Business tools have gained immense importance as they are the only solution to compete in this highly saturated online landscape. The need for these tools increases more when you have recently launched a new startup.
As manual efforts are no longer functional, you must utilize the automation power of business tools and software. While a large number is available on the web, I have researched and enlisted the top options.
You must check your requirements and grab the tool accordingly. Hence, you can avoid breaking the bank while making a purchase decision.
Essential Business Tools for Startups
The following are the top 10 best business tools for startups. In 2024, they can take your business performance to an ultimate level.
You should also check our list of Must-Have Digital Marketing Tools that can be useful in boosting your marketing efforts!
1- Trello
Trello is one of the best business tools which is designed primarily to help teams organize and manage their vital tasks as well as projects. The user friendly interface makes sure that everyone can use its power and potential without learning any extra skills.Â
In addition, it provides you with built in boards and cards alongside lists to maintain a precise overview of the project.
| Pros | Cons |
| Kanban-style interface | Limited advanced features |
| Free plan available | |
| Integrates with over 200 apps | |
| Customizable | |
| Built-in automation |
Pricing
- Free: $0 per month
- Standard: $5 per month
- Premium: $10 per month
- Enterprises: $17.50 per month
2- Microsoft Teams
Whether you are running a new company or owning a larger enterprise, communication is always important. Microsoft Teams is considered one of the best software for small businesses. It not only allows you to send personal messages but also hosts video conferences with team members.Â
This seamless communication ensures that everyone can share their insights with each other.
| Pros | Cons |
| Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 apps | Excessive notifications |
| Real-time collaboration on documents | |
| Video conferencing | |
| Channel-based organization | |
| Supports third party apps |
Pricing
- Microsoft Teams (Free): $0 per month
- Microsoft 365 Personal: $6.99 per month
- Microsoft 365 Family: $9.99 per month
3- Mailchimp
Marketing is the key for early startups to build their worth in this highly competitive landscape. A proper email marketing tool is necessary in this regard as it allows you to create and send personalized messages to your customers.
You can use different built in templates to bring ease to your marketing efforts. Also, you can use the power of analytics to understand the performance of your campaigns.
| Pros | Cons |
| Drag and drop interface | Poor customer support at lower plans |
| Amazing functionalities | |
| Built in templates | |
| A/B testing feature | |
| Allow segmentation |
Pricing
- Free: $0 per month
- Essential: $13 per month
- Standard: $20 per month
- Premium: $350 per month
4- Canva
Canva is a graphic designing tool that not only allows you to create logos and featured images for your business site but also posters and marketing banners. Therefore, you must utilize the potential of this amazing business tool.
The best part about Canva is that it features a user friendly interface alongside a large gallery of templates to customize from and create compelling designs
| Pros | Cons |
| Extensive design elements | No offline functionality |
| Large templates library | |
| AI integration | |
| Affordable | |
| Good customization ability |
Pricing
- Free: $0 per year
- Pro: $55 per year
- Teams: $50 per year
5- Salesforce
When you are running a new startup, you have to build strong relationships with customers. In this fast paced world, manual efforts are no longer that effective. That’s why you have to use Salesforce to manage your customer relationships.
It is a CRM software with several AI capabilities to manage sales and marketing campaigns. Moreover, it features a scalability option to accommodate your requirements in the near future.
| Pros | Cons |
| Highly customizable | Complex set up |
| Good integration options | |
| Powerful reporting and analytics | |
| Scalable | |
| Automation features |
Pricing
- Starter: $25 per month
- Pro: $100 per month
6- Gusto
Gusto is a human resource management tool that provides immense benefits to early startups. It can handle payrolls and provide the desired HR advantages to employees. Thus, there is no need to hire a dedicated HR team.
You can track the performance of your workers with the help of this platform. Hence, you can make more informed decisions regarding the upcoming strategies.
| Pros | Cons |
| Offers payroll management | Slow customer support |
| High end HR features | |
| Works with accounting tools | |
| Automated tax filing | |
| Features self-service portal for employees |
Pricing
- Simple: $40 per month
- Plus: $60 per month
- Premium: $135 per month
7- Google Analytics
I have placed Google Analytics among the best business tools for early startups as it can provide you with the metrics of the traffic your website is receiving. Moreover, you can understand the engagement rate and behavior of your customers.
Ultimately, these insights are helpful in determining the flaws. You can work to improve them and optimize your digital marketing strategies.
| Pros | Cons |
| Can work with other Google tools | Requires learning curve |
| Comprehensive tracking | |
| Precise reporting | |
| Real time data analysis | |
| Customizable dashboard |
Pricing
Google Analytics is a completely free tool and you can access it without purchasing any membership plan.
8- XeroÂ
Financial management is the primary requirement of early startups. Xero has made its worth in this regard as this accounting software offers several exciting features to manage your expenditures and other financial aspects.
The key benefits of the Xero platform involve invoicing, payroll management, and bank reconciliation. Hence, it helps businesses keep their financial details in an organized manner.
| Pros | Cons |
| Multi-currency support | Poor inventory management feature |
| Automated invoicing | |
| Real-time financial data | |
| Very easy to use | |
| Good synchronization |
Pricing
- Starter: $29 per month
- Standard: $46 per month
- Premium: $62 per month
9- Hootsuite
Social media has gained immense popularity in recent years. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are now establishing their worth for a larger audience base. That’s why new businesses are targeting them to receive more customers.
Hootsuite can help you manage your marketing campaigns on these platforms. This social media management can schedule your posts and manage social media activities for better engagement.
| Pros | Cons |
| Supports multiple social media platforms | Can be expensive for larger teams |
| Team collaboration tools | |
| High end analysis | |
| Scheduling option present | |
| No additional skills required |
Pricing
- Professional: $99 per month
- Teams: $249 per month
- Enterprises: Custom quotes
10- Zendesk
Lastly, I have enlisted Zendesk among the best business tools for early startups. It is a customer support platform that can manage the inquiries of your audience and provide them with timely responses.
Also, it offers ticket support to direct complaints to higher authorities to resolve any issue. Hence, you can build trust with your clients.
| Pros | Cons |
| Proper ticketing system | Limited customization |
| Customizable workflows | |
| Supports multiple channels | |
| Good customer support | |
| Enhanced reporting |
Pricing
- Team: $19 per month
- Growth: $55 per month
- Professional: $115 per month
Final Thoughts
These are the details about the best business tools for early startups in 2024. All the names mentioned in this blog post are highly functional and can provide you with ultimate outcomes. However, every business has its own requirements and way of approaching clients. Therefore, you must keep them in mind while making a purchase decision.
With these tools, you can streamline several vital business activities. Ultimately, you can have your hands on seamless sales and marketing campaigns that will help you generate huge revenue. If you need some specific tools for search engine optimization, check out the Best SEO Audit Tools you can use right now!
