There are countless small business software programs and tools out there that you can use to manage and grow your business.
But how do you know which one is right for you?
Whether you want to build a website, expand and speed up your marketing efforts, or manage your business more efficiently, this is the list for you.
We've picked 101+ top software platforms and tools to help build and boost your small business. Let’s get started.
Website Building Tools for Small Businesses
1. Shopify
If you’re wondering, “what’s the best software for small businesses?” then look no further than Shopify. This all-in-one platform allows you to build a website, manage inventory, optimize your marketing, accept payments, and more.
2. Domain Name Generator
Free small business software that will help you discover a winning website domain name in minutes.
3. WordPress
Highly customizable software to manage small business websites, complete with a library of templates and plug-ins.
4. Squarespace
All-in-one software for small business websites, with pre-made templates and a simple drag-and-drop builder.
5. Wix
Similar to Squarespace, Wix can help you create a simple and professional website fast.
Best Tools for Small Business Payments
6. Shopify Payments
Arguably the best software for payments that integrates effortlessly with Shopify's website builder, inventory tracking, and point-of-sale system.
7. PayPal
A great tool for managing credit and debit card payments online.
8. PayFunnels
Software to take online payments, manage invoices, and set up auto-billing.
9. Stripe
A highly customizable infrastructure for online payments.
10. Amazon Payments
A tool to allow customers to pay through their Amazon accounts.
Marketing Software for Small Businesses
11. Kit
Software to manage small business marketing tasks, Kit is an automation tool that can create ads, send emails, share posts on social media, and more.
12. HubSpot
A suite of tools for small businesses that includes an advanced customer relationship management (CRM) tool. HubSpot is known for being easy to use and provides free training through HubSpot Academy. The platform offers a no-cost version along with paid plans that bundle marketing, sales, and service capabilities.
13. Salesforce Essentials
Small business software to manage marketing and sales activities from the world's leading CRM. Salesforce stands out for its powerful reporting features and detailed forecasting abilities, though it comes at a higher price point than many alternatives.
14. Keap
Sales and marketing CRM software to run a small business.
15. Marketo
A suite of tools for running advanced marketing campaigns.
CRM Software for Small Businesses
Customer relationship management platforms help you track client interactions, organize contact details, and streamline your sales processes. To choose the right CRM for you, identify your main objectives, the features that matter most, and how much of your budget you can direct toward a CRM.
16. Pipedrive
A sales-focused CRM that emphasizes pipeline visualization and deal tracking. Pipedrive provides round-the-clock support and connects with hundreds of other applications.
17. Freshsales
Part of the Freshworks family, this sales CRM offers automation features and AI-powered tools at an accessible price. A free tier is available, with paid options beginning at $9 per user monthly.
18. Capsule
A straightforward CRM designed for startups and smaller companies, featuring project management functions alongside standard sales tools. Capsule offers a no-cost plan with basic features and affordable paid tiers.
Best Branding Software for Small Businesses
19. Shopify Logo Maker
Free business tools for small businesses wanting to create a logo and online branding materials.
20. Business Name Generator
The best free small business tool for finding a winning business name.
21. Shopify's Free Slogan Maker
Free small business software to help create a catchy slogan in minutes.
22. Image Resizer
A free tool for resizing website images.
Email Marketing Software for Small Businesses
23. MailChimp
Simple software to manage small business email marketing, which integrates with most website builders.
24. AWeber
Highly flexible email automation small business software offering powerful integration with other online tools.
25. Get Response
Email marketing and landing page software for small business lead generation.
26. Constant Contact
All-in-one software for small business marketing and sales, including email marketing tools and a website builder.
27. Campaign Monitor
Advanced email marketing small business software with an intuitive drag-and-drop builder.
Social Media Marketing Tools for Small Businesses
28. Buffer
Simple social media management software, perfect for scheduling posts across different platforms.
29. Hootsuite
All-in-one software for small business social media management, complete with scheduling, reporting, and social listening tools.
30. Sprout Social
Another leading program for managing social media marketing.
31. XPro
The best small business software program for supercharging your X (formerly Twitter) marketing.
Paid Advertising Software for Small Businesses
32. Meta Ads
Program for creating highly targeted advertising campaigns.
