything easy to locate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Multi-user collaboration<\/strong> \u2014 allows you to invite a single user to collaborate, ideal for a small team.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mobile access<\/strong> \u2014 to manage your finances on the go.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Limited number of clients \u2014 the free plan supports only up to 1,000 invoices annually, which might not be enough for growing businesses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What\u2019s new:<\/strong> Zoho Books recently added a Widgets Pane in the sidebar, providing quick access to tips, webinars, integrations, and other helpful tools.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Available for: <\/strong>Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pricing: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Free plan available; <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Paid plans start at $20 per user per month, billed annually<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"square-best-for-payment-processing\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/squareup.com\/us\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Square<\/a> \u2014 Best for payment processing&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Last on my list of must-have free apps for small business owners is Square.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Square is a well-known payment processing platform, ideal for small businesses because of its ease of use and many useful features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It provides tools to <strong>accept payments via barcode scanning, manage your inventory, and process sales<\/strong> seamlessly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019re running a pop-up shop, caf\u00e9, or retail store, Square simplifies the checkout process by letting you scan barcodes, input custom orders, and accept multiple payment methods directly through its app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can use Square for <strong>both online and in-person payments<\/strong>, making it suitable for a wide variety of businesses. Whether you\u2019re selling digital products, physical goods, or services, Square provides the flexibility to cater to your specific business needs.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1251\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/10.-Square-scaled.png\" alt=\"Square\u2019s interface\" class=\"wp-image-19591\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/10.-Square-scaled.png 2560w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/10.-Square-614x300.png 614w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/10.-Square-1110x543.png 1110w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/10.-Square-768x375.png 768w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/10.-Square-1536x751.png 1536w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/10.-Square-2048x1001.png 2048w, https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/10.-Square-18x9.png 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Square\u2019s interface<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Although I couldn&#8217;t test out the actual payment processing, I liked how simple it was to set up with Square. The setup process was quick and straightforward, making it easy to get started with minimal effort. The interface was clean and intuitive, which made navigating the app a smooth experience, even for someone who isn\u2019t too tech-savvy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Intuitive interface <\/strong>\u2014 makes it easy for you to quickly learn and navigate the platform.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Clear view<\/strong> of your real-time sales data and history \u2014 makes you track performance and make informed decisions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Savings feature<\/strong> to automatically set aside a portion of your sales for expenses like taxes or emergencies \u2014 ensures you\u2019re financially prepared for both expected and unexpected costs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The processing fees are standard for the industry but might add up for small businesses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What\u2019s new: <\/strong>Afterpay \u2014 a buy now, pay later payment option is now available in Square Online.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Available for: <\/strong>Web, Android, and iOS.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pricing: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Free plan available; <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Paid plans start at $29 per user per month, billed annually&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"banner banner-dark pumble-gradient-landing-3\">\n    <div class=\"banner-text lg:pr-[6rem]\">\n        <span class=\"h4 text-lg translation-block mb-0\">Communication made easy<\/span>\n        <p class=\"translation-block mt-1 mb-3\">Improve collaboration and cut down on emails by moving your team communication to Pumble.<\/p>\n\n        <div class=\"banner-buttons d-flex gap-4 align-items-center translation-block justify-content-center justify-content-sm-start\">\n            <a class=\"bg-white rounded px-3 py-1 text-gray-dark\" href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/register\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up<\/a>\n\n                            <a class=\"button-2\" href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"banner-image banner-image-bottom \">\n        <picture>\n            <source srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-3@2x.png 2x\" alt=\"Illustration\"  media=\"(min-width: 1022px)\" \/>\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/landing-3.png\"  alt=\"Illustration\" \/>\n        <\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n    \n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"set-your-business-up-for-success-with-the-right-tools\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Set your business up for success with the right tools&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Running a business can be stressful and overwhelming, but thankfully, there are plenty of tools available to <strong>help streamline your day-to-day operations,<\/strong> so you can focus on what matters most \u2014 growing your business.Our roundup of the best free apps for small businesses will <strong>guide you on your journey to greater success<\/strong>. Give them a try to determine which ones fit your needs and work routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"banner banner-light pumble-gradient-pricing\">\n    <div class=\"banner-text lg:pr-[6rem]\">\n        <span class=\"h4 text-lg translation-block mb-0\">Boost team productivity<\/span>\n        <p class=\"translation-block mt-1 mb-3\">Make communication simple and effective. Get things done easily. Try Pumble by CAKE.com.<\/p>\n\n        <div class=\"banner-buttons d-flex gap-4 align-items-center translation-block justify-content-center justify-content-sm-start\">\n            <a class=\"bg-white rounded px-3 py-1 text-gray-dark\" href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up<\/a>\n\n                            <a class=\"button-2\" href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/register\" target=\"_blank\">Download<\/a>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"banner-image banner-image-middle \">\n        <picture>\n            <source srcset=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/pricing@2x.png 2x\" alt=\"Illustration\"  media=\"(min-width: 1022px)\" \/>\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/pricing.png\"  alt=\"Illustration\" \/>\n        <\/picture>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n    \n\n\n\n<p><em>And, for the ultimate productivity suite, including Plaky and Clockify, check out <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/cake.com\/bundle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>CAKE.com\u2019s Productivity Bundle!<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"custom-btn\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/register\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Try Pumble today<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover the top 10 free apps every small business owner should have. Improve communication, streamline operations, and boost productivity without spending a dime.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":33,"featured_media":19580,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16027","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-comparisons"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16027","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/33"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16027"}],"version-history":[{"count":24,"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16027\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22695,"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16027\/revisions\/22695"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19580"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16027"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16027"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16027"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}