Running a business isn’t easy, particularly when you don’t have the right tools. I have spent many years using different tools, both free and premium, for a number of purposes. Now, I have compiled a list of some of the best free tools I use, that every entrepreneur will benefit from.
1. Asana
Asana is a web-based project management tool, available both on the web and as an app. Once you set up your account, you can invite other people to join your team, and add clients to projects, to keep them up to date with your progress. I use Asana to track ongoing projects and add tasks for both myself and my clients, so that we can both stay organised and be held accountable.
2. WordPress
WordPress is a free and open-source content management system, which is used to create websites. The platform has a focus on aesthetics, web standards, and usability. It is based on PHP and MySQL and is installed onto a web server in order to publish a site.
There are millions of active developers worldwide, creating free and premium themes and plugins, for a number of purposes.
3. Dropbox
DropBox is a file hosting service that offers cloud storage, file synchronization, personal cloud, and client software. The cloud storage system allows you to access your files anywhere. You can save files on your computer and access them on your phone, while on the go.
4. Skype
Skype is particularly useful if you work remotely. It can be used to get in touch with people for free. Supports both voice and video calling and can be used wherever you have an internet connection. I use it to keep in touch with clients and business partners around the world.
5. Canva
Canva is a web-based design application, that makes is easy for anyone to create graphics for web or print. There is a huge range of templates available, from blog images to social media photos and stationery. You don’t need any prior design knowledge to use Canva.
6. MailChimp
MailChimp is an email marketing service that provides a free service for up to 2,000 subscribers and 12,000 emails per month. It includes customisable sign up forms and simple to use templates to customise your emails for your brand.
7. Buffer
Buffer is a social media management app, that provides the ability to schedule posts for Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+. The free option allows you to queue up to ten posts for each platform and see how each of your posts is performing.
For $10 a month, you can upgrade to the premium option, which allows you to schedule up to 100 posts for each platform and add a Pinterest account.
8. PayPal
PayPal allows anyone with an email address to send and receive payments online. It is free to sign up and use to send payments. There is a small fee for receiving payments for products and services, although receiving funds from friends and family is also free.
9. Google Analytics
Google Analytics allows you to analyse data from a number of sites and apps, all in one place. The data collection allows you to see customer habits and creates shareable reports that include this data. It is free to sign up (you just need a Google account) and, once you have added a tracking code to your site(s), you will be able to start seeing data within a couple of hours.
10. Grammarly
Grammarly is an online proof-reading tool that corrects over 250 types of grammatical errors while also catching contextual spelling errors and poor vocabulary usage. Just add Grammarly to your browser – for free – and you’re good to go.
11. DaFont
DaFont is an archive of free downloadable fonts, created by a number of users. There are currently over 31,000 fonts available in various categories including Sans, Serif, Calligraphy, Fancy, Gothic and Holiday. You can download the fonts with just one click and install them to your computer.
12. Font Combinations
Canva’s Font Combination tool is a free tool that combines two fonts for various uses. You simply choose your starter font, from the drop down menu, and you will automatically be presented with a complimentary font to use alongside it.
13. Content Idea Generator
Portent’s Content Idea Generator helps you to come up with an array of ideas for your blog posts and other content. Just enter your subject and the generator will do the rest. (Set aside some time for this one, it’s pretty addictive.)
14. FireShot
FireShot allows you to capture a screenshot of an entire webpage with just one click. You can then edit and save them as .PNG or .JPEG files, send them via email or copy them to your clipboard. Just install the add on to your browser and it’s ready to use.
15. SurveyMonkey
SurveyMonkey makes it easy to gather information from your audience. Create simple surveys for free and see the results in your SurveyMonkey account.
  |
There has never been a better time to start a business than now. With a laptop and an Internet connection you can turn your ideas into reality, build a wildly successful business and do what you LOVE.
You can do it. We can all do it, because success is not an accident. It’s something we have to create on purpose and in this book I’m going to show you how you can make it happen. You are being called to show up for your dreams, to step up and shine like never before, to create the life you’re meant to live. |
