Starting a small business is a rollercoaster — one minute you’re riding high, and the next, you’re buried under an avalanche of tasks.Â

You’re not just the boss — you’re also the accountant, marketer, customer service rep, and everything in between.Â

With a mile-long to-do list and only so many hours in the day, it’s easy to feel stretched thin. That’s where the top small business tools can be a total lifesaver.Â

These tools and apps are designed to make your life easier — helping you streamline your workflow, work more efficiently, and focus on growing your ROI.

Whether you’re just starting out or already have some experience under your belt, this guide dives into the best tools every entrepreneur should know about.Â

Ready to give your business the edge it deserves? Let’s get into it.

For any concerns related to formation, bookkeeping, or taxes, reach out to our experts via free consultation.

Business Formation Services

We’ll begin with business formation services, which are among the top small business tools you’ll need when starting out.Â

Setting up the right legal structure — whether it’s an LLC, corporation, or another entity — is a crucial first step in protecting your personal assets and establishing your business as a legitimate operation.

This step is important because it:

✅ Protects your personal assets: If your business faces financial or legal trouble, your personal savings and property stay safe.

✅ Makes your business credible: Customers and partners take you more seriously when you’re operating under a registered business name.

✅ Handles the paperwork hassle: There’s a lot of documentation involved, and formation tools simplify it so you don’t spend hours trying to figure it out.

doola FormationÂ

Overview: doola is one of the leading formation services that specializes in helping small businesses get up and running.Â

Here’s what doola does and why every entrepreneur needs to opt for its formation services.

📌 Simplifies LLC and company formation: Whether you’re in the U.S. or abroad, doola’s incorporation experts walk you through every step of forming your LLC or corporation.Â

No need to navigate legal jargon or guess what forms to fill out — the experts handle it well.

📌 Sets up essential tools for your business: doola doesn’t just register your business; they also help you get an EIN (Employer Identification Number), which is like a business Social Security Number.Â

This is needed to open a business bank account, hire employees, and pay taxes.

📌 Offers banking and bookkeeping solutions: Our experts connect you with a business bank account and tools to manage your finances, so you’re organized from day one.

📌 Supports international entrepreneurs: Even if you’re not in the U.S., doola makes it possible to register your business there, helping you tap into the U.S. market.

 Book a free consultation with our experts

Accounting and Bookkeeping Services

Running a business isn’t just about selling products or delivering services — it’s also about keeping your financial house in order.Â

Among the top small business tools, accounting and bookkeeping services also play a critical role.Â

These services make sure you’re not only tracking every dollar coming in and out but also staying compliant with tax regulations and ready for growth.

Here’s how they help:

✅ Keep your finances organized: It’s easy for receipts, invoices, and expenses to pile up. Bookkeeping keeps everything neat and accessible when you need it.

​✅ Ensure tax compliance: Filing taxes as a business is a whole other ballgame. These services make sure you meet deadlines, claim deductions, and avoid costly penalties.

✅ Give you a clear picture of your business’s performance: Accurate financial records let you see how well your business is doing and plan for the future with confidence.

✅ Save time and reduce stress: Managing finances can eat up a lot of your time. By outsourcing, you can focus on growing your business instead of crunching numbers.

doola Bookkeeping

Overview: doola offers bookkeeping services designed for entrepreneurs who want a stress-free way to manage their finances.Â

Here’s how our bookkeeping services make your life easier:

📌 Dedicated human bookkeeper: You get a real person (not just software) managing your books, ensuring accuracy and providing personalized support tailored to your business.

📌 Tracks income and expenses: doola keeps all your financial transactions organized, so you always have a clear understanding of where your money is going.

📌 Simplifies tax preparation: Our platform categorizes and organizes your financial data, creating detailed reports that make tax season a breeze.

📌 Helps you spot trends: Monthly or quarterly reports highlight financial patterns, enabling smarter decisions for your business’s growth.

Book a free demo now!

Virtual Post MailÂ

Overview: Virtual Post Mail is an excellent service for entrepreneurs managing remote or hybrid businesses, offering a smarter way to handle your business mail.Â

Here’s what it provides:

📌 Scans and organizes mail digitally: Your mail is uploaded to a secure online dashboard, eliminating the need to sort through physical paperwork.

📌 Processes important documents: Receive critical items like checks, contracts, or government notices without delays or mismanagement.

