4 Little-Known Tools That Can Make or Break Your Small Business

As a small business owner, it can be hard to keep all the plates spinning. Time and money are limited, and you'll often need to be an expert in everything from public relations to accounting to stay on top of it all. The good news is that there's a smorgasbord of apps and software that can ease the pressure.

While it's great to find new tools, it's often better to choose well-known providers for the cornerstones of your company, such as accounting and customer management. You're less likely to encounter bugs, and customer support is often better. Check out our guide to top CRM software to find popular options that could help you manage leads and clients.

Here's a look at a handful of lesser-known tools that could make a difference to your business. Even better? They won't break the bank or take hours to set up and maintain.

1. Miro

Miro is a game changer for online collaboration. It's like a virtual whiteboard that comes into its own when you're brainstorming, making a presentation, or mapping out a project. It's ideal if a lot of your team works remotely or isn't always available at the same time, or you need to make virtual client presentations.

Say goodbye to unproductive meetings where only the loudest people get heard. With Miro, everybody can share their ideas through virtual notes on the board as you go along. Use the timer function to avoid endless discussions. Plus, you can share any tasks and outcomes with the click of a button.

Miro is super easy to use, with easy-to-follow instructions and built-in demonstrations. Plus, it integrates with Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Workspace. There is a free version with basic functionality, and the paid tiers start at $10 per user, per month ($8 if billed annually).

Website: Miro.com

Why it's good for your business: It's a visual way to collaborate in person or online.

2. Connectively

Formerly known as HARO (Help A Reporter Out), Connectively will let you set yourself up as an expert in your field. Journalists use the site to find interviewees. Companies can get free publicity by pitching ideas or responding to journalist requests. If you want to raise your profile and don't have a lot of cash, Connectively can be a good way to get more exposure.

Start with the free version and upgrade to paid versions for between $19 and $149 a month if you need more.

Website: Connectively.us

Why it's good for your business: Low-cost way to build a reputation.

3. Google Console

Google has so many tools that it's hard to keep track of them. If you haven't already done so, I'd urge you to look at all Google's small business products to see which ones could help you. You may have used Google Analytics to see how well your site is performing. But have you used its Search Console?

Search Console is a free tool that will remove any roadblocks the bots face when looking for information on your site. That might mean you get an email about indexing problems or issues with spam. You can also view how often your site appears in Google searches and how many people click through. It's a great way to make sure you maximize traffic from people's searches.

Website: Get started with Google Console

Why it's good for your business: The search engine giant is many people's gateway to the internet. Ignore it at your peril.

4. Ten Percent Happier

When I started my first small business over 20 years ago, I would never have imagined I'd put a meditation app on a list like this. But I learned the hard way that if you don't look after yourself, the impact will almost certainly damage your business. Running your own business is hard work -- and it can be stressful.

Ten Percent Happier is a straight-talking meditation and mindfulness app. It addresses questions like whether meditation will blunt your competitive edge, or how the practice can boost your productivity. As a result of using the app, I handle stress better. I am more able to engage with my team and less likely to burn out. After the seven-day free trial, it costs $8.33/month (billed annually).

Website: tenpercent.com

Why it's good for your business: Bite-sized meditation can help you reduce stress and stay the course.

There's an app for that

There is an app for almost everything these days, and some of them clutter up your phone or computer with very little reward. When you're considering trying a new business tool, think about what it will cost in both time and money. Subscription costs can eat into your budget as both a business and an individual, so think twice before filling in your business bank account details on an app.