Running a business often requires you to purchase software tools. But even the best programs can get expensive quickly. Fortunately, there are many affordable and useful software options available. Whether you need project management, budgeting, CRM, or design tools, there’s an affordable option for everyone.
Affordable project management tools
Instead of expensive tools like Asana Premium or Monday.com, consider Trello and ClickUp. Trello is great for small teams and businesses because it lets you work on projects visually using boards and cards. ClickUp has more powerful features than its premium competitors, like time tracking, goal setting, and integration with other apps. And it’s much cheaper, too.
Affordable accounting software
Accounting software can be expensive, but Wave and FreshBooks Lite make it easy to keep track of your books. If you just want to handle the most basic financial tasks, like checking bills and scanning receipts, Wave is completely free. FreshBooks Lite offers an affordable plan that’s perfect for freelancers and small businesses that need to send professional invoices, track expenses, and create basic financial reports.
Cheap CRM services
Many businesses choose Zoho CRM and Insightly over the more expensive paid plans of Salesforce and HubSpot. Zoho CRM offers a free version with basic tools for managing leads and contacts. The paid plans are reasonably priced. Insightly is a two-in-one solution for growing businesses, as it offers both CRM and project management tools.
Affordable design and creativity software
Adobe Creative Cloud is great, but it’s not the only option. Tools like Canva Pro and Affinity Photo let you create amazing designs for a much lower price. Canva Pro is easy to use and perfect for creating social media graphics, slideshows, and marketing tools. Affinity Photo lets you edit photos professionally for a one-time fee, with no commitment.
Cheap collaboration and communication tools
You don’t have to buy expensive tools like Microsoft Teams Business or Slack Premium. You can use free tools like Discord and Google Chat. Discord was originally popular with gamers, but has now expanded to business communication, with free channels, voice calling, and screen sharing capabilities. Google Chat is a great way for teams to communicate, especially for businesses that already use Google Workspace.
Affordable cloud storage options
People love Dropbox and Box, but pCloud and Sync.com are cheaper options to consider. Businesses can get a lifetime deal on pCloud with a one-time payment, saving on monthly fees. Sync.com takes security very seriously and offers a lot of storage for a lower annual fee than other well-known providers.
Website and online store solutions
You don’t have to invest a fortune in a website builder to showcase your expertise online. You can also use platforms like Wix and Shopify Lite. Wix offers affordable plans with simple drag-and-drop tools that make it easy to create a business website without hiring a developer. Shopify Lite lets you add ecommerce functionality to your existing website or social media pages without having to pay for the full Shopify service.
Affordable Marketing Tools
MailerLite and Moosend are excellent free email marketing tools that can be an alternative to Mailchimp’s paid plans. Even with the most basic plan, MailerLite offers automation features, exit pages, and A/B testing. Moosend is known for its ease of use and affordability, making it ideal for small businesses just getting started with email marketing.
A Cheap Way to Protect Your Cyberspace
Securing your business is no easy task. Bitdefender and Avast for Business are both great security options that aren’t as expensive as enterprise-level security tools. They’re reasonably priced for small businesses and offer antivirus, firewall, and ransomware protection.
Summary
You don’t have to spend a lot of money when you buy software for your business. There are many low-cost options on the market today that work just as well as expensive investments. If you choose wisely, you can save money and spend it on other important parts of your business, while still getting quality tools.