📌 Professional business address: Maintain privacy and credibility with a business address that’s separate from your home address.

📌 Global accessibility: Perfect for entrepreneurs outside the U.S. who need seamless management of U.S.-based business correspondence.

Digital Marketing Services

In today’s world, having a great product or service isn’t enough — you need to get it in front of the right people. That’s why top small business tools like digital marketing services are a must-have.

These services help small business owners reach their target audience, stand out from competitors, and turn browsers into loyal customers.Â

Here’s how digital marketing services make a difference:

✅ Build your online presence: From social media to email, digital marketing ensures you’re visible wherever your customers are.

✅ Attract and retain customers: Targeted campaigns bring in the right audience and keep them coming back with consistent engagement.

✅ Track results easily: Digital marketing services provide data and insights, so you can see what’s working and tweak your strategy for maximum impact.

Beehiiv

Overview: Beehiiv is a newsletter platform designed to help you grow and monetize your audience through email marketing.Â

Here’s why it’s a must-have for small business owners:

📌 Easy-to-use platform: Create, design, and send professional-looking newsletters without any technical skills.

📌 Audience segmentation: Target specific groups of subscribers with personalized content for better engagement.

📌 Monetization features: Earn from your newsletter by enabling subscription options or sponsored content.

📌 Growth-focused analytics: Get insights into open rates, subscriber growth, and click-through performance, so you can refine your email strategy.

HubSpot

Overview: HubSpot is an all-in-one marketing, sales, and customer service platform that’s perfect for small businesses looking to scale.Â

Here’s what it offers:

📌 Inbound marketing tools: Attract customers with blogs, SEO optimization, and lead-generating forms.

📌 Email marketing automation: Save time by automating email campaigns that nurture leads and drive conversions.

📌 Customer relationship management (CRM): Manage and track customer interactions to build stronger relationships and increase sales.

📌 Robust analytics: Measure campaign performance and ROI with detailed reporting and dashboards.

Fiverr

Overview: Fiverr is a platform connecting small business owners with affordable, high-quality freelancers for all your digital marketing needs.Â

Here’s how it helps:

📌 Access to diverse experts: Find professionals for tasks like social media management, SEO, content creation, and ad campaigns.

📌 Budget-friendly options: Hire freelancers for as little as $5, making it a cost-effective choice for small businesses.

📌 Quick turnaround: Get work done fast, whether you need a logo, a website, or a new ad campaign.

📌 Scalable services: Whether you need one-time help or ongoing support, Fiverr has options to suit your needs.

Legal ServicesÂ

Legal services act as a safety net, protecting your business from risks and giving you peace of mind.Â

Here’s how they help:

✅ Prevent costly mistakes: Properly drafted contracts, agreements, and compliance measures save you from disputes and penalties.

✅ Streamline business formation: Legal services help you form the right business structure (LLC, corporation, etc.) and file the required documents.

✅ Ensure compliance: These services keep your business in line with state and federal regulations, from employment laws to tax requirements.

✅ Save time and reduce stress: Legal experts handle the complexities, so you can focus on running your business.

Rocket Lawyer

Overview: Rocket Lawyer is an online platform offering legal solutions for small businesses. Here’s how it supports entrepreneurs:

📌 Easy legal document creation: Quickly draft contracts, NDAs, and other essential documents with customizable templates.

📌 On-demand legal advice: Access licensed attorneys for quick answers to your legal questions.

📌 Business incorporation services: Rocket Lawyer helps you register your business and handle state filing requirements.

📌 Affordable subscriptions: Get ongoing legal support for a fraction of the cost of hiring a full-time attorney.

Online Notary USA

Overview: This service is specifically designed for the U.S.-based small business owners who need notarization for their documents. Here’s what it offers:

📌 Remote document notarization: Get your documents notarized online without having to visit a notary in person.

📌 Legally binding notarization: Online notarizations are valid and recognized in all U.S. states.

📌 Convenience and speed: Save time by notarizing contracts, affidavits, and other documents from your home or office.

📌 Secure and compliant: These services use encrypted platforms to ensure privacy and compliance with state laws.

Online Notary Non-USA

Overview: For businesses outside the U.S., online notary services (Non-USA) help with notarizing documents needed for cross-border transactions or compliance.Â

Here’s how these services help:

📌 Remote access: Easily notarize documents from anywhere in the world, eliminating the need for in-person visits.

