Running a small business can get expensive fast. There are so many little hidden costs and fees that before you know it you can be drowning in debt. That is why it is important to use as many free resources as possible, saving you and your business money in the margins. There is an endless array of free resources for small businesses, and below we identify a few of the very best resources to help your company find success.
Let’s start with the most obvious free resource for small businesses, which is Gmail. Used by many individuals and businesses around the world, Gmail is the best free email platform currently available on the internet. Gmail allows you to store up to 15 GB of free data, and the intuitive email inbox gives you a lot of useful sorting and filtering features. Get your entire company on Gmail as soon as possible.
Once you get set up on Gmail, it is convenient and easy to also get your company on Google Drive. Google Drive allows you to easily store important files and information, as well as seamlessly share items with other people on your team. Not only that, but Google Drive can also be easily integrated with Google Calendar and other tools in the Google G Suite to help address all of your business needs.
The last free Google resource you need to use as a small business is Google Business Profile. You may use Google Maps each and every day to help you navigate your way around town, but Google Business Profile has a completely different purpose for a small business. Google Business Profile is a key marketing tool, and you need to make sure you have a strong presence on the platform. Create a comprehensive Google Business Profile page, complete with photos, reviews, hours of operation, contact information, and more. This is a great way for potential customers to find your small business!
Keep in constant contact with your team with Slack. Slack allows you to easily message anyone on your team, whether they are just one door down or on the other side of the world. Not only can you quickly chat with a team member to ask them a question or get an update, but you can also send photos, links, files, and more. Slack is a great way to stay connected and improve staff communication.
When running a small business, you need to wear dozens of different hats. One day you may be asked to be a marketing maven, the next a sales superstar, and the next a research guru. The constantly shifting nature of the job means that you always need to be evolving and learning, and you can never be content just staying stagnant. This is where online courses come in. Free online courses can teach you exciting new skills or help you become an expert in your chosen field. Some popular online course platforms include Coursera, edX, Udacity, and much more!
Any 21st-century business needs a website, and WordPress is a great free online website building platform that can help you get a home page up and running in no time. WordPress is perfect for beginners without a lot of experience designing web pages or coding, allowing you to create a custom website that perfectly reflects your brand. If you find you need more advanced functionality for your website, you can always upgrade your WordPress account for more options.
The COVID-19 pandemic made Zoom one of the most popular programs on earth, as millions of people turned to the tool to communicate with their friends, family, and coworkers. Zoom is still an essential resource, as it allows you to schedule and take part in digital meetings with both staff members and customers. Zoom is simple and easy to use, allowing you to curate a custom experience for everybody present.
If you are a small business in need of some help, L+L Printers can help. For over 50 years we have been helping small San Diego businesses flourish, providing them with affordable printing services and marketing materials. If you are just getting started and could use some assistance, contact L+L Printers and our team of experts can help you get everything you need to find success. For more information or to schedule an appointment with L+L Printers give us a call at (760) 477-0321.