These days, you don’t need a big team to operate a business. With the help of small business management software, you can start a venture and thrive without having to hire a big team if you’re not ready to.
But next comes the crucial question: What software is used for small business?
In this article, we’ll review some of the best small business management software options that could make your life as an owner much easier.
1. Zoho One
Zoho One is an all-in-one business management software suite offering integrated apps to streamline business operations.
From customer relationship management (CRM) and accounting to project management and human resources (HR), Zoho One provides a platform suitable for small to medium-sized ventures.
- Best for: Small businesses that want to have consolidated software for operational needs
- Pricing: The platform offers two plans: an All Employee Pricing at $37 per employee per month (billed monthly) and a Flexible User Pricing package at $90 per user per month billed annually.
2. QuickBooks Online
Next on our list of small business management software options is QuickBooks Online. This software specializes in accounting and financial management and offers invoicing, expense tracking, payroll processing, and financial reporting features.
- Best for: Ventures seeking efficient financial management across various industries, including retail, professional services, and nonprofits
- Pricing: QuickBooks Online provides several pricing tiers to accommodate different business needs, starting at $10 per month for one user and up to $70 per month for 25 users.
3. Monday.com
If you’re looking for small business management software that could boost collaboration and project tracking, check out Monday.com. Its customizable workflows and visual dashboards provide clarity and efficiency in task management, making it one of the best ways to manage a small business.
- Best for: Ideal for ventures seeking to streamline operations; it’s also applicable across various industries, including marketing, sales, and IT
- Pricing: Monday’s Freemium model offers free use forever for up to two seats. Their paid tiers range from $9 to $19 per seat per month.
4. Wave Accounting
Wave Accounting is a free, cloud-based business management software example tailored to small businesses and freelancers. It offers features such as invoicing, expense tracking, and receipt scanning, all within an intuitive interface.
- Best for: Small business owners seeking a cost-effective solution for managing finances
- Pricing: The platform is entirely free to use. They also have a Pro Plan, which offers additional features at $16 per month.
5. Xero
If you’re looking for software that offers invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and inventory management, check out Xero. Because of its intuitive online platform, it’s a helpful tool for small businesses, accountants, and bookkeepers.
Not only does Xero allow users to accept payments, claim expenses, reimburse expense claims, and save time with bank reconciliation automation, but
- Best for: Business owners who need an accounting tool that integrates seamlessly with various business app
- Pricing: Xero’s monthly plans range from $2.90 to $6.90.
6. HubSpot CRM
HubSpot CRM is free, user-friendly, all-in-one business management software designed to help small businesses efficiently manage customer relationships. It offers features such as contact management, email tracking, and sales pipeline visualization, all within a centralized platform. Additionally, HubSpot CRM integrates AI tools for small businesses, including predictive lead scoring and automated email responses.
- Best for: Ventures that want to streamline their sales and marketing processes without incurring high costs
- Pricing: HubSpot CRM is free to use, providing access to its core features. Its paid tiers for individuals and small teams start at $15 per month per seat and come with additional features.
7. Trello
Next on our list is Trello, a project management tool that uses boards, lists, and cards to help teams organize tasks and collaborate effectively. If you’re looking for small business management software free of charge, you may find this platform with a drag-and-drop interface an excellent tool to use.
One of Trello's benefits is presenting information at a glance, allowing users to see the big picture, get more details about the task, or update everyone on the task's status.
- Best for: Small ventures and teams seeking a flexible and user-friendly platform to manage projects, assign tasks, and monitor deadlines
- Pricing: Trello offers a free version with essential features, including unlimited cards and up to 10 boards per workspace. For advanced features like automation, integrations, and increased storage, Trello provides premium plans starting at $5 per user per month.
8. Slack
Slack is a leading platform that centralizes team interactions. It allows members to chat through channels and direct messaging and integrates with various business tools. Its real-time messaging and file-sharing capabilities enhance productivity.
The platform takes pride in being used by 80% of Fortune 100 companies to connect with partners and even customers.
- Best for: Small businesses and teams seeking to improve internal collaboration
- Pricing: Slack offers a free version with essential features, including access to 90 days of messages. Paid plans that come with enhanced features start at $4.38 per user per month.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are a few frequently asked questions related to the best free accounting software for small business:
What software can I use to manage my business?
The answer highly depends on your business and your goals. Look for tools that offer features like accounting, CRM, or workflow automation to match your specific requirements.
Which accounting software is best for small business?
The best accounting software depends on your business size and the complexity of your financial needs. Consider software that offers invoicing, expense tracking, and scalability as your business grows.
What is the best free software for small business?
The best free software will depend on your business's needs—whether they’re accounting, customer management, or project organization. Free tools often provide basic features that are great for startups or small operations.