📌 International compliance: Services ensure your documents meet the legal standards required for international use.

📌 Faster processing: Speed up critical business processes like contracts, certifications, and agreements.

📌 Accessibility: Many services operate 24/7, accommodating different time zones.

Payroll

If you have employees or plan to hire, payroll isn’t just about cutting paychecks — it’s about staying compliant with tax laws, managing benefits, and making sure everyone gets paid on time.Â

Payroll services, tools, and apps simplify this complex process, saving you time, reducing errors, and keeping your team happy and motivated.

Gusto

Overview: Gusto is one of the leading payroll platforms, tailored for small businesses. It’s a comprehensive solution that takes care of your team’s financial well-being.Â

Here’s why Gusto stands out:

📌 Automated payroll processing: Easily calculate and distribute paychecks, including direct deposits, taxes, and deductions, with just a few clicks.

📌 Tax filing and compliance: Gusto automatically files federal, state, and local taxes, helping you stay compliant without lifting a finger.

📌 Employee benefits management: From health insurance to retirement plans, Gusto makes it simple to manage benefits for your team.

📌 Contractor payments: If you work with freelancers, Gusto allows you to pay them seamlessly and even handle 1099 forms at tax time.

📌 Employee self-service: Employees can access their pay stubs, tax documents, and benefits information through a user-friendly portal.

Related read: Best Financial Tools for 2024

Business Insurance Services

Running a small business comes with its fair share of risks — whether it’s a damaged shipment, an unhappy customer, or an unexpected lawsuit.Â

Business insurance protects you from financial losses when things don’t go as planned.Â

Tools and services in this space make it easier to find the right coverage, manage policies, and stay protected without any hassle.

Learn more: Everything You Need to Know About Business Insurance

Coverdash

Overview: Coverdash is a streamlined insurance platform that makes finding and managing business insurance quick and easy.Â

Here’s how it supports small businesses:

📌 Customizable coverage: Coverdash offers tailored insurance policies based on your business’s unique needs, whether you’re a freelancer, a retail shop, or a contractor.

📌 Instant quotes: Compare policies from top providers and get quotes in minutes, saving you time and hassle.

📌 Comprehensive policy management: Easily access your insurance documents and track coverage details through their intuitive dashboard.

📌 Affordable options: Coverdash focuses on finding cost-effective plans without skimping on coverage.

Next Insurance

Overview: Next Insurance specializes in providing small businesses with simple, affordable, and flexible insurance solutions. Here’s why it’s a go-to for entrepreneurs:

📌 Industry-specific policies: Next Insurance tailors coverage to your business type, whether you’re in construction, e-commerce, or professional services.

📌 Quick online setup: Apply for, purchase, and manage your insurance policy entirely online in minutes.

📌 Monthly payment options: Manage cash flow with flexible payment plans that don’t require an annual lump sum.

📌 Mobile-friendly platform: Access your policies, download certificates, and file claims directly from their app.

Banking ServicesÂ

From managing transactions to keeping personal and business finances separate, the right banking tools simplify your financial operations and keep everything organized.

Here’s how these services help:

✅ Enable seamless transactions: From paying vendors to receiving customer payments, banking services streamline your financial operations.

✅ Support global business growth: Modern banking tools make it easy to handle international payments, currency exchanges, and cross-border transactions.

✅ Simplify expense tracking: Many banking services integrate with bookkeeping software to keep your finances organized.

Decode: How to Open a Business Bank Account

Mercury

Overview: Mercury is a banking platform designed specifically for startups and small businesses.Â

Here are a few USPs of this banking platform.

📌 No monthly fees: Mercury offers free banking with no maintenance or transaction fees.

📌 Business debit and virtual cards: Manage your team’s expenses with ease using physical and virtual cards.

📌 Integration with financial tools: Seamlessly sync Mercury with accounting software to simplify bookkeeping.

📌 Global-friendly: Mercury supports international founders, making it easy to set up a U.S.-based account from anywhere.

Brex

Overview: Brex combines banking with expense management to cater to high-growth startups and businesses.Â

Here’s what it offers:

📌 Corporate credit cards: Brex cards have no personal guarantee requirements, and you can earn rewards tailored to business spending.

📌 Cash management: Access a full-featured account for deposits, transfers, and investments.