33. Google AdWords
Software to manage small business advertising campaigns across Google Search, YouTube, and the Google Display Network.
34. Microsoft Advertising
Software to create and manage advertising campaigns in Microsoft search results.
35. Pinterest Ads
Program for creating and managing advertising campaigns on Pinterest.
36. LinkedIn Ads
Business software for small businesses wanting to run ads on LinkedIn, which is perfect for hiring or business-to-business (B2B) sales.
37. X Business
Program for running advertising campaigns on X.
38. Outbrain
Software for running advertising campaigns across a range of websites online.
Content Marketing & SEO Software for Small Businesses
39. Google Analytics
The best software for small business website analytics.
40. AppSumo
A suite of tools for small business website optimization.
41. Moz
An advanced software program for improving search engine optimization (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM) campaigns.
42. Ahrefs
Software, resources, and tools for optimizing SEO performance.
43. BuzzSumo
Program for discovering top-performing online content.
44. Yoast
A simple program for optimizing your website's SEO.
Content Creation Software for Small Businesses
45. Burst
The best small business tool for sourcing free professional images for commercial and personal use.
46. Unsplash
Another top small business tool for sourcing free images online.
47. Loom
Free software for screen recording, webcam recording, or both.
48. Canva
A free, simple-to-use program for creating graphics and images.
49. Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is perhaps the best small business software for image editing and graphics creation.
Writing Tools for Small Businesses
50. Grammarly
All-in-one, free small business software for checking grammar everywhere you write online.
51. Google Docs
The best program for small business writing and editing, hosted in the cloud.
52. Microsoft Word
Long-standing home business software for writing and editing.
Print Marketing Tools for Small Businesses
53. Printful
One of the best tools for small business owners looking to create and sell merchandise online.
54. Printify
Another tool for small businesses wanting to sell merchandise online or through their Shopify website.
55. Vistaprint
One of the best tools for small business owners wanting to get print materials and merchandise.
56. Moo
Another great tool for small businesses needing print materials and branded stationary.
Public Relations Tools for Small Businesses
57. Help a Reporter Out (HARO)
Find an expert to feature in your content or share your expertise to get featured in others' content.
58. Google Alerts
Create weekly or daily alerts to stay up-to-date with certain topics and mentions of your brand.
59. Mention
Another social listening tool for small businesses looking to glean market and brand insights.
60. Buzzstream
One of the best programs for small business direct outreach.
Customer Service Software for Small Businesses
61. Zendesk
Leading software to manage small business customer service tasks, tracking, and reporting.
62. Groove
All-in-one software for small business customer service management.
63. HelpScout
Another customer service tool for small businesses, packed with features.
64. Small Business Service
Customer service software for small businesses from the leading CRM, Salesforce.
Communication Software for Small Businesses
65. Slack
A team messaging application and one of the best tools for small business team communication and management.
66. Teams
Microsoft's communication application for audio and video calls.
67. Zoom
The most popular small business software for video calling.
68. Google Chat
Google's messaging, calling, and video app.
69. Google Workspace
Use Gmail with a custom email address and access Google's suite of business tools.
70. Mailsuite
Simple software to track email opens and click-through-rates in Gmail.
Project Management Software for Small Businesses
71. Trello
Project and task management software for small business teams.
72. Basecamp
An all-in-one project management and internal communication tool for businesses working remotely.
73. Teamwork
A messaging, project management, and file management tool for small business teams.
74. Asana
Project management tool for small businesses that integrates with more than 100 other software programs and tools.
Productivity Software for Small Businesses
75. Todoist
The ultimate to-do list software to manage small business tasks.
76. Evernote
A feature-packed note-taking tool for small businesses.
77. Unroll.me
Free small business software to help you unsubscribe from email lists and clean up your inbox.
78. Boomerang
Schedule emails to send at a later date and set up email reminders in Gmail.
Focus Tools for Small Businesses
79. RescueTime
Time-tracking software for small businesses with in-built distraction blocking tools.
80. Freedom
One of the best tools for small business owners wanting to block distracting websites and apps to focus more.
81. Brain.fm
Scientifically engineered music to improve concentration, relaxation, or sleep.
E-commerce Tools for Small Businesses
82. Automizely
The best free small software for dropshipping products online.
