Starting a business is tough and trying to get your name out there whilst not breaking the bank can seem stressful and daunting. The great news is that there are some great free tools you can utilise when starting a business. Here are 7 to get you off to a flying start.

1. Google My Business

This is a great tool when starting a business and an excellent way to increase your online presence. Companies can add information on their business including opening hours, photos and appointment links as well as putting up posts and receiving Google Reviews.

2. PR 

Not a singular tool as such but do not be afraid to utilise PR and free tools around this. One such tool is Twitter! According to a new Pew Research study, incorporating responses from over 11,500 journalists based in the US, Twitter is by far the most used social platform among journalists. Be sure to search the hashtag #journorequest when on the social media platform for ways to find opportunities. 

3. Google Alerts

This is a great way to help track mentions of your business and any successful PR from the point above. Google alerts can also be set up for keywords in your industry or for competitors which will keep you up-to-date, knowledgeable and relevant.

4. Canva

A great way to help create impactful and professional looking graphics for your business. This can be for your social media posts or even creating business documents or marketing brochures. You can then use your images from Canva in conjunction with tool number 5. 

5. Buffer

This tool will help you to schedule social media posts. We all know that having an online social media presence can be key to marketing but can be time consuming and not always at the top of your to-do-list. Buffer is a great way to manage multiple social media accounts and to schedule your posts in advance. A great time saver.

6. Hubspot

Not only does Hubspot have a free CRM to help businesses manage their leads and sales journey but also offer email marketing tools including being able to send out newsletters and emails to prospects and customers—such user onboarding campaigns, and product discounts or seasonal offers. 

7. Free Business Listings

The phone book may not be the place to be listed nowadays but make sure you include company information and contact details to free business listings to increase your online visibility. There are many websites available for generic business listings but also make sure to research if there are any specific to your industry or business that you can also be included on. Some examples of generic business listings include; Yell.com, Bing Places, Thomson Local, HotFrog to name but a few.