📌 Expense tracking tools: Automate receipts, reimbursements, and spend limits for your team.

📌 Global payments: Brex supports international payments, making it ideal for global businesses.

Wise

Overview: Wise (formerly TransferWise) is perfect for businesses that deal with international clients or vendors.Â

Here’s how it helps:

📌 Low-cost international transfers: Send and receive payments in multiple currencies with low fees and real exchange rates.

📌 Multi-currency accounts: Hold and convert funds in over 50 currencies.

📌 Borderless debit cards: Use a Wise card for seamless global spending and withdrawals.

📌 Quick transfers: Payments often arrive faster than traditional bank transfers.

Payoneer

Overview: Payoneer is a popular platform for freelancers and businesses managing international payments. Here’s why it’s valuable:

📌 Global payment acceptance: Receive payments from international clients in multiple currencies.

📌 Local bank withdrawals: Transfer funds to your local bank account in over 150 countries.

📌 Marketplace integration: Easily manage payments from platforms like Amazon, Fiverr, and Upwork.

📌 Prepaid Mastercard: Use Payoneer’s card for global spending and ATM withdrawals.

Website and Domain Name ServicesÂ

A professional website and a unique domain name are essential for establishing your online presence. The right tools make building and managing your site simple, even if you’re not tech-savvy.

Think of them as your digital storefront. These tools and platforms give your business visibility and help you connect with customers.Â

Here’s why they matter:

✅ Establish your online identity: A custom domain and a professional website make your business look trustworthy and polished.

✅ Attract and engage customers: A well-designed website draws visitors and encourages them to learn more about your offerings.

✅ Enable ecommerce: Website tools make it easy to sell products, book services, or accept payments online.

GoDaddy

Overview: GoDaddy is a one-stop shop for domain registration and website hosting. Here’s how it supports your business:

📌 Domain registration: Easily search for and secure a custom domain name for your business.

📌 Website builder: Create a professional website with drag-and-drop tools and customizable templates.

📌 Hosting solutions: Reliable and scalable hosting to keep your site running smoothly.

📌 24/7 support: Access customer support anytime for help with your website or domain.

Duda

Overview: Duda is a website platform designed for small businesses and agencies. Here’s what it offers:

📌 Mobile-friendly designs: All templates are responsive, ensuring your site looks great on any device.

📌 Custom client portals: If you’re an agency, you can give your clients access to manage their websites.

📌 SEO tools: Built-in features to help your site rank higher in search engines.

📌 Multi-language support: Easily create websites in different languages to reach a global audience.

BigCommerce

Overview: BigCommerce is another robust ecommerce platform designed for businesses of all sizes, whether you’re a small startup or an established enterprise looking to scale. It provides built-in SEO tools to help your store rank higher on search engines.

📌 Customizable storefronts:BigCommerce offers an extensive range of templates and design options to create a storefront that aligns with your brand. These templates are mobile-responsive, ensuring your store looks great on any device.

📌 Multi-channel selling: Sell your products across various channels seamlessly, including Amazon, eBay, Instagram, and Facebook.

📌 Payment flexibility: BigCommerce supports over 65 payment gateways, including PayPal, Stripe, and Apple Pay.

Shopify

Overview: Shopify is one of the most popular platforms for building an online store.Â

Here’s what makes it special for ecommerce store owners:

📌User-friendly interface: Set up your store without needing technical expertise.

📌 Payment gateway integration: Accept payments directly on your site with Shopify Payments or connect third-party gateways.

📌 Customizable themes: Choose from hundreds of templates to match your brand.

📌 App store: Extend your store’s functionality with apps for marketing, inventory management, and more.

Let doola Build Your Dream Business

Running a small business is no small feat. From managing your finances to building an online presence, each piece plays a vital role in your success.Â

Whether you’re leveraging Mercury for seamless banking, Beehiiv for effective email marketing, or Shopify to power your ecommerce store, the right tools can simplify your workload and help your business thrive.

But here’s the thing: while these tools are great for handling specific tasks, having the right support to manage your overall operations is just as crucial.Â

That’s where doola comes in.Â

From setting up your LLC to managing your books with a dedicated human bookkeeper and bookkeeping software, doola takes the stress out of your business’s backend, so you can focus on growing your business empire.

Ready to make your business life easier? Book a free consultation with doola today!