83. Shopify Apps
A library of apps to improve and optimize virtually every aspect of your Shopify website.
84. JungleScout
Product research software for small businesses.
85. Shipping Label Maker
A free business tool for creating professional shipping labels on-the-fly.
86. Bill of Lading Maker
A free tool for businesses needing to create a complete bill of lading form for seamless international trading.
Hiring and Human Resource Tools for Small Businesses
87. Upwork
A platform for sourcing freelancers and agencies for contract work.
88. Fiverr
Find service providers in virtually every vertical and niche.
89. Freelancer
Another platform for finding freelancers to help your business grow.
90. Workable
Leading talent acquisition software for small businesses looking to hire remotely.
91. Workday
Finance, HR, and planning tools for small businesses looking to scale into enterprises.
92. BambooHR
HR software for small businesses focused on people, not processes.
File Management Software for Small Businesses
93. Google Drive
The best software to manage small business files â which integrates seamlessly with Google's other tools like Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
94. Dropbox
Cloud file management software for small businesses to backup files, sync them across devices, and share them effortlessly.
95. Office 365
Microsoft's complete suite of products (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.) and cloud storage to manage files.
Accounting & Bookkeeping Software for Small Businesses
96. Xero
Robust cloud-based financial management and accounting software for small businesses.
97. QuickBooks
Scalable financial solution for businesses with small business packages and advanced options.
98. FreshBooks
Accounting software designed with small service-based businesses in mind.
Tax Software for Small Businesses
99. TurboTax
Software to manage small business tax filing online â either alone or with the help of an expert.
100. TaxAct
Tax filing software program for small businesses with a maximum tax refund guarantee.
101. Jackson Hewitt Online
Simple, do-it-yourself online tax filing software with affordable pricing.
Entrepreneurial Growth Tools for Small Businesses
102. Shopify Academy
Free online courses on how to start and scale a business, taught by industry authorities and renowned experts.
103. EDx
Free online courses from some of the top universities in the world.
104. Udemy
Affordably priced courses on virtually every aspect of business, marketing, and finance.
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Software List for Small Businesses in 2026
There are countless small software platforms and tools out there to choose from, but remember that you don't have to use them all.
When considering new tools, first identify your most pressing needs. Are you experiencing inefficiencies? Can you identify what’s costing the most time and money? Where are the most miscommunications? Knowing the points of friction helps you figure out which types of tools to pursue.
There’s no one-size-fits-all piece of software, but the good news is that most software providers are working to create the most comprehensive solutions possible. It’s not so bad for small businesses to be spoiled for choice, in this case!
Software for Small Businesses FAQ
What are the best software tools for building a small business?
There are many software options for people looking to start a small business. One of the essential tools is Shopify, as you can use it as an all-in-one platform for building a site and storefront, managing inventory, marketing your products, and accepting payments. If you want to diversify your software stack, you could also use WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix to build your e-commerce site, and hop on Domain Name Generator to secure your site name before anyone else snags it first.
Is small business software expensive?
Most software tools for small e-commerce businesses have free trial periods, so you can test out whether a tool fits your needs, though a good number of companies have affordable subscriptions hovering around $10 and $20 per user monthly. To access more powerful functionalities, expect to pay a bit higher enterprise prices.
What are the best tools for entrepreneurs to learn more?
There is always more to learn, and luckily there are many comprehensive educational platforms out there catering to first-time and veteran e-commerce entrepreneurs. Shopify Academy has industry-leading courses on how to start and scale a business, and platforms like Udemy have free and paid-for courses on tons of essential business subjects.
What software do e-commerce businesses need?
E-commerce businesses can get by with a Shopify account, but there are always more tools to help build and scale. Automizely is a great dropshipping option, and Shopify has a wealth of apps to optimize nearly every aspect of your store. JungleScout provides excellent product research, and you can also get a lot out of shipping support tools like Shipping Label Maker and Bill of Lading Maker.
What are the best platforms for small businesses looking to hire new employees?
While technology lets e-commerce entrepreneurs automate a whole host of tasks, there always comes a time when you need extra talent. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are good choices for cost-efficient freelance support, and once you’ve grown and have a larger staff, you can turn to BambooHR for all of your HR needs.